PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 8th September, 2016
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
ERROR ON THE ORDER PAPER
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have to draw your attention to an error on the Order Paper where notice of motion No. 2 by the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development should be treated as a ‘take note’ motion as there will be no Bill brought into the House. The entry will be effected accordingly on the corrected Order Paper.
MOTION
RATIFICATION OF THE UNWTO STATUTES AND
FINANCING RULES
THE MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION (HON.
HLONGWANE) on behalf of THE MINISTER OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY (HON. ENG. MZEMBI): I rise to move
the motion standing in my name that:
WHEREAS, section 327(2)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any international treaty which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President does not bind
Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is a member of the United
Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and party to the 1947
United Nations Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of
Specialised Agencies;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe joined the UNWTO in
1981;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous of ratifying the pending Amendments to the UNWTO Statutes and Financing Rules; WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous of acceding to Annex XVIII of the 1947 Convention on Privileges and Immunities relating to UNWTO;
NOW THEREFORE, in terms of Section 327(2)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid statutes and Financing Rules and Annex XVIII of the 1947 Convention be and is hereby approved for ratification and accession respectively. Mr. Speaker Sir, the UNWTO a UN specialised agency is responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism worldwide.
Established in 1947 as the leading international organisation in the field of tourism, the UNWTO, promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. Zimbabwe has been a member of the UNWTO since
The UNWTO is committed to promoting tourism as an instrument of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially goals number 8, 12 and 14 which are geared towards promoting decent work and sustained, inclusive and sustainable development, responsible consumption and production, and conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
The organs of the UNWTO are the General Assembly, Executive Council, Regional Commissions, Committees and the Secretariat. The General Assembly is the principal gathering and decision making organ of the UNWTO which approves the budget and programme of work and debates topics of vital importance to the tourism sector globally.
In 2013, the 20th General Assembly of the UNWTO, which was jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia, through Resolution 628 (XX)
– [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, Chief Whip, can you make sure
there is order. There is a lot of movement on your side.
Can you bring order to Hon. Members on my right? I cannot proceed whilst both of you are standing.
HON. MATUKE: We are trying to remove those who are not ministers. That is what we are doing.
HON. HLONGWANE: ….. called upon member states to accede
to the Annex XVIII of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Specialised Agencies, 1947 (hereinafter, referred to as the “1947
Convention”) relating to the UNWTO in order of the organisation, its officials and experts to be able to enjoy the privileges and immunities provided to it as a specialised agency of the United Nations. The General Assembly also called on its members to ratify all the amendments to the statutes and the Financing Rules that had not yet entered into force.
CURRENT SITUATION OF AMENDMENTS OF THE
STATUTES AND FINANCING RULES AND THE CONVENTION
ON PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES
Ratification of the Amendments to the Statutes and the
Financing Rules
The Financing Rules govern issues such as payment of subscriptions by members, handling of arrears in the payment of member subscription and entail, inter alia, that a member which has one or more years in arrear payment may not be elected to the Executive Council or hold office within the organs of the General Assembly and shall be deprived of the privileges enjoyed by other members in the form of services and the right to vote.
The amendments to the UNWTO statutes include the following:
- No immediate renewal of membership of the Executive Council – thus the amendment provides for non-automatic renewal of membership of the council upon expiration, unless an immediate renewal of membership is essential to safeguard fair and equitable geographical distribution. The request for immediate renewal shall be subject to obtaining of a majority of the votes of the full members present and by voting.
- Appointment of the Secretary General and term of office which seeks to limit the term of office of the Secretary General to four years renewable only once.
- Adoption of Chinese as an official language of the UNWTO to include Chinese language as an official language of the
UNWTO together with English, Arabic, French, Russian and Spanish language – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible
interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Gonese what is the problem.
HON. GONESE: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir, I am telling Hon. Members – I think we are all aware of the sitting arrangements in this august House and even me I do not have anywhere to sit. I am asking them to make way.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon Zindi and Hon. Wadyajena, please
move to the right side. You are on my right.
HON. HLONGWANE: Change of depositary from Government
of Switzerland which was the depositary prior to the General Assembly resolution of September 1981, to the Government of Spain which is the current host of the UNWTO Headquarters.
Awarding of a permanent seat to Spain in the Executive Council which provides for the host State of the UNWTO Headquarters to have a permanent additional seat on the Executive Council which shall not be affected by the geographical distribution of the Council seats, thus in respect of the financing rules.
Accession to the 1947 UN Convention on the Privileges and
Immunities of the Specialised Agencies relating to the UNWTO
The 1947 UN Convention on the Privileges and Immunities provides that the organisation, its officials and representatives shall enjoy in the territory of each of the Members such privileges and immunities as a necessary fulfillment of its purposes such as being immune from legal process, exemption from taxation on salaries, immune from national service obligations.
Article 63 of the UN Charter provides for a special relationship between the UN and its various specialised agencies with wide international responsibilities as defined in their various mandates and to coordinate activities of the special agencies, the UNWTO being one such.
Since Annex XVII to the 1947 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN Specialised Agencies relating to the UNWTO came into force on 30 July 2008, nine countries have acceded to the Convention, namely Angola, Bulgaria, Germany, Morocco, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland and Seychelles.
Hon. Speaker Sir, Zimbabwe became party to the 1947 UN Convention on the Privileges and Immunities on Specialised Agencies on 5 March 1991 and has already acceded and given effect in the domestic legal system in respect of UN Specialised Agencies such as the ILO, FAO, ICAO, WHO, UNESCO and the IMF. Thus therefore, acceding to Annex 18 relating to the UNWTO should not present any foreseeable practical problems. I so submit Hon. Mr. Speaker Sir –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. I shall be forced to send a couple of Hon. Members out of the House. Can we have our proceedings in silence? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
Order, Hon. Member next to Hon. Guzah, can you get out – the lady. Yes, the lady next to Hon. Guzah. Can you get out of the House now! Can you get out of the House and you should not be eating in the House.
Hon. Makari was ordered out of the House.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon Mr. Speaker – [Laughter.]- Mr. Speaker, I want to applaud the Minister for bringing this Convention into the House as required by Parliament Statutes and the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Mr. Speaker, what touches me on that Convention is the inclusion of the Chinese language as the official language in that Convention. I applaud that. Given the history that as a focal nation in terms of our relationship with China, it is applaudable that at this stage we also put our hand to ratify a Convention that brings China, in particular, into the mainstream.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I am quite aware that in 2007 when the United
States and its allies tried to push a resolution for illegal sanctions at the UN; China and Russia are the all weather friends that vetoed that resolution. Now, Mr. Speaker…
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, you have to address the agreement as presented by the Minister. Now you are introducing a general debate. Can you stick to the treaty?
HON. NDUNA: As I conclude, Mr. Speaker – [Laughter.] – I need to say in all honesty and earnest, we as a nation and as Parliament, should quickly accede to the ratification of this Convention without any further ado. I thank you.
Motion that;
WHEREAS Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any international treaty which has been concluded or executed by or under the authority of the President does not bind
Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is a member of the United
Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and party to the 1947
United Nations Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of
Specialised Agencies;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe joined the UNWTO in
1981;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous of ratifying the pending Amendments to the UNWTO Statutes and Financing Rules;
WHEREAS the Republic of Zimbabwe is desirous of acceding to Annex XVIII of the 1947 Convention on Privileges and Immunities relating to UNWTO;
NOW THEREFORE, in terms of Section 327 (2) (a) of the
Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid statutes and Financing Rules and Annex XVIII of the 1947 Convention be and is hereby approved for ratification and accession respectively.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
2016 MID-TERM FISCAL POLICY REVIEW STATEMENT
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHINAMASA): Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that
leave be granted to present the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review Statement in compliance with Section 72(A) of the Public Finance Management Act. This provision requires that the Minister responsible for finance must “provide full and transparent accounts from time to time and not less than annually to Parliament, indicating the current and projected state of the economy, the public resources of Zimbabwe and the fiscal policy of Government.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I lay before the table of Parliament the full text of my
2016 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review Statement. Copies will be put in the Members’ pigeon holes soon after my delivery, of the highlights of the statement. Copies of the highlights will also be put in the Members’ pigeon holes also soon after this delivery.
[Refer to the 2016 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review Statement on the Website.]
Mr. Speaker Sir, I commend the Mid Year Fiscal Policy Review Statement for 2016 to this august House and I thank you for your kind attention. - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]- Mr. Speaker Sir, I want Hon. Members to give serious consideration to this document which they will get in their pigeon holes as they get out of this House.
To give the Hon. Members time to study the report, with the leave of the
House, I move that the debate do now adjourn – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.]-
HON. DR. MASHAKADA: On a point of order! Hon. Speaker Sir, I crave for your indulgence to allow us to make some comments and inputs into the presentation that has been made because we are ready – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order! Hon. Tshuma take your seat. The Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development had sought the indulgence of the House that the debate be adjourned so that we have sufficient time to go through the statement and the detailed presentation in the bigger document, which will be delivered to your pigeon holes. I think it makes sense that we need time to study so that our debate is informed. –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – [HON. DR. MASHAKADA:
Some of us are ready to debate.] – Order, order – [HON. DR.
MASHAKADA: But I am ready to debate.] – Order! Order! Hon. Minister Kasukuwere, please. Hon. Dr. Mashakada, I have ruled on your point of order and there is no need to contest the Chair – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order, Hon. Member, this is not the time for fist shaking – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order, can we proceed procedurally.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 4th October, 2016.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHINAMASA), the House
adjourned at Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 4th October, 2016.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 24th August, 2016
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
ERROR ON THE ORDER PAPER
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. DZIVA): I have to draw the
attention of the House to an error on the Order Paper, where the Order of the Day, Number 37 was included when in fact, it was withdrawn yesterday, with leave of the House.
HON. GONESE: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. GONESE: I notice that today is a Wednesday and in terms of our Standing Orders, it is a day for question time. I have looked at the benches on your right, the people who are seated there, except for two, do not look like ministers to me – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – [HON. D. SIBANDA: Endai kumabhenji enyu.
Murikuda kutamba nebasa, hatidi zvemushikashika panapa.] – Madam Speaker, in terms of Section 107, which we have made reference to on diverse occasions, the provisions of 107 which are very clear and unambiguous, every Vice President, Minister and Deputy Minister must attend Parliament and Parliamentary Committees in order to answer questions. I would like to be appraised as to why they have shown disdain for this august House by not coming to attend Parliament.
Incidentally Madam Speaker, in terms of the provisions of Section 141 of the Constitution which relates to public access to Parliament, we moved a motion in this august House that we must have live coverage of all sessions on Wednesdays when we have question time. I notice today, we do not have live coverage and there are no cameras. I do not know whether that is by accident or whether that is by design that today there is no live coverage from ZBC. I do not know whether the Administration of Parliament are the ones who advised ZBC that there would be no question time because yesterday we adjourned to today. There was no prior indication that there would be no session today. I wonder as to why we do not have live coverage so that the people of Zimbabwe can have direct access to the proceedings of this august
House as provided for, in terms of our supreme law, which is the
Constitution of this country.
We have been informed that if there are any apologies, the office of the Chair would advise the House as to whether any particular minister has given an apology. When you made your announcement, you only made it relating to the Order Paper, there was no announcement as to why Ministers have decided to absent themselves from the proceedings of this august House. That is my point of order –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order. The first point of order that was raised by Hon. Gonese – Ministers are still coming to the House.
They will come. So, we will continue with the Ministers that are available. Other Ministers have also given apologies on State business.
On the second point of order on the issue of coverage by the ZBC, we will continue to speak to ZBC so that they will continue to cover our
Wednesday business.
Hon. Chimene having stood up.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Chimene, what is your point of
order?
*HON. CHIMENE: Thank you Madam Speaker – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. I have given Hon. Chimene the opportunity to contribute, so please can we hear Hon.
Chimene.
*HON. CHIMENE: Thank you Madam Speaker for protecting me. The issue that is being discussed – I thought they would be saying
Hon. Ministers are on their way because time is not yet over. Remember we had adjourned the House some time back and ZBC had taken advantage of our adjournment and said they would go to the Show.
Therefore, we cannot stop doing our work because ZBC is not around.
*HON. MURAI: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
*HON. MURAI: Madam Speaker, the Minister is giving an explanation on the operations of the ZBC but that is not her business.
As far as we know, she is the Minister of State for Manicaland Province. She is not giving us an adequate response and we would rather get a better response like the one that you gave us. Therefore, I would ask Hon. Chimene to withdraw her response.
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: I have already given a ruling and that stands – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order Hon.
Members from my left side, my right side and from the back.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING SPEAKER
VISITORS IN THE SPEAKER’S GALLERY
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I recognise the presence of lecturers and students from the Bulawayo Polytechnic in the Speaker’s Gallery. You are welcome – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Order. Order. Hon. Members from both the right and the left side, you are not allowed to do slogans in the House.
Hon. Chamisa presented his Notice of Motion regarding police brutality on citizens engaging in peaceful and constitutional demonstrations.
HON. MANDIPAKA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. MANDIPAKA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. We stand guided, naturally and normally when a person is giving a Notice of a
Motion, it must have been approved by the Speaker for it to come in this House – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – We do not know whether Hon. Chamisa’s motion …
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members! Can you
allow Hon. Mandipaka to finish his point of order.
HON. MANDIPAKA: Madam Speaker, I was saying when you want to give notice, you normally hear the Speaker saying “I must have approved it first.” We do not know whether this one is exceptional because it has been approved here. I thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Member, I have consulted with
the Office of the Clerk of Parliament and it has been approved that he can move the motion – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Because it failed to sail through on urgent matters as it was no longer an urgent issue. So, we have allowed him to move the motion on the Order Paper.
Hon. Chamisa, can you finish.
HON. CHAMISA: Thank you Madam Speaker for educating Hon. Mandipaka. He needs a lot of education. Madam Speaker just to say I have already articulated the mainframe of the notice and I do not need to belabour Parliament with the issues if this motion is going to be debated in Parliament. I realise that Members have been running away from ideas and the debate and they shall debate this motion – it will be debated. Thank you very much.
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. DZIVA): I acknowledge the
use of computers or laptops to present your motions but it is the rules of Parliament that Hon. Member you are supposed to submit a signed copy of the notice to the Journals Office.
HON. CHAMISA: It is there.
HON. MAONDERA: On a point of order Madam Speaker. We
have agreed in this House that each time the Leader of the House is not available, there is an Acting Leader of the House and normally when he is not there, there is Hon. Chinamasa. So we wanted to know who is the
Acting Leader of the House? Is it Hon. Mandi Chimene who is the Leader of the House?
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. DZIVA): Order, Hon.
Member, there is no point of order here. I think you are out of order.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. CROSS: Madam Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister of Home Affairs whether it is Government policy to permit the Vice
President to come to a police station in Harare and force the Member-in- Charge to release two accused persons from detention?
THE DEPUTY MINISER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON.
MGUNI): Thank you Madam Speaker. I listened carefully to Hon.
Cross’s question and I am not aware of a matter like that one. I would like him to write all the details so that I do the findings, then I will come back to him. Thank you Madam.
HON. CROSS: Madam Speaker, there is absolutely no reason why the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs responsible for the police in
Zimbabwe should not be aware of the incident that I am referring to –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]-
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. DZIVA): Order, order Hon.
Members.
HON. CROSS: It was the subject of the special motion I presented to this House on an emergency basis two weeks ago. It was in the press and on social media and the Minister must be aware of the incident in question. What I asked him was quite specific. Is it the policy of the Zimbabwe Government to permit anybody of senior stature in our society to go to a police station and force the Police Officer-inCharge to release prisoners who have been held on detention for crimes in Zimbabwe? Is it policy?
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. DZIVA): I have heard what
you have said Hon. Cross but the Deputy Minister has appealed to the House so that they can make investigations about the matter and bring an answer to the House with details.
HON. D. M. NCUBE: My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. What steps are you taking to weed out corrupt elements within the VID who are demanding bribes from learner drivers? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. J.M.
GUMBO): Thank you Madam Speaker. If I understood the question well, I think that it must be put in writing so that I can investigate but what I can state here is what I stated in the House last week on
Wednesday that as a Ministry, we put some measures to curb corruption at VID centres. I did mention here that we put some toll free lines at all depots and we are also asking the public to assist us by bringing to book all those people who might have been asked to pay some money for maybe getting a proficiency driver’s licence or the real driver’s licence itself that is causing these problems. So, if there are any specific cases that the Hon. Member who is asking has got, I will be very happy to receive that information so that we make further investigations. I have appealed publicly and here in the House that corruption takes place between two people, so, you are also an accomplice if you pay the money to the examiner. If that happens and you want us to actually stamp out that corruption, please assist us by immediately phoning us that this is what has happened so that we can make a follow up quickly.
So I want to thank you for that, but if there are any specific cases which you have, please let me know so that I can then make further investigations and bring the culprits to book. I did mention here that between 2009 and 2016, we already had dismissed about 199 officials from the VID because of corruption. However, we can only do that if you assist us by bringing to our attention any person who might be involved in that kind of a corruption. I thank you.
HON. ZINDI: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Hon. Dr. Gumbo. In view of the fact that most drivers have accessed drivers’ licences clandestinely or through bribery, and sometimes without even reading through the Highway Code so as to understand the rules of the road and this has also come up in the media that this has been happening. What is the Ministry’s policy to ensure that all drivers have to go for retesting in order to ensure that everybody who is a driver must have read the Highway Code so that they understand how to use the roads? As a result of the human error that is causing so many accidents on the roads, what is the policy of the Ministry. Thank you.
HON. DR. J.M. GUMBO: I want to thank you for that follow up question which in a way does not arise, but is a very important question. What I can say as a policy is that, there is no Government policy for retesting – but as if, legislators we feel that we must come up with a law or regulation to say that maybe after such a period, people must be retested; I think we can still bring it to the House and make that law. For now, there is no Government policy which is asking for retesting. I really appreciate your concern and I think it is something that we should think about and see if we can have a way out to retest people. I thank you.
HON. SARUWAKA: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question
is directed to the Minister of Home Affairs. Hon. Minister, I understand that there is a policy that dictates that for the police to establish a road block there must be at least three of them. No two policemen can set up a road block. I would like to understand; how do you reconcile that policy with motor bike riders from the police who set up road blocks by themselves because normally, they will be two.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIR (HON.
MGUNI): Thank you Madam Speaker. Thank you Hon. Member for the question that will drive clarification on the difference between a road block, patrol and a spot check. These are three different things.
Usually, the motor bikes people are doing what we call patrols and spot checks. They can patrol whether they are two and if they see suspicious vehicles, they have the right to stop them because they do not patrol just to go. They have to identify something which is wrong and they have got the right to stop and make inquiries whether they are two or one.
You explained the policy of a road block correctly. Road blocks are mounted and we call them permanent road or traffic road block where three or more police officers mann it. We are doing this in a transparent way so that the public can report any other thing which is not in that form.
In a patrol as well, on top of the motor bike – it could be a BMW or any other car, two officers can be there in that car. They drive it along the road patrolling and identifying unusual activities. They can stop vehicles and search if they have to. I thank you.
HON. SITHOLE: My supplementary question to the Minister is to do with the policy position regarding the criteria that they use to determine the distance between one road block and another, because in some cases, it is less than 100 metres and in other cases it is 20 kilometers. Do they have a policy position regarding the distance between the spacing of road blocks? I thank you.
HON. MGUNI: The policy is driven from United Nations. In a written document, it says, road blocks can be mounted within ten kilometers apart. However, here in Zimbabwe, we do not have numbers of police who can manage to do every road block and it is not tourism friendly to mount road blocks after every ten kilometers. It is bizarre for the country. We choose the correct spots where we think are hot spots where the road block should be and the other thing is that there is a secret as a Minister which they cannot tell me because the police are doing operational duties where they can mount a road block there and change it as they get information because they have got intelligence information within them. So they have to mount as the country is being organised to rise. Some people may destroy properties, it maybe dangerous to other people’s lives so police have the right to make decisions to keep the country way in a peaceful manner. I thank you.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: On a point of order. My point of order is to do with a question which was raised earlier on by the Hon. Chief
Whip, Hon. Gonese to do with the presence of Ministers in this House. As we speak now, you alluded earlier on that Ministers were flowing in but right now we are 15-20 minutes into the programme and we only have two Cabinet Ministers, Hon. Tshinga Dube and Dr. Gumbo. As I speak right now, we have about four Deputy Ministers who are entitled to answer questions. We also have some former Ministers – [HON. MEMBERS: Laughter.] – These Deputy Ministers do not stand in cabinet meetings. Most of them here are former deputy and former
Ministers who cannot answer like Hon. Chasi and Hon. Ziyambi –
[HON. MEMBERS: Laughter.]-
THE HON. ACTING SPEAKER (HON. DZIVA): Order Hon.
Mutseyami. I will not entertain that point order. Ministers are still coming to the House and those who are available will answer your questions.
+HON. MPALA: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question is directed to the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs. What is Government policy on alien and grand children whose parents are dead?
+THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON.
MGUNI): Thank you Hon. Member. The question was, what is
Government policy on late alien’s children – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] –
*HON. CHIMENE: On a point of order Madam Speaker. Hon.
Bhebhe is eating in the House
THE HON. ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Bhebhe, Hon. Bhebhe. HON. BHEBHE: Yes Madam Speaker.
THE HON. ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Member. Stand there – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order Hon.
Members. Eating or drinking beverages in the House is not allowed. Only water is allowed. So, Hon. Member, you can go outside and eat whatever you are eating.
HON. BHEBHE: I am quite sure if the Hon. Member is correct that I was eating, she should have told you what I was eating. As you can see, I am not eating anything -[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
THE ACTING HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Bhebhe, please go outside - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- We made a ruling yesterday – [HON. MEMBERS: Aahh, nooo!.] – Order Hon. Members. I should remind the House that you are not allowed to eat in you. Hon. Bhebhe our problem now is that we do not have evidence as for cameras to prove that he was eating in the House. So, it will be another Hon. Member’s word against the other one. So, please do not eat in the House.
+THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON.
MGUNI): Thank you Hon. Speaker. Hon. Nyoni had asked about the late alien’s children and how they can be assisted to obtain documents. She had not finished on how they can be assisted in obtaining documents. The Ministry of Home Affairs has a clear policy of how to obtain birth certificates. Firstly, people should understand that a birth certificate is a document that is given to someone to do whatever they want to do with it. So, it is really important that we should try and find out if that child was born in this country because firstly what is required is that we want witnesses of the late deceased person to come and give evidence that the child was born there, and if it is in the rural areas we will need a village head or a chief who can come and witness for those children because they are now orphans.
In Bulawayo we have come across organisations that deal with such issues. They bring such children to the Ministry of Home Affairs, and we also try to assist them. Hon. Nyoni what is required is proof that the child was born in Zimbabwe that is how we can assist them to obtain birth certificates. If the child is born out of the country then it will be difficult for us to do so.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER
SWITCHING OFF OF CELLPHONES
THE ACTING SPEAKER: The ringing of cellphones is not
internet surfing. Please be reminded that if you are found in use of a cellphone that is ringing in the House you may be forced to move out of this place.
HON. NDUNA: I have got a supplementary question.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your supplementary Hon. Nduna.
*HON. NDUNA: Hon. Minister of Home Affairs, you said you
would want proof in the rural areas and village heads can be used as witnesses. What about in town? How can I get someone to come and assist? Can I call an MP or a councilor as a witness because they are so many children who are staying at home because they do not have birth certificates? Can I get the evidence and bring it myself to the Ministry of Home Affairs?
HON. MGUNI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I see Hon. Nduna
was specific that in towns. As I said that in Bulawayo there are organisations the see to it that orphans are assisted. They are allowed to bring evidence with the help of headmaster and so on, but we cannot accept evidence from a councillor or an MP as such because they do not have proof of the child’s birth.
*HON. MANGWENDE: Thank you Madam Speaker. My
question is directed to the Minister of Home Affairs. I would like to find out what is Government’s policy with regards to illegal mushishashika which has become a menace in the streets of Harare.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON.
MGUNI): Thank you Madam Speaker. I think the Hon. Member has seen the police improving some vehicles, and people coming here in Parliament asking the period how far we can detain a vehicle that is illegal which is there in our Act saying it should not be more than 24hours. The police are trying very hard to bring order in the City of Harare, and we are working very hard day and night.
HON. D. M. NDLOVU: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question
is directed to the Minister responsible for war veterans. What is the
Government doing to deal with the welfare of bonafide war veterans?
THE MINISTER OF WELFARE SERVICES FOR WAR
VETERANS, WAR COLLABORATORS, FORMER POLITICAL
DETAINEES AND RESTRICTEES: (HON. T. DUBE) Thank you
Madam Speaker. The Ministry of Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators, Former Political Detainees and Restrictees is doing everything in its mandate to fulfill the welfare of all those groups under it. There come sometimes, when resources are not readily available, but we are doing everything possible to do what we are supposed to do.
For instance we talk of fees for their dependents this has been done on times time, but all the same whenever resources get available we dispatch them accordingly. Thank you Madam Speaker.
*HON. S. CHIDHAKWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. My
supplementary to the Minister is that you are saying you are doing everything within your means to help war veterans. We are coming across war veterans who say that if you no longer want to support
ZANU PF, benefits and other entitlements such as farms are withdrawn.
Is it Government policy that if you leave ZANU PF you are no longer a war veteran?
HON. T. DUBE: Hon. Speaker, the Hon. Member has asked a complicated question and he has asked a number of unpleasant things that are happening to war veterans. Some of the questions may be directed to the Ministry of Lands because we as the Ministry of War Veterans do not have anything to do with land. All we know is that the land is taken care of by the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement.
Now I do not remember, what else did you ask? – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] –
HON. MAONDERA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, order, Hon. Member, I do not
think there is any point of order here.
HON. MAONDERA: My point of order is on something I have
observed in this House.
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Ok, you can raise your point of
order after the Minister has finished responding, if it has nothing to do with the question that he is answering.
Hon. Minister, the Hon. Member wanted to know whether it is Government policy to label some war veterans as being no longer war veterans because they left ZANU PF.
HON. DUBE: It is not correct to say that if someone has allegiance to any other party, he ceases to be a war veteran. Being a war veteran was acquired when they were vetted to have been war veterans. It does not matter what happens later on. One may join any other party but will still remain a war veteran.
*HON. MUTSEYAMI: My supplementary question is; if I look at what has been asked as compared to your answer - we saw from last week that you broke history again where if one is no longer loyal to ZANU PF he/she is no longer a credible war veteran. There are war veterans like Teurai Ropa Nhongo and the others who are being ridiculed in the newspapers. What policy do you have in place as a Ministry to protect the war veterans like Joyce Mujuru so that she is not labeled a whore who went to the war of liberation to sleep with men?
- [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. Hon.
Mutseyami’s question has been answered adequately by the Minister in his response. He said if you are a war veteran, it does not matter which party you belong to, you remain a war veteran. That is the question that you asked and the answer has already been given.
*HON. MUTSEYAMI; No Madam Speaker, my question is on
the ridiculing of Mai Mujuru where she is being labeled as having gone to war to sleep with men. Is that what happened? You are now ridiculing her because she is no longer in ZANU PF? - [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
*THE HON. ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Mutseyami. I
have already made a ruling that the Minister has answered the question adequately.
HON. MANDIPAKA: My question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs. This afternoon Parliament of Zimbabwe was attacked by some rowdy elements who threw some stones and a car was damaged. We also have some pockets of our citizens that are being instigated by other external forces, internal forces, civic and human rights groups to go on the streets and attack the police viciously. As Parliament, we want to find out whether we are still safe in this country and whether Government still has the potential to keep us safe realising what is currently taking place?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON.
MGUNI): Thank you Hon. Mandipaka for your question. Yes, we are very safe in Zimbabwe. We have got a very strong Act to ensure there is peace and stability within our country. We also have a much disciplined police force. Actually, when we send our police to the United Nations, they enjoy appointing them as leaders in countries like Sudan, Algeria and other countries that are full of violence. They like our police because they are well trained to curb violence. So, I am assuring him as a citizen that we have to defend lives, property and other things. Our police are there to do so and not only to defend anti-demonstrators but also the demonstrators who are in danger because there are some people who are annoyed by their demonstrations. Our duty therefore is to defend everybody in the country.
HON. NDUNA: I have a supplementary question. We note with great concern that some members of the society have turned themselves into career demonstrators. Do you have a data base of these people and what is it that you are doing with these people who go into incarceration, come out of it and go back to demonstrate and indulge in further demonstrations.
HON. MGUNI: Unfortunately Hon. Nduna, we cannot fully
reveal the steps that we are taking but I will try to partially answer your question. We have a very strong intelligence section that is gathering all the data base that you are concerned about. We are now advanced because some people need rehabilitation. We are not only arresting people but we have gone a step further and now go out to visit such people and rehabilitate them so that they fit well into the society. We do not want people who endanger other people’s lives.
*HON. MAONDERA: I want to find out from the Minister if he
also has a data-base of thieves that are stealing from parastatals like ZUPCO just like he is dealing with all these unruly people.
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: I think that is a new question Hon. Maondera. Today, we are only looking at people who are engaged in rioting.
*HON. KWARAMBA: I can see that the police is doing a good job but what I want to know is, some of the culprits who want to fight the police, is there a policy. What do you do with these culprits?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON.
MGUNI): I would like to invite all the Hon. Members in Parliament here, when they hear about the Police Pass-out Parade, they are welcome to come and see what skills the police are displaying to defend themselves. I have had a lot of people especially from them, that is why we do not take the media stories and bring them to Parliament. I am aware that if you try or attempt to beat up a police officer, a woman or man, they are well trained to defend themselves. So, they deal with those nhunzvatunzvas at anytime. Thank you.
*HON. CHINOTIMBA: My question was directed to the Leader
of the House but in his absence, I will direct it to the Minister of
Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Dr. Gumbo. Zimbabwe agreed that we should use plastic money. Now that we are using plastic money because there is no cash, on the roads when paying our fines we are not able to swipe. We then hear that money has been stolen yet if people were able to use plastic money it would get into the fiscus. The Government talks about things that we are not implementing, for example, ZINARA should have those POS machines.
The visitors in the Speaker’s Gallery are in college and are forced to pay their fees in cash yet there is no money. Instead, they should be able to swipe. What is the policy of Government that we should remove people who are forcing students and commuters to use cash? We have the cards and instead of us swiping, people are asked to bring cash.
Where does the money come from when you are saying we should use plastic money?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):
Thank you Hon. Chinotimba for that question regarding Government policy on the use of plastic money. Let me give an explanation which will help most of us. When you pass through the tollgates for ZINARA, you are allowed to make your payments using bond coins because they have an equivalent value as the US$. We also ask you as people’s representatives to advice your constituents that they can use these bond coins at the tollgates. If we are to allow you to use the POS machines at the tollgates, it may take a long time and the queues can be so long that you will end up getting bored. We now have a policy which allows you to make a pre-payment where you get your ticket in advance.
*HON. CHINOTIMBA: Minister, when I am talking of POS machines, I am talking about any currency which we can use in our basket. I am saying now that we have said we have a policy which empowers us to use plastic money – because Government has said there is a liquidity crunch and therefore, let us use the available means of payment which are the POS. It does not matter whether we stay a long time at those tollgates but we will be doing the correct thing. Remember Hon. Minister, you said there was a theft that took place at one of your tollgates and because people are using cash, there is some chicanery which could be involved. We are now saying that since it is difficult to get money even the bond coins, will the Leader of the House please make a ruling or advice that these colleges and schools should make use of POS machines for payments rather than ask students to pay in cash which is lacking in this country.
*HON. MACHINGAUTA: My point of order is in connection with this question. The Hon. Member is repeating himself and wasting other people’s time. Therefore, we should be very direct.
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Machingauta, thank you
for your point of order but it appears you are taking over my job. Hon.
Chinotimba, the Minister responded to your question but I will ask him to re-emphasise.
*HON. DR. GUMBO: As you have stated Madam Speaker, I had already responded but I was trying to give further explanation on the use of POS for payments at tollgates. At tollgates, we may not be able to use the POS machines because we will spend a lot of time at the tollgates but I am advising motorists to use prepaid facilities because we will save time. Government has also advised these learning institutions and other places that they should use these POS machines. We hope that as time goes on, there will be enough of these POS machines at every place where there are monetary transactions to be carried out. The RBZ and ZIMRA are working flat out to make sure that these POS machines are readily available wherever they are needed. The prepaid system is also used for ZINARA payments at tollgates. We also use bond coins and it makes life easier for motorists to move around in their cars.
HON. CHINANZVAVANA: My question was intended for the
Minister in charge of National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation, Hon.
Mphoko and in his absence, I will redirect the question to the Hon. Minister who is in charge of Government business today. Are there any measures that have been put in place by the Minister to hasten the quick return of the National Peace and Reconciliation Bill considering that it has a very short life span constitutionally? I thank you Madam Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. There is no
Minister in charge of Government business today. So I will recognise Hon. Chibaya.
*HON. CHIBAYA: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question is
directed to the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Mguni. What is Government policy regarding spot fines, with regards to somebody who is trying to be in contravention of traffic laws at a road block?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON.
MGUNI): Thank you Hon. Chibaya. This is the third time this question has been raised where the spot fine goes up to $20.00. If somebody does not have $20.00 and driving a vehicle, the police have the right to impound that vehicle for 24 hours. That is exactly what is in the law which is written or they can give the gentleman or the driver or the woman a chance to organise for that fine to come. That is a spot fine. It is needed there on the spot. So, there is no way where it can be taken to court. It is only if it is above $20.00, they can issue a ticket so that the person can go to the Magistrate’s Court. It happens like that. I thank you.
*HON. CHINOTIMBA: My supplementary is the question which
I have just asked. I am saying an individual has money at the bank and this person wants to swipe. I advise you that the policeman should be given POS equipment so that when somebody has committed an offence at a roadblock, he will swipe and make payment. Therefore, we are asking that Government should provide these gadgets such as the POS machines so that you swipe and make your payment there and there, instead of fining somebody $20.00. That person leaves his car and travel to the nearest point of getting his money.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Chinotimba, your question has been responded to and you have been told that you can go and get your money at all the places where you think your money is and then you pay.
HON. GONESE: Thank you Madam Speaker. Will the Deputy
Minister of Home Affairs please tell us part of the Constitution he is quoting? We need to know which section of the law that he is using because we are learned lawyers and we need to be told where this section is coming from? Is it part of the Constitution or it is a Statutory Instrument? We want to know which part of the section which empowers law enforcement agents to impound somebody’s car and stay with it for some time?
HON. MGUNI: Thank you Madam Speaker. Hon. Gonese is a
legal guru and he knows that the Traffic Act under Chapter 5 has got a Clause that states that the police can detain a vehicle for 24 hours. He is very much aware.
HON. MUDARIKWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question
is directed to the Minister...
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members, can the Hon.
Member be heard in silence.
HON. MUDARIKWA: My question is directed to the Hon.
Minister of ICT, Hon. Mandiwanzira. Hon. Minister, can you inform the august House the progress on the Telecel ZANET deal? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, POSTAL AND COURIER SERVICES (HON.
MANDIWANZIRA): Thank you Madam Speaker. I want to thank the Hon. Member for a very important question. The latest is that the transaction was concluded to the extent that the full amount agreed for the purchase of the 60% was paid partially to Europe and partially to the lawyers representing the sellers. The amount of $24 million remains in the account of the sellers awaiting repatriation when money becomes available in the Nostro account. So we are working with the Central Bank to see how this can be fast-tracked given the current circumstances of foreign shortages, especially in the NOSTRO accounts. I thank you. *HON. MUPFUMI: Thank Madam Speaker. I am directing my question to the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs. Thank you very much for the job well-done by the police...
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. What is your
point of order Hon. Chimanikire?
HON. CHIMANIKIRE: My point of order is that the Hon.
Member has inappropriately referred to the Hon. Minister as ‘Chef’ instead of Hon. Minister. I thank you.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Mupfumi, you address
Ministers as Hon. Ministers and Hon. Members as Honourables.
*HON. MUPFUMI: Thank you very much for the job well-done by the police in maintaining law and order. What is Government policy regarding people who demonstrate and call for the removal of
Government and yet Government was elected by the people and is ruling through an electoral mandate? Why are these people who are calling for the removal of Government by force not apprehended?
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Mupfumi, you have asked the
question and I think you want the Minister to answer your question. May you please listen to the Minister?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON.
MGUNI): Thank you Madam Speaker. The police are there to grant permission to demonstrators if they apply. After doing our risk assessment to see whether it is endangering or whether it is within the Constitution, we consider all those things. However, his question is solely directed to the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs because the prosecuting authority is the one that can draft that that is treasonous, but the police are there to assess the dangers and risks that are caused by the demonstrators. I thank you.
HON. GONESE: Thank you very much Madam Speaker. My supplementary question to the Hon. Deputy Minister is very simple. Has he ever read the Public Order and Security Act because in that Act there is no reference whatsoever to an application or to permission being granted and what it refers to is a notification to the police? So, I want him to tell us as to whether he has ever read that Act.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Gonese, I will not allow you to challenge the Deputy Minister in this House. You must just ask you question as it is. Ask a policy question.
HON. GONESE: Madam Speaker no, it is a policy question because…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: No, it is not a policy question. Ask a policy question. Rephrase your question.
HON. GONESE: Madam Speaker if you can bear with me. I will
do…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Gonese, can you rephrase your
question so that it can be policy.
HON. GONESE: Alright, I will rephrase my question. Is it not correct, Hon. Deputy Minister, that in terms of the Public Order and Security Act, Section 26, organisers of public gatherings are only required to notify the police and not to apply for permission?
HON. MGUNI: Thank you Hon. Gonese you are correct. Gatherings like weddings and other things, it is just notification. We have got it in our Act, but now, what is needed, why do you notify the police – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Members.
HON. MGUNI: You notify the police so that they are aware of such gatherings, then we will make a risk assessment that I talked about and see that this thing is it posing a threat to the people’s lives, to property and then we deny such things. I thank you.
HON. MUDEREDZWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. My
question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. I am asking this question against the background that there is an increasing number of street kids on our streets – street fathers, street mothers. I think there is a population now that is living on the street. What is Government’s policy or what has been put in place by Government to ensure that these people are removed from the streets and they are rehabilitated?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SERVICES (HON. ENG. MATANGAIDZE): I thank
the Hon. Member for that question. I know that this is a very touching subject. Our country and indeed our Ministry has in place a Children’s Act which makes it criminal for anyone to subject any child to the vagrants of the street. So, you find we have mothers and fathers who take their children on to the streets. I need to highlight that that is indeed a criminal offence because children belong in schools and in the safe custody of family structures.
We have, as Government, put in place children’s homes where these children can be taken off the streets and taken into these homes. We also have Non-Governmental Organisations, we have set up structures for children who are not supposed to be on the street. So, the answer to the question that the Hon. Member has asked is, as
Government, we have put in place structures, we have a board that determines which kids can go into safe custody and can come up and grow up in the confines of those structured homes and families and it is illegal for people to use street kids for begging, for soliciting for food on the streets – as human shields for demonstrations.
HON. CHIMANIKIRE: My question is directed to the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services. Hon. Minister, from time to time His Excellency has actually donated computers to various schools. What is Government’s policy as regards to the distribution of computers to urban schools? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY, POSTAL AND COURIER SERVICES (HON.
MANDIWANZIRA): It is true that His Excellency the President, Cde. Robert Mugabe, in his capacity as a digital champion, has initiated the computerisation of schools around the country. This process is ear marked for all schools and not specifically rural schools. So, the policy is that all schools must have access to computers resources permitting, but we are encouraging Members of Parliament in their constituencies to also facilitate in raising resources for the computerisation of schools in their constituencies. I thank you Madam Speaker.
HON. NDEBELE: Madam Speaker, until I am taught otherwise, I grew up to know of the group of 26 as a shadowy Zezuru formation whose construct was to counter the input of the late Hon. Joshua Nkomo in the then Cabinet. I also know, Madam Speaker…
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your question Hon.
Member? I think I am interested in the question than the history.
HON. NDEBELE: I am good at English Madam Speaker. I know that their machinations as of now extend to denigrating and undermining the exploits of the ZIPRA Forces during the liberation struggle. I, therefore, want to find out from Hon. Dube what his Ministry is doing to correct this?
THE MINISTER OF WELFARE SERVICES FOR WAR
VETERNANS, WAR COLLABORATORS, FORMER
POLITICAL DETAINEES AND RESTRICTEES (HON. T. J.
DUBE): Madam Speaker Ma’am. Thank you Hon. Member for asking this question. The truth is that we no longer have ZIPRA Forces, we have former ZIPRA and former ZANLA Forces. To be open with you, I was one of those who were in charge of integrating these forces in 1980. So, to now talk of ZIPRA Forces is not relevant. There is no discrimination whatsoever between former ZIPRA and former ZANLA Forces. They have all been integrated into the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA). Those who were not integrated, some of them are war veterans and are treated the same. People who have not come forward to register…
Hon. Bunjira, having been eating something in the House.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Bunjira. Can you please
go outside – [HON. ZWIZWAI: They are just tablets.] – Hon. Minister, you can continue.
HON. T. J. DUBE: Madam Speaker Ma’am – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
The Chief Whip for MDC-T (Hon. Gonese) approaches the Chair.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. Hon. Minister you may respond.
HON. T. J. DUBE: Madam Speaker Ma’am, the problem that we
usually face is that, some comrades did not register for vetting when they were called to do so. Those who did not go for vetting, it means they were not registered as war veterans and as a result they remain outside the benefits of the war veterans. However, all those who were vetted and found to be true veterans of the liberation war have no reason to think that they are segregated in any way because they get their pensions and constitutional rights according to the law. So, it is not true that any group can be segregated in any way. Thank you Madam Speaker.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE ACTING
SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order No. 64.
HON. NDEBELE: If I have a follow up on what transpired before the expiry – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – I think it would be an affront to common sense to then stop me on that technicality.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: The Standing Rules are not clear on
that point you have raised. Anyway, I will allow you to ask the supplementary on my discretion.
HON. NDEBELE: Thank you Madam Speaker. Just a quick one
for the Minister, a clarification on what then happens to those veterans who were not vetted back then.
HON. T. J. DUBE: Thank you Madam Speaker. There is still
provision to carry out vetting if there is substantial reason to show why they were not vetted at the time they were called to do so. Even today, if you know of a true war veteran who was not vetted, he can come to our offices; there is a special office to carry out this vetting. He will explain why he did not come for vetting when others were doing so.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
PROCEDURES WHEN REQUESTING FOR A POLICE POST
- HON. S. NDLOVU asked the Minister of Home Affairs to explain the procedures to be followed by communities when requesting for-
- a police post;
- a registry of Births and Deaths Office.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON.
MGUNI): Thank you Madam Speaker. The Community Policing initiatives launched by the Zimbabwe Republic have seen an increased community participation in policing endeavours. When the community identifies the need for a Police Station, the community leadership should approach the Officer in Charge of the local police station with such a request. The Officer in Charge of the station shall assess the need and make appropriate recommendations to the Officer Commanding
Province through Officer Commanding Police District.
The following are also considered when establishing the new post, base or station.
- Level of crime;
- Proximity of the area to the nearest police station;
- Population growth; and
- Infrastructural development and settlement.
The above factors, among others, will assist in determining whether to recommend the establishment of a police base, police post or police station. In the event that the establishment of a police base is recommended, the Officer Commanding Police Province may approve it. Where there is a need to establish a Police Post or Police Station, the Officer Commanding Police Province shall make recommendations to the Commissioner General of Police for approval. Establishment of vital registration offices is the responsibility of the Public Service
Commission. A number of factors are considered before arriving at such a decision. Some of these factors include population density, accessibility to budgetary considerations and staff accommodation et cetera.
The community approaches the Registrar in the district with their proposal. The proposal is then referred to the Registrar General for assessment and consideration before it is submitted to the Secretary for Home Affairs and the Public Service Commission respectively for their determination. I thank you Madam Speaker.
ESTABLISHMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS OFFICE AT
MURAMBINDA
- HON. MANDIPAKA asked the Minister of Home Affairs to
state when the Ministry will establish an office at Murambinda Hospital to enable the people from Buhera to secure burial orders in the event of deaths of their loved ones, in view of the fact that people are currently travelling to Gaza Business Centre to acquire the burial orders, and that the hospital is prepared to give the Ministry an office to work from?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON.
MGUNI): In year 2004 when the Public Service Commission established 206 sub offices throughout the country under the Registrar’s General’s department, Murambinda hospital was not identified at the time as one where a sub office could be established. However, we need to establish a sub office at Murambinda hospital as part of the decentralisation of vital civil registration, but it should be noted that any creation of new post ought to have Treasury approval. As a Ministry together with your support, we will approach Treasury to establish an office at Murambinda hospital to bring service closer to the people.
HON. MANDIPAKA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. DZIVA): What is your point
of order?
HON. MANDIPAKA: I cannot hear the response there is a lot of
noise.
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. DZIVA): Order Hon.
Members, can the Hon. Member be heard in silence. I think Hon. Mandipaka cannot hear the answer from the Minister because you are speaking loudly.
HON. MANDIPAKA: Thank you Madam Speaker it was
inaudible.
MEASURES TO CURB LEAKAGES OF GOLD DEPOSITS AT
PEACE MINE
- HON. MPOFU asked the Minister of Home Affairs what the Ministry is doing to curb the leakages of gold deposits at Peace Mine in
Silobela, where no single gold smuggler has been arrested.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON.
MGUNI): I wish to put it on record that mines are patrolled by detectives from the Minerals and Border Control Unit and other sections of the Zimbabwe Republic Police. I urge people to report any issues of smuggling as and when it takes place. Also the incident of Peace Mine, the Ministry of Mines must investigate the production of gold through Fidelity and audit the present management to prove these smuggling claims so that the police can take action. A team of various experts has been dispatched to conduct thorough investigations this week, which was two weeks back and on Monday, that was the Monday of two weeks back and we are waiting for the report. By now I think the report has been tabled in Cabinet and is coming out. I thank you Madam Speaker.
MOTOR VEHICLE FOR JOTSHOLO POLICE STATION
- HON. M. NKOMO asked the Minister of Home Affairs to inform the House:
- When Jotsholo Police Station in Lupane West Constituency would be allocated a motor vehicle;
- What plans are in place to construct police offices at Jotsholo Police Station.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON.
MGUNI): Thank you Madam Speaker. We would like to thank the
Hon. Member for his concern about Jotsholo police station, in Matabeleland North Province. It is our Government policy that all police stations are allocated motor vehicles to enable police officers to carry out preventive patrols and respond to scenes of crime on time. However, due to resource constraints, not all police stations currently have motor vehicles. For the record, Jotsholo police station has a
Defender motor vehicle ZRP 1648D, which is shared with Lupane
Police Station. Currently, this Defender vehicle is undergoing a minor service in Bulawayo. You will be notified when the service is completed.
b). As alluded to in my earlier response, it is our desire, resources permitting – to see all our police stations and establishments given a facelift. The Hon. Member should also note that police stations throughout the country are facing the same dilemma. The obvious reason is that all police projects are facing financial constraints. I wish to call upon the Hon. Member and other well-wishers to put their resources together and give our police stations a proper facelift as they are a priority in constituency development.
Just to give a small advice I also built one police station in my constituency, I was not a Deputy Minister of Home Affairs. I was just an Hon. Member helping them so I had to bring cement, fencing, toilets, ploughs, and everything and now it is working and the police officers are supporting me. Thank you
PROVISION OF WATER IN MASHONALAND CENTRAL
PROVINCE
- HON. KANHANGA asked the Minister of Environment,
Water and Climate to brief the House on the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme in the provision of water for each district in Mashonaland Central Province and furnish the House with an itinerary indicating when it will commence.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND
CLIMATE (HON. MUCHINGURI): I want to thank Hon. Kanhanga
for his question. Madam Speaker, going into the future, the Government of Zimbabwe through Treasury and development partners has prioritised the three provinces of Mash East, Mash Central and Manicaland in the WASH programming. Currently these three provinces are not covered in the WASH programme. Negotiations are underway with WASH donors for an expansion of the rural WASH intervention in these provinces that had missed out.
However, district level interventions continue to be spearheaded by the RADC’s technical arm for WASH, the District Water Supply and
Sanitation Sub Committee. I want to state that Government did not fold its arms on the three provinces. We appealed to our friend China and China was kind enough to assist in the drilling of 300 boreholes in the three provinces in the absence of the WASH programme. I want to assure the Hon. Member that even if WASH programme has not been introduced, Government is making frantic efforts to make sure that water is provided to these other three provinces. I thank you.
REMOVAL OF THE HYACINTH WEED TO PRESERVE
WATER
- HON. A. MNANGAGWA asked the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate to explain how the hyacinth weed can be removed or eradicated in order to preserve water in all water bodies.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND CLIMATE (HON. MUCHINGURI): Madam Speaker the infestation
of water hyacinth in our water bodies is an indication of increasing water pollution. Therefore, the most effective manner in which the problem can be solved is through controlling the pollution sources such as nonfunctional sewage treatment plants and persistent sewer bursts within our urban areas.
However, the removal of the already existing water weeds can be achieved by using either biological, chemical, manual or mechanical means. The mechanical way of removal is desirable but may be very expensive. Mechanical control involves the use of machinery designed to cut, shear, shred, crush, press, lift, convey, transport and removing aquatic plants. These machines are called weed harvesters and can cost as much as US100 000 per machine.
CONSTRUCTION OF A DAM AT MAVHURADONHA GORGE
- HON MUFUNGA asked the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate to state the plans in place to construct a dam at Mavhuradonha gorge to supply irrigation in Muzarabani North and South.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND
CLIMATE (HON. MUCHINGURI): I would like to thank the Hon.
Member for the question. My Ministry’s mandate is to ensure that a dam is constructed in all rural districts, funds permitting. Let me inform the House that ZINWA has taken up the concerns seriously and will be dispatching a team to undertake site reconnaissance of the area and an assessment and feasibility to have a dam built on that gorge will be conducted. Site feasibility depends on a number of factors, one of which is the total study of the catchment area which analyses the amount of water that can be harnessed by that particular dam.
Therefore, careful consideration and proper technical assessment is required before the site can be approved as a potential dam site. This takes a lot planning and needs a lot of resources. I thank you Madam
Speaker.
PROVISION OF BOREHOLES IN MUZARABANI
21 HON. MUFUNGA asked the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate to state the Ministry’s plans to provide boreholes in Muzarabani in view of the fact that the boreholes that used to provide water to this community were destroyed by floods in 2006.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND
CLIMATE (HON. MUCHINGURI): I want to thank the Hon.
Member for the question. My Ministry is currently planning to dispatch a team comprising of experts from the Ministry, ZINWA and DDF to conduct an in-depth assessment of the damaged boreholes. The assessment is aimed at establishing the extent of damage incurred, equipment required for each boreholes’ rehabilitation and also inform how they can be flashed and sanitized before use by the communities. The results of the assessments will enable the Ministry to prepare a detailed course of action towards rehabilitating the boreholes.
It is also important to note that in 2014/15 under Phase 2 of the China Aid borehole drilling programme; seven (7) boreholes were successfully drilled for the communities in Muzarabani/Mbire District from which water is currently being drawn. I thank you Madam
Speaker.
SINKING OF BOREHOLES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
- HON. SARUWAKA asked the Minister of Environment,
Water and Climate to:
- state the initiatives the Ministry has taken to sink more boreholes and repair broken ones in rural communities in view of the fact that villagers are forced to walk long distances of up to 5 km to access safe drinking water;
- provide a list of wards, indicate specific points and dates the
Ministry has sunk boreholes in Chipinge and Mutasa districts of Manicaland Province; and further inform the House under which programme these boreholes were sunk.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND CLIMATE (HON. MUCHINGURI): I want to thank Hon. Saruwaka
for the question posed.
Madam Speaker, in the past three years, my Ministry has drilled 1 700 new boreholes and repaired 10 800 and rehabilitated 33 piped water schemes for rural communities in an effort to reduce the distances that the communities have to walk to access safe drinking water. Projects have been sponsored by DFID and SDC and the People’s Republic of
China. Furthermore, the People’s Republic of China has a further 300 boreholes that are to be distributed to the three provinces of Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and Manicaland.
For part 2 of Hon. Saruwaka’s question, Chipinge and Mutasa districts have been allocated 20 boreholes each under the China Aid borehole drilling programme. Chipinge boreholes should have been drilled first before the Mutasa boreholes but because of security concerns in the district, borehole drilling was deferred to up until the security situation has improved. Todate 17 out of 20 boreholes have been drilled in Mutasa district whilst the Chipinge district boreholes will be drilled in due course. I want to stress that I was in Chipinge last week and I promised that once the rigs are done, drilling boreholes for Nyanga district, they are moving to Chipinge. I thank you Madam Speaker.
*HON. MUTSEYAMI: Thank you. My supplementary question to Hon. Minister Muchinguri is that I heard you referring to new boreholes. Is there any help being rendered to old boreholes because the water table is now low and the pipes that were being used are now not usable because they now have holes. Are there any plans in your Ministry that these boreholes should be rehabilitated so that people would use them?
You also referred to security situation in Chipinge, what is the security situation?
*HON. MUCHINGURI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I want to thank the Hon. Member for his questions on what should be done to help rehabilitate the boreholes in Chipinge which have low water tables now. Normally, what happens is that there is nothing that we can do at the moment. The water table in areas like Buhera, Muzarabani and Matabeleland is now below 100 metres and most of the time, we cannot drill boreholes which can go beyond 100 metrers. So, we have made some order from ZINWA and if we have those rigs, probably we will be able to deepen the boreholes but at the moment there is nothing that we can do. Also, those who have damaged pipes, the people should be free to approach DDF because we drill and then DDF does the repairs. So if they are able, they can go and report to DDF and as far as I know, DDF trains people to maintain the boreholes in their areas.
On security, the information that we gathered is that the rebels from Mozambique were now getting into Zimbabwe and the people who help us, the Chinese from WASH, they were no longer there. So, as Government, we ran around to help just the three provinces. So the people expressed that they did not get enough briefing of the security situation there. So, I went there and I promised people that we will go there after Nyanga drillings. It is not that we did not say that there was no security.
*HON. SARUWAKA: Thank you Hon. Minister for the great work of sinking boreholes that you are doing in Mutasa. However, I would like to understand what expertise you have in your Ministry to help you in siting these boreholes and the criteria used for the points chosen?
I ask these because in some areas your teams are having to move from one point to the other after failing to get water, thereby increasing the costs of the programme. In terms of criteria, some places are targeted yet they serve very few people ahead of points where more people can benefit for example, at DC Mutasa the borehole was initially sited at the ZANU PF offices which fortunately, did not produce water and they had to be moved to two other points before successful rigging was done. I just wanted to find out how experienced they are and the expertise that you have in sitting where water is –[HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] –
*HON. MUFUNGA: On a point of order Madam Speaker. Here we are talking about Government issues and not parties. So, I do not see where ZANU PF comes in.
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: If you are asking questions, you should remain in line with the question that has been asked.
*HON. MUCHINGURI: Thank you Madam Speaker. I thank the Hon. Member for his question. I want to say that the Hon. Member should be aware that in our Ministry we have expert engineers who go and site the areas where boreholes should be sunk. The problem that we have down there is that some have their choices and confuse the people from the Ministry. At times we even go to mountains where there are no roads. We give a contract to a company which we give instructions to follow on the ground whilst we are in our offices. We are sometimes given a list from the RDC who give us points where boreholes are supposed to be drilled. At times we tell them to go and seek assistance from Members of Parliament. So where these boreholes are drilled – we are given a list and we send technical teams. At times they cannot locate the places and at times it is costing us. So, there are very few areas which have that problem. So what they are talking about that boreholes were drilled at ZANU PF offices, I am not aware of that because I work from the office. If he has the information, he should submit it to us.
HON. NDUNA: I have a supplementary question. I want to thank the Minister for a well elaborate answer. My supplementary question goes as follows, what is it that I as a Member of Parliament is meant to do in order to access borehole drilling from your Ministry in particular in areas that border around health institutions, schools, community and public areas aware that I come from a place that was infested with
Cholera in 2008/9 because of lack of water.
*THE ACTING SPEAKER: The Minister had sort of answered
that part of your supplementary question but I will allow her to explain.
I will give her a chance to repeat herself.
HON. MUCHINGURI: Thank you Hon. Speaker and I want to
thank the Hon. Nduna for his concerns in ensuring that water is available in his constituency especially in his objective to ensure that there are no diseases that come as a result of shortages, people drinking water that is not safe.
The procedures that I can recommend him to take are that we do have catchment areas within each respective province and I would recommend that he either approaches those offices or he can write directly to the Minister responsible for water or he can also approach ZINWA who will be more than happy to take on board his concerns and where we do have resources, we will be happy and ready to assist. I thank you.
MEASURES IN PLACE TO SOURCE FUNDS FOR PAYMENT OF
PENSION TO FORMER CIVIL SERVANTS
- HON. MAHIYA asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Services to explain the measures the Ministry has Ministry put in place to source for funds for the payment of pension for former
civil servants which currently has been put on hold.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR
AND SOCIAL SERVICES (HON. ENG. MATANGAIDZE): Madam
Speaker, I thank the Hon. Member for his question. The correct position is that there are no pension payments that have been put on hold.
Pension payments are being made as usual every month in line with the approved budget. However, there is a backlog on the payment of lump sums caused by the need to maintain expenditure on pensions within the budget approved by Parliament.
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST PLAN INTERNATIONAL ON MAIZE
DISTRIBUTION
- HON A. MNANGAGWA asked the Ministry of Public
Service, Labour and Social Services whether they are aware of
allegations levelled against Plan International, in terms of maize distribution where issues of favouritism and bribes exchanges are
alleged.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE LABOUR
AND SOCIAL SERVICES (HON. ENG. MATANGAIDZE): Thank
you Madam Speaker. The Ministry is not aware of the allegations levelled against Plan International that the Hon. Member has made reference to. Plan International is a registered Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO number 3/2006), operating in the areas of relief, education, health and livelihoods development focusing on rural communities.
Currently, in the area of humanitarian relief food aid, Plan
International is assisting vulnerable food-poor households in Midlands Province District of Mvuma. So far, the Ministry has not received any negative reports regarding the operations of the organisation.
Our Provincial Office has also confirmed that they have not received any complaints or allegations against Plan International in its operation in the food relief programme. The Plan office in Kwekwe, which covers Mvuma was engaged by the Provincial Social Services Officer and they claimed ignorance on the allegations.
Nonetheless, the Provincial Social Services Officer has presented the issue to the Provincial Administrator, Midlands to allow the District and Provincial Drought Relief Committees to investigate this matter. Our investigations would be greatly facilitated if the Hon. Member would provide specific information on where the reports are emanating from. Feedback from the envisaged investigation will be shared with the
Hon. Member.
HON. NDUNA: I have got a supplementary question Madam Speaker: Thank you Madam Speaker Maam. I need to ask the Minister as a follow up on exactly what is it that you are doing to make sure that mine houses, NGOs, the opposition does not use food distribution as a tool of coercion in order to skew the votes in their direction. I say this because it is also happening in my constituency.
HON. ENG. MATANGAIDZE: Thank you Madam Speaker. I
thank Hon. Nduna for that supplementary question. The answer to Hon.
Nduna’s question lies in the way we have structured the food distribution committees. The drought relief committees comprise of Government Administrators, at district level comprise of the DA, councilors, social leadership and headmen in their structure. From that perspective, we are very clear that the committees we have put in place are apolitical. Unless if Hon. Nduna has specific examples where people are interfering with politics in food distribution, we will address those issues. By and large, I think the structures we have put in place are transparent. I thank you.
HON. SARUWAKA: My supplementary question is relating to the response by the Minister where he is saying that the committee is made up of councillors. I want to know what action his Ministry is taking on DAs who are refusing to work with elected councillors in this committee. Can you respond to that?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING (HON.
CHINGOSHO): Thank you Madam Speaker. Again I will request Hon. Saruwaka to give me the specific examples relating to the issues he is raising. What I have given you is the structure that the DA has to work with the councilors, he has to work with the drought relief Committees as set and agreed. He has to work with the social welfare officers. So if there are specific examples, please – by all means, let us know.
BUILDING OF TUCKSHOPS IN UNDESIGNATED AREAS
- HON. TEMBANI asked the Minister of Local Government,
Public Works and National Housing to explain;
- When the government is to take action against those who are building big tuck shops in undesignated areas, especially high density areas;
- If government is aware that these illegal tuck-shops are not inspected for safety and do not comply with rules and regulations considering the lack of social amenities.
THE DEPUTY MINIDTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT,
PUBLIC WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING (HON.
CHINGOSHO): a) Hon. Madam Speaker. I would like to thank the
Hon. Member for bringing the issue to the Ministry’s attention.
However, let me inform the Hon. Member that our local authorities are Planning, Development and Land Authorities in their areas of jurisdiction, hence the issue of illegal tuckshops being built on undesignated areas should be urgently dealt with by the respective local authorities. As you might be aware, the Ministry – through Local Authorities is in the process of dealing with such illegal settlements, including structures built on undesignated areas.
- b) Madam Speaker, all local authorities have health departments whose sole responsibility is to ensure such premises of tuck-shop owners are inspected for public health and safety. However, the ones highlighted by the Hon. Member have a need to be inspected, notwithstanding the fact that they are illegal as they also pose a threat to the communities they operate in. The Ministry, guided by the 2014 inventory of facilities and social amenities which was produced by ZIMSTATS will ensure
that all the necessary social amenities are rehabilitated and additional ones are provided. Let me assure this august House that the Ministry will continue to monitor the enforcement of by-laws so that unscrupulous operators of tuck shops from undesignated areas are dealt with immediately. May I also take this opportunity to appeal to you Hon. Members that it is also your responsibility as local leaders to educate perpetrators of such malpractices on the importance of observing the law and of the implications of the failure to comply with the provisions of the same. I thank you.
HON. NDUNA: I have a supplementary.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: What is your supplementary?
HON. NDUNA: My supplementary borders on these tuckshops that have been established by individuals, but there are places that have been grouped. Vendors have been grouped into certain areas by councils in particular where I come from, without any ablutions blocks without any amenities or any supporting structures that are going to make sure that they do conduct their business in a healthy manner. What is it that you doing for those vendors that have been pushed into the peripherals of the economy by the local authorities where there are no supporting health structures?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT,
PUBLIC WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING (HON.
CHINGOSHO): Thank you Hon. Member for the question. First and foremost, I would like to point out that local authorities are planning authorities. They do not just dump people where they set people – those are supposed to be designated areas. The question of saying there is no provisions of toilets and so forth, that is a process. What we know is that local authorities are in the process of making sure that where the people are, they have got adequate facilities. Anyway, what I want to say on your question is something that we have to find out from the
Ministry. Thank you very much.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: Hon. Minister, are you disagreeing on the fact that across the country – in places like Harare here, Mutare and we have areas like the Federation Halapi in Dangamvura, we have places here in Harare, where people have been given stands and they have resided whilst there are no sewerage works, roads or water but already people are staying there. Are you not in agreement in this situation, regardless of the set up of the Local Government having the responsibility to plan before resettling people or before any allocation of stands?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT,
PUBLIC WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING (HON.
CHINGOSHO): I want to thank the Hon. Mutseyami. I do agree with you to a certain extent. For example, in Chitungwiza, there is an area where the Ministry is planning to settle people properly through the local authority. You will find that people just move in on their own, these are the issues we are saying the Ministry is trying to look into and reverse such movements. People are not supposed to move in a place before it is properly planned. I thank you.
SERVICING OF WHITECLIFF RESIDENTIAL AREAS
- HON. MUKWANGWARIWA asked the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to state when the
Ministry intends to service the Whitecliff residential area in view of the fact that prospective residents in this area are already paying their leases to the Ministry.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT,
PUBLIC WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING (HON.
CHINGOSHO): I would like to thank the Hon. Member for asking the question. However, let me inform this august House that Whitecliff Housing Scheme is one of the projects embarked on by the Government to accommodate people that had been displaced by Operation Restore Order. Under the project, a total of 8 000 residential stands were created and the Government managed to construct 434 core-houses. Each beneficiary was required to pay monthly rentals which currently stand at $40 per month. Those who occupied undeveloped stands were asked to pay $50 annually towards rentals, as it is Government policy that a tenant occupying Government property must pay monthly or yearly rentals until the value of the land is determined and is disposed of to the sitting tenant. The lease agreements for those occupying residential stands are renewed annually. The Ministry considers this project as an Aided Self Help Scheme where the beneficiaries pool their resources together for the servicing of their stands and in this case, the beneficiaries occupying 2000 square metres stands have so far been contributing as well as those occupying smaller stands (300-500 square metres) respectively. So far, the water reticulation system covers about 1 200 stands of the targeted stands. I thank you.
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
MOTOR VEHICLE FOR MANOTI POLICE STATION
- HON. O. NCUBE asked the Minister of Home Affairs to state when Manoti Police station in Gokwe-Kana Constituency will have a motor vehicle.
THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON. DR.
CHOMBO): Unavailability of resources is preventing the smooth running of police operations and such effect is the shortage of motor vehicles. It is the wish of the Ministry, that whenever resources are available, Manoti and other needy stations should be provided with motor vehicles to ensure smooth running of police operations. In the meantime, the station is being assisted with transport from neighbouring police stations and we hope that we will get the resources to equip our police stations with motor vehicles. I thank you.
VEHICLE FOR RUSHINGA POLICE STATION
- HON. MASHANGE asked the Minister of Home Affairs to explain why Rushinga Police Station has operated without a station vehicle for the past ten years.
THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON. DR.
CHOMBO): Mr. Speaker Sir, the police station was allocated a brand new Land Rover, registration number ZRP 1578D on 7th November, 2011. Unfortunately, the Land Rover got involved in an accident in 2012. Owing to economic challenges the country is facing at the moment, no replacement has been made. However, the Police Command in Mashonaland Central has devised a strategy which has seen Rushinga Police Station getting assistance from ZRP Mt. Darwin, Madziva, Dotito, Criminal Investigation Department and Mt. Darwin
District Headquarters in attending scenes. Once the economic situation improves, resources will be made available and Rushinga will be allocated with a vehicle. I thank you.
VEHICLE FOR GLEN NORAH POLICE STATION
- MAONDERA asked the Minister of Home Affairs when
Glen Norah Police Station will be allocated a new and reliable vehicle for them to effectively execute their duties.
THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON. DR.
CHOMBO): Currently Glen Norah Police Station’s vehicle is undergoing repairs on suspension and complete engine overhaul. However, we have plans to purchase new vehicles as soon as funds are available.
SUPERVISION OF POLICE PATROLS IN RESIDENTIAL AND
INDUSTRIAL AREAS
- P. MASUKU asked the Minister of Home Affairs to –
- explain the mechanism that is in place to supervise police on patrol in residential and industrial areas at night;
- inform the House whether the Zimbabwe Republic Police has patrol vehicles on our major highways during the night until midmorning.
THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON. DR.
CHOMBO): The issue of police presence, both in the residential and industrial areas is something that the Zimbabwe Republic Police takes seriously. Police deployments on foot and cycle are always done and influenced by crime patterns. It is the duty of each and every Station Commander to supervise patrols in his/her area of policing.
In this regard, there are several strategies set up by the ZRP to increase police presence in residential, industrial and new resettlement areas. Members of the public are free to approach the local police stations and assist in devising strategies that enhance Community
Policing schemes, such as the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, Home
Officer’s scheme, Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe (BACFOZ) and the Crime Consultative Committees.
(b) Police patrols along the highways are conducted even during the night. It is however, a common fact that the ZRP is operating with inadequate resources and we would appreciate it if Government would allocate more resources to boost the depleted police fleet to reinforce our current fleet for highway patrols.
INFORMATION ON CRIME STATISTICS FROM POLICE
STATIONS
- HON MAJOME asked the Minister of Home Affairs what the
Ministry is doing to ensure that Members of Parliament get information on crime statistics from police stations in their constituencies, particularly in view of the failure by Mabelreign, Marlborough and Avondale police stations to avail information on crime statistics on gender based violence to the sitting Member of Parliament for Harare
West, instead of referring the sitting Member of Parliament to Police
General Headquarters for answers which never come.
THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON. DR.
CHOMBO): Mabelreign, Marlborough and Avondale Police Stations did not fail to provide information on crime statistics on gender based violence in their areas but correctly referred all requests for such information to the appropriate office if the Member wanted a written copy. It is important for the Hon. Member to note that every police station has a Crime Consultative Committee (CCC) which is meant for police and the local community to interact and share information on crimes of concern peculiar to that community and devise strategies to curb the crimes. The Hon. Member can interest herself in such programmes. Also in the Officer in Charge’s office charts are displayed for public members to acknowledge.
VICTIMISATION OF THE AVONLEA COMMUNITY BY
AVONDALE POLICE STATION PISI UNIT
- HON. MAJOME asked the Minister of Home Affairs why members of the PISI Unit at Avondale Police Station have taken the
Avonlea community to task for co-operating with an MDC T Member of
Parliament i.e. myself on the police post issue, and what measures he will put in place to ensure the residents are not so victimized and deprived of their police post.
THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON. DR.
CHOMBO): We are not sure what the Hon. Member refers to by
“taken Avonlea community to task”, police are apolitical and do not interfere with activities of political parties. If the Hon. Member has a record of police officers who approached people in Avonlea, she is free to take that information to the police so that proper investigations can be conducted into the matter.
Any members of the public who have complaints against the police should approach the Officer-In-Charge of their local police station who are expected to record their complaints and address them. Complaints are also addressed at District, Provincial and at Police General Headquarters. I want to assure the House that no one will be prevented to access any police station, post or base.
PLANS IN PLACE IN SUPPORT OF WAR VETERANS’
CHILDREN WITH SCHOOL FEES
- HON. CHIRISA asked the Minister of Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators, Former Political Detainees and
Restrictees to state the plans in place to support the War Veterans’ children with school fees.
THE MINISTER OF WELFARE SERVICES FOR WAR
VETERANS, WAR COLLABORATORS, FORMER POLITICAL DETAINEES AND RESTRICTEES (HON. DUBE): Mr. Speaker Sir
and Members of the august House, I wish to express my profound thanks to Hon. F. Chirisa, a Proportional Representative member for raising the question concerning my Ministry’s plans to support the war veterans’ children with school fees.
In response, I wish to place on record that the payment of school fees for war veterans and their children is a Statutory Obligation deriving from the Constitution of Zimbabwe (No. 20) Act 2013, Sections 3, 23 and 84 as read with the War Veterans Act Chapter 11:15 of 1997 and the War Veterans (Benefits Scheme), Regulations 281 of 1987. The provisions of this Act and the delegated law will continue with little or no change to the new Veterans of the Struggle (Benefits)
Act which is presently under draft for alignment to the new Constitution.
My Ministry, established in April 2015, has been in existence for just over one year to date. At inception, the Ministry inherited arrears amounting to US$19m dating back to Third Term of 2013. Because Treasury has never been able to fund the full school fees bill, this backlog has now grown to US$22m. During 2015, Treasury availed US$10m for the 2nd Term and 3rd Term.
This year, Treasury availed US6m on 5th April, 2016, two days ahead of the meeting with the President. The Ministry was compelled to use part of this money to host the President’s meeting with the war veterans on the understanding, agreed beforehand with Treasury that this would be reimbursed. This has not been done due to current economic challenges. The Ministry was therefore, able to pay two batches of school fees covering arrears for the First Term 2015. This left a third batch amounting to just over US$1.3m which is ready for payment as soon as the money used for the meeting is reimbursed.
The august House may also be pleased to know that soon after the
President’s meeting with war veterans, Treasury appropriated an additional US$6m towards 2nd Term school fees. This appropriation is yet to be funded by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. The Ministry presently has received 14 500 applications for the 2nd term school fees of which 7 000 have already been processed for payment but are awaiting funding.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I want to assure this august House that the
Ministry only pays school fees when the money is availed. I am sure the Hon. Member who asked the question is aware of the fiscal challenges that the country is going through. From a managerial and administrative perspective, the Ministry is instituting concrete measures to eliminate fraudulent claims, double dipping and ghost beneficiaries. To this end, starting 1st Term 2016, we introduced a new application form that requires, among other things, the school head to fill and sign a portion of the form dealing with the school fees. Secondly, the Ministry has stopped paying any monies directly to parents. Instead, the Ministry now only pays to the institution providing service. Thirdly, all cash payments have been stopped and instead the Ministry now only transacts electronically into bank accounts.
Fourthly, the Ministry is now intrusively involved in monitoring progress of all children that are receiving Government support. This means if a child is registered as being in primary school, we expect that child to complete Grade 7 and prove it at the end of seven years. The same goes for secondary, higher and tertiary education. This eliminates the problem where in a few cases, a child would be receiving support for Form 4 for 14 years, for example. This intrusive management is intended to eliminate such cases and it is working.
Finally, the Ministry pays a maximum of US$700.00 per child, per term or semester. We are in the process of consulting like ministries in the education sector to bring the upper limit down, in a graded way for primary and secondary education thus differentiating the two from the tertiary limit. Through these measures, we are hoping to significantly reduce the school fees bill.
Thank you Mr. Speaker and members of the august House.
FEEDING OF GLEN NORAH RESIDENTS
- HON. MAONDERA asked the Minister of Public Service,
Labour and Social Welfare when the Minister is going to feed hungry residents with maize in Glen Norah just like what is being done in rural areas.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. MUPFUMIRA): Thank you Hon.
Maondera for the pertinent question.
My Ministry together with other Government agencies and ministries is seized with the food mitigation. In line with the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment report for 2015, we had initially targeted the eight rural provinces. However, due to the El Nino induced drought, the food mitigation programme is now scheduled to commence in urban areas. Since we already had statistics for vulnerable people who are currently on public assistance in urban areas, distribution shall start with those beneficiaries. Our distribution will cascade to all other affected households in a systematic approach using the existing Government district structures.
The district offices have been tasked to conduct a snap survey to ascertain urban needy households, with assistance from Treasury.
Distribution in urban areas is expected to commence on Friday, 17th June, 2016. The House will be updated once the program is in full swing.
CONDUCT OF TRADE UNIONS BUSINESS
- HON. CHIWA asked the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to inform the House what steps the Ministry is taking to ensure that trade Unions conduct their business as provided in their constitutions.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. MUPFUMIRA): Thank you Hon.
Chiwa for your pertinent question. In the past when Trade Unions submitted their applications for registration, our laws did not have the enabling provisions for the Registrar of Labour to monitor their operations as articulated in their Constitutions. We rectified this legislative anomaly through Labour Act Amendment Number 5 of 2015. The new provision allows the Registrar to monitor the activities of Trade Unions and Employment Councils. Such oversight role curtails abuse of dues, whilst balancing interests of both employer under NECs.
My Ministry is, however, currently spearheading a labour law review process with social partners to tighten ends observed in the Labour Amendment of 2015. The new law will discard provisions which hinder progression in the labour market whilst strengthening provisions which promote workplace harmony and enhance productivity.
MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT ZIMBABWE SUGAR
MILLING WORKERS UNION COMPLIES WITH ITS
CONSTITUTION AND LABOUR LAWS
- HON. CHIWA asked the Minister or Public Service, Labour
and Social Welfare to inform the House what measures the Ministry is taking to ensure that Zimbabwe Sugar Milling Workers Union (ZISMWU) complies with its Constitution and the Labour Laws in the elections into office of a substantive committee to replace the interim committee that was left in place by the Administrator.
THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND
SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. MUPFUMIRA): Thank you for the
follow up question. In the spirit of freedom of association, employers and employees must enjoy independence at the workplace with minimum interference from policy makers. Indeed, the Administrator left an interim committee in place, after an investigation revealed massive abuse of union dues by the Executive.
My Ministry has only taken steps to mediate where necessary in order to maintain harmony. The election into office of a new executive remains the prerogative of the employees. My Ministry will only avail itself to monitor elections as and when the workers instigate such elections to authenticate their new Executive.
My Ministry remains at the disposal of the employers and employees for capacity building and technical support. I thank you.
SERVICING OF GLANARY AND RYDALE RIDGE AREAS
- HON. MUKWANGWARIWA asked the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to state when the
Ministry would service Grenary and Rydale Ridge areas in Zvimba East.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC
WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING (HON. KASUKUWERE):
Mr. Speaker Sir, it is true that Grenary and Rydale Ridge belong to Zvimba Rural District Council and are in the process of providing housing to the people within and around Zvimba and Harare. In the case of Grenary, housing provision is divided into 5 phases. It is only phase 1 and 2 where the land developer was granted a parallel development permit, hence the beneficiaries are constructing their structures. In the case of phases 3, 4 and 5, the responsible Local Authority is currently working with Mr. Omar who is the land developer, to provide services in terms of all the necessary Municipal Services.
For Rydale Ridge, the responsible Local Authority is working with Manatsa Manatsa, the land developer, again to provide the requisite services. However, the other part is occupied by Housing Cooperatives which are struggling to provide the same services to their members.
TITLE DEEDS FOR NYABIRA RESIDENTS
- HON. MUKWANGWARIWA asked the Minister of Local
Government, Public Works and National Housing to inform the House when the residents of Nyabira Township in Zvimba East would get their title deeds for the 99 houses that were built by the Government and occupied in July 1994.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC
WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING (HON. KASUKUWERE):
The tenants at Nyabira township who occupy the 99 houses in question are renting the properties so they cannot be granted title.
PLANS IN PLACE TO ADDRESS THE FILTHY STATE OF CITIES
IN THE COUNTRY TO CURB THE OUTBREAK OF DISEASES
- HON. A. MNANGAGWA asked the Minister of Local
Government, Public Works and National Housing to inform the House what the Ministry has put in place to address the filthy state of cities in the country in order to curb the outbreak of diseases.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC
WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING (HON. KASUKUWERE):
The Local Authorities are currently capacitating their operations through the acquisition of new plant and equipment for refuse management. A survey was conducted in May, 2016 to assess the amount of waste being generated and characterize the content of the Municipal Solid Waste. The information gathered is being used to produce a new integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan that will effectively address the challenges being faced.
Mr. Speaker Sir, in an effort to improve the state of cities, all Local
Authorities’ Health Departments are directed to carry out the following: Licencing, carrying out routine monitoring and inspection of business premises in accordance with the provisions of relevant legislation.
- Enforcing the provision of waste receptacles in business premises to address the sanitation state in sanitary lanes.
- Monitoring public gathering places such as bus termini and market places to ensure that basic hygiene conditions are maintained.
- Playing an active role in control of illegal vending activities by alerting relevant enforcement wings.
- Monitoring illegal structures with a view of alerting relevant enforcement arms.
- Routine monitoring of water, sewer and trade waste discharges with a view of taking immediate remedial action.
- Disseminating health education/promotion in community to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Having an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan which is operational and activated in the event of an outbreak.
STEPS TO MAXIMISE ON LIGHTING STREET LIGHTS USING
SOLAR ENERGY
- HON. A. MNANGAGWA asked the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to inform the House steps that the Ministry has taken to maximize on lighting our streets using solar energy.
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING (HON. KASUKUWERE): I
am glad to inform this august House that our urban Local Authorities have entered into agreements that will see the implementation of the solar street lighting project. Already a number of the Local Authorities have started the implementation of the programme as highlighted by the recently launched solar street lighting programme in Marondera between the Local Authority and ZESA. In the case of Harare, the project has already commenced, starting with the CBD with a target to install 14000 solar streetlights by December, 2017. This has also seen a number of Local Authorities following suit. All these projects are being funded through Public – Private Partnerships. Local Authorities have already carried out due diligence to ensure reliability of the installed infrastructure and to ensure a mobile and sustainable business model subsists. A Cabinet decision on the use of renewable energy has given the programme traction and impetus to its implementation.
CURBING OF ILLEGAL CAR PARKS AND GARAGES ALONG
WEDZA ROAD
- HON. G. K. SITHOLE asked the Minister of Local
Government, Public Works and National Housing to state what the Ministry is doing to curb the sprouting of illegal car parks and garages along Wedza road, opposite Unit B Section in Chitungwiza considering that the structures are very close to the highway?
THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC
WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING (HON. KASUKUWERE):
Let me inform this august House that we have a concept plan for the whole of Chitungwiza. Urban Development Corporation (UDCORP) came up with the concept plan under instruction from my Ministry. Chitungwiza concept plan is already being implemented and any illegal car parks and garages along Wedza road will face the wrath of the law and the situation will be dealt with.
Questions with Notice were interrupted by THE HON. ACTING
SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order No. 64.
On the motion of HON. RUNGANI, seconded by HON.
CHINOTIMBA, the House adjourned at Thirteen Minutes to Five
o’clock p.m. until Thursday, 8th September, 2016.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 23rd August, 2016
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
MOTION
LEAVE TO MOVE ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE ON A
DEFINITE MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:
POLICE BRUTALITY ON CITIZENS ENGAGING IN PEACEFUL
AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEMONSTRATIONS
HON. CHAMISA: Mr. Speaker Sir, just to appreciate other Members of Parliament. My motion today has to do with a motion on a matter of urgent public importance, which motion, you are aware I moved last week. I am also reliably informed that fellow Members of Parliament are now ready to debate this motion so that we utilise the resources of the taxpayer. It is on that account Mr. Speaker Sir, that I
wish to move the following motion. The motion has already been tabled before - just to restate for purposes of procedure and making sure that we are in line with dictates of the rules and orders. The motion reads....
THE HON. SPEAKER: There is no need to repeat it.
HON. CHAMISA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I really appreciate. So the motion is accordingly placed on the Table for the House to debate on adjournment.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. The motion contemplated by Hon. Chamisa is in terms of Order Number 59. This motion has suffered still-birth twice and the Hon. Member, I do not know how he consulted. However, I want to take him on his word that there are still people who would like to debate that motion - I will give it a last chance. If it fails again, it shall not be entertained in future because we do not want to do that which we know may not succeed. I have advised Hon.
Chamisa to try other aspects or strategies that may achieve the same.
In terms of Standing Order Number 59, how many are still for that motion?
All MDC-T Members rose in their places.
THE HON. SPEAKER: The number of Hon. Members
supporting the motion being more than 25, the motion will stand in terms of Standing Order Number 59, although I was expecting a large number of people as was indicated by Hon. Chamisa.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. MATUKE: Thank you Hon. Speaker. I move that Orders
of the Day Numbers 1 and 2 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. MUKWANGWARIWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE 39TH PLENARY ASSEMBLY OF THE SADC
PARLIAMENTARY FORUM
HON. DR. MUKANDURI: I move the motion standing in my name;
That this House takes note of the Report of the 39th Plenary
Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, held at Ezulwini,
Swaziland, from 29th May to 7th June, 2016.
HON. GONESE: I second.
HON. DR. MUKANDURI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 The 39th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) was convened at the Royal Swazi Convention Centre in Ezulwini, Kingdom of Swaziland from 30 May to 6 June 2016. The Session brought together Presiding Officers and Members of Parliament from the 14 SADC Members States under the theme, “Strengthening Parliamentary Role in the Protection and Realisation of Human
Rights in Southern Africa”. The following countries were represented at the Plenary Assembly: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of
Congo, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Hon.
Advocate Jacob Francis Mudenda, Speaker of the National Assembly of
Zimbabwe, led a Parliamentary delegation comprising the following
Members and Officers of Parliament to the Plenary Assembly:-
Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa, Member of Parliament and
Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Women Parliamentarians Caucus
(ZWPC);
Hon. Dr. Samson Mukanduri, Member of Parliament;
Hon. Tambudzani Mohadi, Member of Parliament;
Hon. Innocent Gonese, Member of Parliament;
Hon. Jasmine Toffa, Member of Parliament;
Ms. Rudo N. E. Doka, Acting Principal Director – External
Relations; and Mr. Robert Sibanda, Security – Aide to the Speaker.
2.0 THE OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY
2.1 The Official Opening Ceremony of the 39th Plenary
Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum took place at the Royal Swazi Convention Centre in Ezulwini on the 2nd of June 2016.
2.2 In his introductory statement, Dr. E. Chiviya, SecretaryGeneral of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, welcomed all the delegates and alluded to the Kingdom’s support for and commitment to the objectives of the Forum. He introduced the theme of the 39th Plenary,
“Strengthening Parliamentary Role in the Protection and Realization of Human Rights”, and underscored the need for Parliaments to examine their own understanding of the centrality of human rights in law making and in the ratification and implementation of human rights instruments.
2.3 Hon. Themba Msibi, Speaker of the National Assembly of
Swaziland, welcomed his Majesty’s guests, all the delegates and observers to the Plenary. He noted the instrumental role played by the SADC PF in promoting dialogue and the commitment by SADC
Parliaments to complementing the SADC Development Strategy and Roadmap 2016 to 2063 through effectively playing the oversight role in its implementation.
2.4 The outgoing Chairperson of the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC), Hon. Francisca Tomas, conveyed a message of support from the RWPC and recognised the role played by
Swazi women in resistance to colonial domination. She referred to the
African Union’s decision to declare 2016 as the Year of Women’s Rights, which resonates the theme of the 39th Plenary Assembly and implored governments to actively involve women in all decision making processes. While referring to all the regional and international conventions to which the SADC Region has committed, Hon. Tomas bemoaned the failure by Member States to achieve the 50/50 gender parity goal by 2015.
2.5 The Vice-President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Hon.
Joseph Njobvuyalema, re-iterated the need for the SADC Parliamentary
Forum to transform into a Regional Parliament, highlighting that the
SADC is now the only region without a formal Regional Parliament.
2.6 In a Keynote Address delivered on behalf of His Royal
Highness, King Mswati 111 by Deputy Prime Minister Senator Paul
Dhlamini, he acknowledged the issue of human rights as key in Africa’s endeavour to realize sustainable development objectives and goals by
2030 and 2063. He reiterated that the actualisation of Africa’s development and prosperity largely depended on the protection and promotion of human rights, and more specifically on the rights of women.
2.7 The Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Mudenda, Speaker of the
National Assembly, extended a vote of thanks and deep gratitude to His
Royal Highness, King Mswati 111 for allowing the Kingdom of
Swaziland to host the 39th Plenary Assembly and granting an audience to Presiding Officers, Leaders of delegations and other delegates participating at the 39th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC PF.
3.0 SYMPOSIUM ON THE THEME, “STRENGTHENING
PARLIAMENTARY ROLE IN THE PROTECTION AND
REALIsATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA”
3.1 In his presentation, Mr. Deprose Muchena, the Executive Director of Amnesty International Southern Africa, gave an overview of the political, economic and social context of Southern Africa, demonstrating that the region is a product of struggles for human rights, good governance and democracy. He noted that human rights are therefore, indigenous and should not be viewed as a foreign imposition or a western ideology. He explained the characteristics of most postindependence states of the region as “dual and enclave” economies, meaning, a developed and diversified formal economy sitting alongside an underdeveloped peasant-based subsistence rural economy. This, he noted, results in the problem of acute inequalities manifested through unequal access to social services especially health, education, water, sanitation and food.
3.3 The ensuing debate called for Amnesty International to work with individual Parliaments on human rights issues. Mr. Muchena informed Members that Amnesty International does not have programmes with individual Parliaments but wants to collaborate with the SADC Parliamentary Forum Secretariat. Parliaments, however, can:-
- Move motions to indicate to the Executive, the list of Protocols which have not been ratified or brought to Parliament for approval;
- Ensure the provision of adequate funding of independent
Commissions;
- Propose that the school curricula includes education on human rights; and
- Call for the beneficiation of resources.
3.4 With regards to the issues discussed, the Plenary Assembly adopted the resolutions on page 7 of this report under bullet 5.3.3.
4.0 MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee met on 31 May 2016 to consider various issues and resolved as follows:-
4.1 The Transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum into a Regional Parliament
4.1.1 Following the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in August 2015 in Gaborone, Botswana, where a request to transform the SADC –Parliamentary Forum into a Regional Parliament had been submitted and rejected for the fourth time, the Executive Committee constituted an Ad-hoc Committee to work with the Secretary-General and scrutinise the reasons for the unfavourable response.
4.1.2 The Ad-hoc Committee, chaired by the Hon. Adv. Jacob
Francis Mudenda, Speaker of the National Assembly, comprised the Hon. Speaker Prof. Peter Katjavivi of Namibia and the Hon. Speaker Justice Dr. Patrick Matibini of Zambia.
4.1.3 Deliberations of the Ad-hoc Committee concluded that the three strategies outlined below be pursued concurrently and immediately, given that the next Summit was scheduled for August
2016:-
- Speakers and Members of SADC Parliaments should engage their respective Heads of State and Government and ensure that Cabinet deliberate and agree to the transformation of the SADC
– PF into a SADC Regional Parliament;
- Identify and request a willing SADC Member State to move a motion on the Agenda of the upcoming Summit scheduled for August 2016 in the Kingdom of Swaziland, for the establishment of a SADC Regional Parliament; and
- Make a formal representation to SADC Senior Officials who are responsible for drafting the Summit Agenda.
4.1.4 The Executive Committee, therefore, endorsed the recommendations by the Ad-hoc Committee, to resubmit the matter to the Summit for reconsideration. The said recommendations would form the basis of the appeal to the SADC Summit.
4.2 The SADC PF Flag
4.2.1 The reprinted SADC – PF flag was officially handed over to the Hon. Speakers and Heads of Delegations during the 39th Plenary
Assembly Session.
4.3 Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and
Protecting Children Already in Marriage
4.3.1 The Executive Committee adopted the Model Law, which was subsequently debated extensively in plenary and endorsed with amendments. Respective National Parliaments have the onerous responsibility to popularise the document among relevant Government Ministries and departments of Member States and other stakeholders.
4.3.2 Post adoption programmes will be spearheaded by the SADC
– PF Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes, who will carry out the initiative to its logical conclusion.
4.3.3 Regional and International Institutions, including the African
Union, Southern African Development Community, the Pan-African
Parliament, the East African Legislative Assembly, Association of
European Parliaments for Africa, Plan International, Sweden and Senior Chieftainess Kachindamoto of Malawi, delivered solidarity messages to the 39th Plenary Assembly Session upon the adoption of the Model Law.
They applauded the Forum for making a clear political statement and for its uniqueness in being the first Assembly to develop and adopt a Model Law on Child Marriages in Africa and in the world. Special training for traditional leaders and law enforcement agencies on the dangers of child marriage and the importance of enforcing relevant child protection laws was recommended. Addressing the financial motivation of impoverished families and their economic needs could also alleviate the problem.
4.4 Parliamentary Studies Institute (PSI)
4.4.1 Following the endorsement of a decision to establish a
Parliamentary Studies Institute (PSI) in principle, in November 2015, the
Secretary-General informed the Executive Committee about the offer by
Zimbabwe to host the PSI, through a letter dated 25 May 2016 from the
Hon. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, Vice-President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. The letter confirmed that H.E. the President, Cde. Robert G.
Mugabe, had accepted to host the PSI in Zimbabwe.
4.4.2 In charting the way forward, the Executive Committee recommended to the Plenary a team comprising Hon. Speaker Prof.
Peter Katjavivi of Namibia; Hon. Speaker Justice Dr. Patrick Matibini of Zambia; and Dr. Esau Chiviya, Secretary-General of the SADC – PF, to visit a similar institution in Nairobi, Kenya. The study tour will inform the SADC – PF on the structure, staffing levels and administrative costs, as the Forum embarks on the project of establishing the PSI. Arrangements to visit Zimbabwe to view the two proposed buildings offered as possible headquarters of the Institute would be placed in motion by the Secretary-General and submit recommendations to the Executive Committee accordingly.
4.4.3 During the course of its deliberations, the Plenary Assembly endorsed the above recommendations and requested the Executive
Committee to keep them abreast on the developments.
4.5 Costs for Election Observation
4.5.1 The 39th Plenary Assembly Session deferred approval on the proposal for an additional contribution of US$16,342.93 per Member Parliament towards the 2016/2017 financial year budget to cover logistics costs for SADC – PF Election Observation Missions. Costs to be covered include field transport, conference venues, interpretation and accommodation for support staff.
4.5.2 It was in the spirit of promoting oversight and that election observation was one of the flagship activities of the SADC – PF, that the Executive Committee appealed to the Plenary Assembly to rescind its decision and approve the inclusion of logistics costs for Election
Observation Missions.
4.5.3 The Plenary Assembly acknowledged the need to observe elections but disagreed with the inclusion of this cost in the 2016/2017 budget year. However, the recommendation to support Election Observation Missions, based on the actual election calendar each year, was endorsed subject to the provision of a detailed computation of the costs involved. Contributions towards election observation will, therefore, remain voluntary based on the cost for a particular election.
4.6 Increasing SADC – PF Membership
4.6.1 During the 38th Plenary Assembly, a proposal was submitted to increase the SADC – PF Membership from the current six (6) to a maximum of seven (7) Members per country and the proposal was declined. It is against this background that the Executive Committee earnestly appealed to the Plenary Assembly to rescind its decision and allow Member Parliaments that can afford to nominate seven (7) members to the Forum. Those that cannot afford are not compelled to nominate an additional member.
4.6.2 Following intense debate on the proposal, the Plenary Assembly resolved to maintain the status quo. Members argued that an imbalance in the membership would defeat the guiding principles of democracy and equality, upon which the organisation was founded.
4.7 Development of a Regional Model Law on the Electoral
Process
4.7.1 The Assembly considered the possibility of coming up with a Model Law on Elections to assist Member States to domesticate the principles and guidelines for democratic elections, taking into account that the electoral obligations on Member States are spread in various electoral instruments including the Norms and Standards for Elections in the SADC Region, Benchmarks for Assessing Democratic Elections in Southern Africa and the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. Such a Model Law will be informed by the election cycle so that it comprehensively covers all matters related to the electoral process rather than events such as polling. SADC
PF, in this regard, will partner with such organisations as the Electoral
Commissions Forum of SADC, SADC Electoral Advisory Council
(SEAC) and others in the development of the proposed Model Law.
4.7.2 The development of a Model Law on Elections in the SADC
Region was sanctioned by the Plenary Assembly.
4.8 Forensic Audit of The Forum’s Finances
4.8.1 The Executive Committee resolved that the Finance SubCommittee should visit the SADC PF Headquarters in Namibia and review the several issues related to the Forum’s finances, including budget lines, Membership Contributions, fund raising and possible institution of austerity measures. The decision is in line with the
Executive Committee’s earlier decision of November 2015 in Swakopmund, Namibia, where it had resolved that a Forensic Audit of the Forum’s Finances be carried out. However, the Forensic Audit could not take place due to lack of resources to fund the mission.
4.8.2 The Treasurer will develop the Terms of Reference and modalities for the Forensic Audit in consultation with the Members of the Finance Sub-Committee. The Finance Sub-Committee will report to the Executive Committee, which will ultimately report to the 40th
Plenary Assembly.
4.8.3 The Plenary Assembly agreed with the proposal.
4.9 Treasurer’s Report
4.9.1 The Treasurer’s Report highlighted the impact of the depreciation of the Rand (ZAR) against the United States Dollar (USD) and indicated how it had affected expenditure on salaries, goods and services. It was against this background that the Executive Committee suggested the following:-
- That the staff emoluments be paid in USD to avoid exchange loss suffered by the employees;
- A supplementary budget for the 2016/17 financial year with an increase of 10% of the annual mandatory contribution was proposed; and
- Cost cutting measures to prioritise Forum expenditures and budget reallocation so that expenditure remains within the approved current contribution levels.
4.9.2 The Plenary Assembly interrogated the options and resolved as follows:-
- That annual mandatory contributions be computed and paid in
ZAR;
- That the Forum Secretariat provides a breakdown of the supplementary budget for consideration; and
- That option 2 of the cost cutting measures be adopted without part (e) which proposed a 10% Cost of Living Allowance for
staff.
4.10 Annual Member Contributions
4.10.1As of 25 May 2016, Zimbabwe was in arrears to the tune of
ZAR2, 705,212.00. The Plenary Assembly urged all Member Parliaments with outstanding contributions to settle by November 2016 to avoid possible suspension.
4.11 Secretary-General’s Residence
4.11.1A Sub-Committee was appointed to handle the issue of purchasing a residence for the Secretary-General and report to the 40th Plenary Assembly in November 2016.
4.11.2All Member Parliaments in arrears in terms of contributions towards the purchase of the Secretary-General’s residence were requested to clear by November 2016.
5.0 PLENARY ASSEMBLY
5.1 The Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum met from the 1st to the 5th of June 2016 to consider, take note and adopt motions as follows:-
5.2 Motion for the Adoption of the Model Law on
Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in
Marriage in Southern Africa
5.2.1 The motion was moved by Hon. Innocent Gonese of
Zimbabwe and seconded by Hon. Dr. Jessie Kabwila of Malawi. National Parliaments are expected to distribute the documents to relevant Government Ministries and Departments of Members States and other relevant stakeholders. The Model Law was adopted with amendments.
5.3 A motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights was moved by Hon. Maneesh Gobin of Mauritius, seconded by Hon. Dr.
Mukanduri of Zimbabwe.
5.3.1 The Committee presented its report which was centered on the presentation made to the Committee by Mr. Deprose Muchena, Executive Director of Amnesty International Southern Africa, on the theme, “Strengthening Parliament’s Role in the Protection and Realisation of Human Rights in Southern Africa”. The presentation identified democracy and human rights as the cornerstone of development.
5.3.3 The Standing Committee made the following resolutions which were submitted to the Plenary for approval and action:-
- Call upon SADC PF, through its collaboration with Amnesty International, to train Parliamentarians at regional and national levels on human rights issues in order to build their knowledge and skills as well as research capacity on the role of Parliaments in the protection, realisation and promotion of human rights;
- Call upon Member States to enact and implement laws and policies that promote socio-economic justice and equality as well as inclusive and sustainable growth and development in order to ensure access to employment and social services especially health, education, water, sanitation and food, in line with the Constitution and international human rights standards;
- Implore National Parliaments to play a central role in the
ratification and domestication as well as in monitoring the implementation of regional and international human rights agreements at national level;
- Call on Governments in the region to provide leadership and political commitment towards the implementation of regional and international human rights obligations to which their States are party;
- Call on National Parliaments to ensure robust and effective financial oversight in order to curb corruption and illicit financial flows from Member States, particularly in the extractive sector, in order to ensure that governments have adequate resources to deliver public services;
- Urge Member States to put legal and other necessary measures in place to ensure that all Official Development Assistance contracts include a provision for parliamentary oversight in order to ensure transparency in the management of such funds towards implementing public policy and delivering public service;
- Implore National Parliaments to establish and strengthen committee systems to ensure robust human rights oversight and to ensure collaboration between parliamentary committees with other relevant actors at national level, including Human Rights
Commissions and civil society in tracking human rights issues;
- Call upon SADC PF to sustain its election observation work and ensure that a human rights culture is entrenched in the conduct of elections by SADC Member States;
- Urge SADC Member States to adopt human rights supportive Foreign Policy in order to establish their credentials as conscientious members of the international community, and in the same vein, implore SADC PF to promote greater protection of human rights through diplomacy, by among other actions, deploying goodwill missions to Member States experiencing situations that could trigger human rights violations; and
- Call upon SADC PF to develop regional principles and guidelines on the role of Parliaments in the protection, realisation and promotion of human rights in Southern Africa in order to facilitate national parliaments in their work on human rights.
5.3.4 The report was adopted by the Plenary.
5.4 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Standing
Committee on Gender Equality, Women Advancement and Youth
Development (GEWAYD)
5.4.1 The motion was moved by Hon. Patricia Kainga of Malawi and seconded by Hon. Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu of Swaziland.
5.4.2 Given the current status of gender in the GEWAYD Standing Committee, with one male, the meeting resolved to appeal to the Plenary to persuade national parliaments to allocate male members to this committee and address the gender imbalance.
5.4.3 Having considered the third draft of the Youth Development Policy Framework, which gives guidance to mainstreaming youth development issues in policies and practices of the SADC Parliamentary Forum in general and national parliaments in particular, the meeting resolved to adopt the policy and appealed to the Plenary Assembly to:-
- Consider the policy positively;
- Encourage national Parliaments, specifically political parties, to allocate a quota for young people in their electoral candidates lists; and
- Reserve a quota for youths to be seconded to the SADC
Parliamentary Forum by each National Parliament.
5.4.4 The Plenary Assembly considered the proposals and adopted them.
5.5 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special
Programmes.
5.5.1 Hon. Ahmed Munzoor Shaik-Emam of South Africa moved the motion, seconded by Hon. Manthabiseng of Lesotho. Hon Ahmed noted that the Committee met to interrogate the efficacy and impact of the use of criminal law to regulate transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C, consensual adolescent sexual activity, termination of pregnancy, same sex relationships and injecting drug use, explored linkages between mining and the incidence of HIV/AIDS, TB and Silicosis in the SADC region, among other cross cutting issues in the realm of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.
5.5.4 The Committee appointed a Health Communications Advisory Committee to support it and recommended to the Plenary as follows:-
- The SADC PF should facilitate the development of a specific action plan on SRHR HIV awareness, sensitisation and advocacy and ensure implementation of the plan in the constituencies through its member Parliaments. In particular, there is need for SADC PF to facilitate the dissemination of information about the regional and international agreements to which the respective Member States are party. As part of these activities, the media could then run special editions, documentaries and feature articles on HIV/AIDS and SRHR, incorporating those activities from the constituencies;
- SADC PF should organise some joint workshops for parliamentarians and Members of the media aimed at building trust and understanding between the two. Part of the content of these workshops should also be training for parliamentarians on how to effectively handle the media in the course of their work;
- SADC PF should undertake more capacity building programmes for the media to enhance their knowledge on and skills in reporting on SRHR and HIV/AIDS issues;
- SADC PF should facilitate regular interface between Parliamentarians and the media so that the media can be well informed about what the Parliamentarians are doing at all times. The media should also liaise with the SADC PF Public Relations Officer for any updates on SRHR, HIV/AIDS. There could also be a Google set up alert to notify the Forum and journalists involved in the programme each time a
Parliamentarian is quoted in the media about SRHR, HIV and
AIDS; and
- SADC PF should come up with deliberate measures to enhance media coverage of SRHR activities undertaken by Parliamentarians, especially in rural areas.
5.5.5 The motion was put and agreed to.
5.6 Motion to Adopt the Report of the Standing Committee on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources
5.6.1 Hon. Tambudzani Mohadi moved the motion, seconded by Hon. Phumelele Dlamini of Swaziland. The Committee had met to consider the challenges being faced in the SADC Region regarding TB,
HIV and Silicosis in the Mining Industry, with miners in South Africa’s gold mines having the highest rates of TB infection in the world. The
Committee agreed to submit the following recommendations to the 39th
Plenary Assembly for approval and action:-
- That Members of Parliament be urged to monitor and support the domestication of the following:-
- The 2012 SADC Declaration on Tuberculosis (TB) in the
Mining Sector;
- The 2015 SADC Code of Conduct on Tuberculosis (TB) in the Mining Sector; and
- The implementation of SADC Portability of Social Security Benefits and Services at national level.
- That those countries that have reportedly not yet signed the
SADC Declaration on TB in the Mining Sector, namely South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar be encouraged to do so as a matter of urgency;
- That the SADC Parliamentary Forum must develop a SADC Model Law on TB in the Mining Industry, facilitate increased and meaningful parliamentary advocacy, promote good governance of this sector and ensure that vulnerable groups and individuals are adequately catered for; and
- That the SADC Parliamentary Forum must continue to collaborate with various partners to enhance the capacity of as many Members of Parliament of the SADC region as possible, to understand, interrogate and address issues concerning TB, HIV and Silicosis in the Mining Industry, among others.
- The Plenary Assembly adopted the recommendations.
- Senator Tambudzani Mohadi was unanimously elected as Chairperson of the Committee.
5.7 Motion for the adoption of the Report of the Standing
Committee on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment
5.7.1 The motion was moved by Hon. Mfanawemakhosi Dlamini of Swaziland, seconded by Hon. Siphosizwe Masango of South Africa.
5.7.2 The report, which focused on the theme, “Enhancing Access to Medicine through the adoption of Human Rights’ Approach and
Harnessing the TRIPTS flexibilities”, noted the central role of
Parliament in the successful implementation of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda.
5.7.3 It was in that regard that the TFI Committee implored the
SADC Parliamentary Forum and National Parliaments to:-
- Call on SADC governments to fast-track the process of harnessing TRIPTS flexibilities at the national level through the use of tools such as the SADC Pharmaceutical Business Plan and the African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights’ Resolution 141 which advocates for “Access to Health and
Needed Medicines in Africa”;
- Urges greater collaboration and mutual support at regional level to fast track the process of harnessing the TRIPTS flexibilities;
- Advocate for greater parliamentary role in advocating for the adoption of a human rights approach to access to medicine and the use of TRIPYS flexibilities by SADC governments;
- Emphasize the role and importance of Parliament in the domestication, ratification and oversight of the relevant instruments aimed at harnessing the TRIPYS flexibilities in promotion of access to medicine;
- Encourage SADC governments and Parliaments to enhance collaboration with SARPAM and other civil society organisations in advancing the objectives of universal access to affordable healthcare and to increase oversight of this sector; and
- Implore SADC governments, including their respective
Parliaments, to prioritise people’s access to healthcare through adequately budgeting for this sector.
5.7.4 The Plenary Assembly adopted the motion.
5.8 Motion on the Adoption of the Report of the Joint Session of Committees of the SADC Parliamentary Forum for Capacity
Strengthening on the theme, “Criminalisation and Stigmatisation: Disincentives to the Realisation of Fundamental Human Rights and Public Health”.
5.8.1 Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa moved the motion, seconded by
Hon. Masafele Monitoa of South Africa.
5.8.2 The Joint Session recommended to the 39th Plenary
Assembly Session as follows:-
- Facilitate capacity building and support to national parliaments to stimulate further dialogue leading to possible law reform around the issue of criminalisation of HIV transmission;
- Capacitate Parliamentarians to advocate for the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity as prohibited grounds for discrimination by health providers;
- That the 39th Plenary Assembly calls upon SADC to urgently spearhead the combating of Tuberculosis and Silicosis, mobilisation of financial resources and explore ways of accelerating disbursement of compensation and benefits to exminers and their families; and
- Advocacy activities on occupational health and harmonisation of laws and policies to place TB and Silicosis liability on the mining business.
5.8.3 The Plenary Assembly adopted the report.
5.9 Motion on the Need for Integrated Energy Infrastructure and Security as a Means for Regional Development with Specific
Attention to Inga Dam Project
5.9.1 The motion was moved by Hon. Stevens Mokgalapa of South
Africa seconded by Hon. Boniface Nkolo Balamage of DRC.
5.9.2 The need for energy as an essential requirement in all aspects of our daily lives, to drive economies and to integrate the region was highlighted. The energy situation, he said, requires serious commitments about energy security and efficiency in the SADC region.
5.9.3 The Grand Inga Dam Project was referred to as a source of clean hydro-power energy with the immense potential of generating enough energy to supply the SADC region and the whole African continent.
5.9.4 In concerted efforts to address energy challenges in
SADC, the motion called upon Member States to:-
- Develop and harness existing renewable energy resources and embrace energy efficiency as a matter of priority;
- Ensure that the needs of our regions are understood by all SADC citizens, policy makers and regulators, local and global investors, developers and project promoters; and
- Embrace integrated energy security as a means for regional development with specific reference to the Inga Dam Project.
5.9.5 The motion was adopted by the Plenary and because of the critical nature of the issues involved, the matter was referred to the Standing Committee on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment for further research.
5.10 Motion on the Negative Impact of Poor Service Delivery on Women as People Responsible for the Care Work at the
Household
5.10.1The distinctive features of the challenges faced by women in the SADC region were highlighted as follows:-
- Disparities in terms of enrolment in tertiary institutions;
- Gender Based Violence;
- Care giving;
- Marginalisation;
- Very low income; and
- Access to resourced health facilities with dependable ante-natal and pediatric services.
5.10.2In view of the above, the motion called for all Member States to continuously evaluate progress achieved towards gender equality in accordance with Article 3 of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and to compile sufficient gender disaggregated data to ensure that the impact of government services can be measured in a gender sensitive manner.
5.10.3Member States preparing for general and local elections are urged to adhere to Article 12 and 13 of the same protocol, relating to women’s representation and participation in political and decisionmaking positions.
5.10.4The motion was adopted by the Plenary with a plea to legislators to translate words of support into action.
5.11 Motion on the Youth Development Policy Framework
5.11.1The 35th Plenary Assembly Session resolved on the development of a Youth Development Policy Framework with the strategic objective of integrating youth development programmes in the core business of the SADC PF and National Parliaments.
5.11.2Given that the region has a young population with 76% under the age of thirty-five (35), the challenges of unemployment, limited access to education, lack of entrepreneurship skills, HIV and AIDS, pose a threat to national and regional development, peace and security.
5.11.3The debate on this presentation highlighted that youths are subject to infiltration by external forces due to despair. It is in this regard that political parties were urged to create legal space in their constitutions and include youths in the political agenda. At the national level, an implementation matrix, based on a clear legal framework, was proposed.
5.11.4National Parliaments are advised to consider the following areas of strategic intervention for youth development:-
- Education and skills development;
- Creation of sustainable employment opportunities;
- Promotion of entrepreneurship;
- Health and safety lifestyles;
- Sports and promotion of social values;
- Community engagement;
- Participation in politics and governance; and
- Youth engagement, social justice and inclusion.
- 5The legislative and oversight role of Parliament becomes pertinent in terms of ensuring that government initiates relevant policies and programmes for youth development, backed up by appropriate legislation. Standing Committees responsible for youth development should monitor and evaluate government youth development programmes.
5.12 Motion to adopt Report of the Regional Women
Parliamentarians Caucus (RWPC)
5.12.1The motion was moved by Hon. Dr. J. Kabwila of Malawi seconded by Hon. M. Mutsvangwa.
6.0 REPORT OF THE REGIONAL WOMEN
PARLIAMENTARIANS CAUCUS (RWPC)
6.1 A meeting of the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC) was convened at the Royal Swazi Spa in Swaziland on the 2nd of June 2016. Hon. Francisca Tomas, Member of Parliament for
Mozambique and outgoing Chairperson of the RWPC chaired the meeting. Zimbabwe was represented at this meeting by Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa, Hon. Tambudzani Mohadi and Hon. Jasmine Toffa. Cooperating partners in attendance were Ms. Anne Guthika – Shongwe and Ms. Caroline Nyamawemombe from UN Women.
6.2 The meeting adopted the following resolutions for endorsement by the Plenary:-
- That the RWPC would serve as a champion for the implementation of the conclusions and of the Commitments of the Conference on the Status of Women (CSW60) in Resolution
60/2;
- That the RWPC would demand accountability by the Executive on translating the agreed conclusions into actionable results at regional and country levels and reporting in 2018; and
- That the RWPC would ensure that resources are directed to the constituency for the implementation of the commitments.
6.3 The meeting focused on a Global Solidarity Movement, called HeforShe, which challenges men and women to be champions of gender equality. The following commitments were made to the RWPC:-
- SADC – PF’s Vice President, Hon. Joseph Njobvuyalema, undertook to be a champion of gender equality across the organisation, while the Secretary – General, Dr. Esau Chiviya undertook to serve as a champion at the Secretariat level; and The Speakers of Swaziland, Hon. Themba Msibi and Zimbabwe, Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Mudenda, signed as champions representing their own institutions.
- The four mentioned above were applauded for offering themselves to be champions of gender equality and look forward to knowing more about each of their specific areas of focus and accompanying strategies. The RWPC wishes to encourage the Speakers of other National Parliaments to follow suit and sign up as champions.
- Furthermore, the meeting resolved that the HeforShe
Solidarity Campaign should be decentralised to each National Parliament, where it should be championed by Speakers. The Speakers will then report on progress made regarding their commitments as a champion, through the Women’s Caucus, at each SADC – PF Plenary Assembly Session.
- The meeting proceeded on to elect Hon. Dr. Jessie Kabwila,
Chairperson of the Malawi Women’s Caucus, as the new RWPC
Chairperson and Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa, Chairperson for the
Zimbabwe Women Parliamentarians Caucus, as the Vice Chairperson of the RWPC
7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
The Zimbabwe delegation to the SADC PF recommends the following for adoption by Parliament:
RESOLUTION | ACTION | TIME
LINE |
|
1. | Model Law on
Eradicating Child Marriage and |
Avail copies of the Model Law to relevant Government Ministries, | As soon as we receive copies of the |
Protecting Children Already in Marriage | departments and other stakeholders. | amended version form the SADC PF
Secretariat |
|
2. | Election
Observation Missions |
The leadership of Parliament to engage Treasury over the funding of all election observation activities in terms of participation of Members and Staff as well as logistical support for the SADC
PF Secretariat. |
Whenever we receive notification of election observation in the SADC region |
3. | Transformation of the SADC
Parliamentary Forum into a regional Parliament |
The Hon. Speaker to engage the
Executive with regards to the appeal for transformation |
The Hon. Speaker to advise on the date |
4. | Youth | Delegation to scrutinise Youth oriented | By |
Development
Policy Framework |
policies and legislation, create implementable and time bound resolutions and report to the next Plenary of November 2016 | September
2016 |
|
5. | Member
Parliaments to ensure that subscriptions are up to date by November 2016 |
The Administration of Parliament to engage the Ministry of Finance over the outstanding amount. | By
November 2016 |
6. | HeforShe
Solidarity Campaign to be decentralised to National Parliaments |
The Hon. Speaker to champion gender equality at the Parliament of Zimbabwe. | Ongoing |
7. | National
Parliaments to play a central role in the |
The leadership of Parliament to engage the Executive over commitments towards implementation of Regional and | Ongoing |
Ratification and Domestication as well as monitoring the implementation of Regional and International
Human Rights Agreements at National level |
International Human Rights obligations.
|
||
8. | National Parliaments to ensure effective financial oversight to curb corruption and illicit financial flows from Member States to ensure that governments have | Parliament to continue strengthening the relevant Committees in Capacity Building on effective oversight. | Ongoing |
adequate resources to deliver public services | |||
9. | National Parliaments to address the gender imbalance in the
GEWAYD |
Hon. Gonese offered to move to the GEWAYD Committee whilst Hon. Mutsvangwa replaces Hon. Gonese in the Trade Industry, Finance and
Investment Committee. |
By
November 2016 |
10. | National Parliaments to second youths to the SADC
Parliamentary Forum |
The Whips to consider inclusion of young Parliamentarians in future SADC Parliamentary Forum activities and delegations. | Ongoing |
11. | SADC Declaration on TB in the
Mining Sector |
The Administration of Parliament to engage the relevant Ministry over the issue of signing the declaration. | By 31 July
2016 |
12. | National
Parliaments to |
Members to ensure adequate funding is allocated to the health sector and make | By 31
December |
ensure people’s access to health care | use of the Pre-budget seminars to advocate for sufficient funding towards health. | 2016 |
8.0 Conclusion
8.1 The delegation to the 39th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum wishes to express its gratitude for the opportunity to represent our Parliament at the Plenary Assembly. As parliamentarians, we have the grand opportunity to transform the region during these times of extraordinary global challenges, through our legal authority to hold the executive to account. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: In your report, please refer to the King as His Royal Highness. So, if you could correct that in your report. I have noticed two members who are continuously chewing something. We are not allowed to be eating anything within the House.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. SPEAKER
ZANU PF CAUCUS MEETING
THE HON. SPEAKER: There will be a Caucus Meeting for ZANU PF Members of Parliament on Wednesday, 24th August, 2016 at ZANU PF Headquarters at 0900 hours.
HON. GONESE: I just want to …
HON. SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Members. Do not force the Chair to name you because you do not seem to be appreciating the continuous reminder to lower your voices. After you are named you will be asked to move out of the House.
HON. GONESE: I would just like to add my voice to the report. The presenter has given a very comprehensive report. What I am simply going to do is to highlight some very important issues which arose during the 39th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum.
I would like to begin Mr. Speaker Sir, by making reference to the symposium on the theme on the “Strengthening Parliaments role in the protection and realisation of human rights in Southern Africa”. I think Mr. Speaker that one of the challenges that we have been having is that in terms of human rights, we have been focusing more on the civil and political rights. The presenter at the Plenary Assembly was very clear that social, economic and cultural rights are equally important. We no longer have that hierarchy of rights where we refer to First, Second and Third Generation Rights. All human rights are equal and interdependent upon each other. It is important for us as representatives of the people to ensure that we champion the realisation of all those rights.
One other important aspect which emerged from the Plenary Assembly was that there is a tendency for Members of the Executive to look at all those who champion the issues on human rights as agents of the West. It is important Mr. Speaker, to appreciate for all of us in this august House and also for Members of the Executive in particular that issues of human rights are very important. This is the reason why when we engaged in the Constitution-making process, the issue of human rights was at the forefront. As we speak today, we have got a very comprehensive Bill of Rights which deals with all those important rights, in particular rights to health, education, water and so on which are basic human rights.
It is also important Madam Speaker for all of us to champion the realisation of all those rights and this is something which emerged. In the process, one of the issues which arose was that often times, Members of the Executive attend important conferences where they ratify certain protocols but they are not adopted subsequently in the National Parliaments. It is important for Members of Parliament and in particular, for portfolio committees to follow and keep track of all those protocols which Heads of State and Ministers of Foreign Affairs and other Members of the Executive would have signed to ensure that they are subsequently ratified and incorporated to become part of our laws. Members were urged to move motions in Parliaments to ensure that all those protocols are brought before Parliaments for ratification.
The other important issue Madam Speaker which I would like to highlight from the 39th Plenary Assembly relates to the transformation of the SADC PF into a regional parliament. It is unfortunate Madam Speaker that Southern Africa is the only region which does not have a regional parliament. If you go to West Africa, to ECOWAS, they have got a regional parliament. If you go to East Africa, they have got East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), which is a fully fledged regional parliament. In North Africa they have got the Maghreb and for the whole continent we now have got the Pan African Parliament which has been given advisory powers and to a limited extent, almost have legislative powers. It is a challenge which has been with us for a long time at every Plenary Assembly.
Members of the SADC Parliamentary Forum have tried their level best to have the regional parliamentary forum transformed into a regional Parliament. Unfortunately, it appears that we have hit a brick wall because there are some members of the Executive who are not in favour of the idea. We do not know whether it is because they do not want to have anyone peeping over their shoulders and so on. What is important is to have representatives of the people performing their oversight role. That can only happen when you have a fully fledged
Parliament.
As it is the Parliamentary Forum is emasculated. It does not have that authority of a regional Parliament. We have said that it does not need to have legislative powers to begin with because one of the challenges that we have been facing is the fear from some regional Governments that perhaps issues of their sovereignty would be challenged. We want to emphasise that sovereignty and the independence of SADC individual countries will not be challenged. What we need to have is to ensure that we have got the Executive arm which is represented at the SADC levels by the Heads of State and we should also have a legislative arm, the regional Parliament – which will then deal more effectively with the issues of the protocols which I have already alluded to if we had a regional Parliament –[HON. ZWIZWAI:
Murikunhuwa mbanje muno umu]-
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. DZIVA): Can you
please with draw your statement?
HON. ZWIZWAI: I withdraw.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I am not going to tolerate such
behaviour in this House.
HON. GONESE: It is our fervent hope that at the forthcoming SADC Summit in Swaziland, the regional leaders are going to accede to the request of the Parliamentary Forum to be transformed into a regional
Parliament.
I would also want to add that His Royal Highness, the King of Swaziland gave his support through his representative who addressed members of the forum and it is our hope that the lobbying efforts of the Speakers from the National Parliaments in the region are going to bear fruit and hopefully at the forthcoming summit in September they are going to adopt a motion to transform the Parliamentary Forum into a regional Parliament.
Another important issue which I would like to highlight is the motion which I moved in relation to the adoption of a model law on eradicating child marriages and protecting children already in marriage. It is important to adopt such a model law for the simple reason that in terms of the provisions in that model law, we are going to have penal consequences so that those who marry children – that is to say anyone below the age of 18 irrespective of whether that is a girl or boy, would be committing a criminal offence. The model law is very clear with clear recommendations on the penalties that have got to be imposed.
In due course I will proceed to bring a motion for the formal adoption of that model law so that it can become part of our law because we have been harping and talking about this issue for quite a long time but we would just remain a talk shop if we do not have something concrete.
The Parliamentary Forum was applauded because it was the first time not just in the region and on the continent but in the whole world for a grouping such as the SADC Parliamentary Forum to adopt such a model law. We have pioneers in that regard and what would be undesirable is if we have been pioneers of adopting model law, other regions can then come after us and then go ahead of us by taking concrete action. It is my recommendation that all of us as Members of Parliament should acquaint ourselves with those issues, and in particular one of the recommendations that came out of the forum is that we must have lobbying and advocacy missions at both the urban and rural level to ensure that the communities are cognisant of issues of child marriages and understand that it is something which is not desirable and that it is something which we must all endeavour to put an end to.
Apart from the issue of the model law, the other important issue which came out relates to the issues of young people. In the region and throughout the world we have had affirmative action relating to women. It came out from the report of the Standing Committee on Gender
Equality, Women Advancement and Youth Development that issues of the youth are being relegated and not attended to. It was resolved that we must have the same attention to detail that we have put on issues relating to those who are marginalised. Those who are marginalised in particular are the women.
In most Parliaments in the region we now have the women’s quota.
In Zimbabwe we now have the proportional representation to ensure that we have got adequate representation of women. Other countries like Namibia have now followed suit and they have adopted the zebra system. What has been suggested is that we must also have a similar provision to deal with youth that is those who are below the age of 35. At the moment we do not have anything concrete and political parties are therefore urged to ensure that when we go for elections, they ensure that there is sufficient representation of young people.
Those are the issues that I wanted to highlight. The report is very comprehensive and I believe that Hon. Members at their leisure can go through the whole report. I would like to urge Hon. Members to go through the report and that as Members we must then proceed to implement some of the recommendations that are in that report. With these words, I thank you.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you for allowing me to add my voice. I want to thank the mover of the motion and presenter of this report Hon.
Dr. Mukanduri and the seconder Hon. Gonese.
I want to touch on a few salient points on this report, and in particular that it recognises our situation and also that Members of the SADC Parliamentary Forum articulate issues very well. They import our agendas – ZIM ASSET and our programmes into the SADC PF which is very key. It also speaks to regional integration. There are very few issues that Hon. Gonese touched on – to do with human rights that border on the availability of water. He also touched on the issues of women representation which in Zimbabwe I think they would have communicated and SADC PF would have learnt from Zimbabwe that we as a country are above the SADC barometer of 2013 which is 18%. We are now on 35% representation taking cognisance of the fact that we now have 60 women representatives from various constituencies arising from our constitutional provision which is up to 2023. It is my fervent hope that in 2023, the amendment of the Constitution should have it open ended so that women representation in Parliament can use the present capacity of 35% as a spring board so that it can, in perpetuity or perennially, have representative women here in Parliament because what men can do women can do better.
Madam Speaker, I also now want to touch on child marriages. Hon. Nyamupinga ventilated this point eloquently and well when she touched on child marriages in Mashonaland Central just recently. I am quite aware and I am quite happy that this point was also touched on at
SADC level. This again speaks to integration of the regional integration. I say this aware also that all regional, all national blue prints and all continental blue prints including universal blue prints can only be achieved if we import into these groupings our national agendas.
I am also aware that in South Africa they have got a National Development Programme of 2016, going up for five years. I am also aware of our own national blue print that speaks to ZIM ASSET. Speaking of blue prints, I am also aware of the Chinese developmental blue print that was established in 2014 to 2018. All these blue prints and these national agendas, if they are taken on board and they are imported into global groupings, we can all speak with one voice towards the achievement of the SADC Sustainable Development Goals that were
alluded to in this report.
Madam Speaker, I think earlier I touched on human rights bordering on water rights. How do I want to join it in this debate, Madam Speaker? There was an issue that was raised at SADC PF that speaks to the media and Parliamentarians having a joint training being established for them so that they find each other because it was also mentioned in this report that they are two sides of the same coin and they should coexist. Why do I say this? Because as we speak, the journalists in my constituency in particular, where I come from in Mashonaland West Province, they have taken on board the issues to do with water rights and the issues to do with deficiency of water in my constituency, in particular Chegutu West and in Mashonaland West in general, to the point that if we do not have sufficient water like is obtaining in Chegutu, we will always be in the reverse mode and we will always go back to 2008 and 2009 where thousands of innocent souls perished and passed on in Chegutu West due to cholera because of the deficiency or the inadequate water supplies that currently obtain in
Chegutu West.
Chegutu West has got a capacity of utilising 22 mega litres but presently, it treats only 10 mega litres. As long as we do not address this deficiency, we will always have the recurrence of cholera, typhoid and all other water borne diseases. I speak like that because I am aware and cognisant of the fact that the journalists have taken it on board to highlight the issues of water deficiency in Chegutu West in particular and Mashonaland West in general because as long as there is no cohesion between Hon. Members in constituencies, and the journalist fraternity or the media fraternity, there will not be a story that is told with a voice because the media is telling a story with live motion and it also speaks to giving voice to the issues that the MPs are trying to articulate in their constituencies. So, I applaud SADC PF for taking on board the initiative of a joint training between media and MPs.
Madam Speaker, in that report, the issue of HIV/AIDS is also highlighted. One Hon. Member from another nation spoke to the issue that was against criminalising willful transmission of HIV/AIDS to someone who is unsuspecting. He said it would then make sure that those that are infected do not come out clean or clear because they would fear antagonism, reprisals, interrogation and incarceration.
Madam Speaker, I want to vary with that. I want to say, there should be voluntary testing and counseling and as long as someone knows their status, they should not willfully transmit the virus to the unsuspecting. That way, we can make sure that we eradicate
HIV/AIDS in its totality. I say this aware that there are initiatives by the Ministry of Health and Child Care to have a generation that is HIV free in the future because antiretroviral drugs are being given to mothers or expecting mothers that are going to give birth to strong and HIV free children and generations.
Madam Speaker, as I conclude, I need to touch on the infrastructure development and integration that was spoken about by Dr. Mukanduri. As long as we do not have energy infrastructure and road infrastructure, air transportation and any other form of transformation, in particular I am reminded here of the rail transportation which carries heavy goods. As long as we do not have these infrastructures and this transport network in place, we can forget about the development, economically, of nations including SADC.
I also say this, Madam Speaker, because standing before you is your Committee Chairperson on Transport and Infrastructure and it is this Transport and Infrastructure Committee that I heard that is so vociferously speaking to and about the development of infrastructure in Zimbabwe so that we can establish our Special Economic Zones second to none, so that we can have our conduits for economic transformation second to none, so that we can transport our heavy chrome, coal and bulk goods transportation using a rail network second to none. So, I am aware that there is energy infrastructure integration and optimum capitalisation of the same that came out of the SADC PF. I also want to say, above their resolutions, there should be optimum rehabilitation, rejuvenation and establishment of a transport system, infrastructure and road network that is second to none. I say this aware that there is a road network that has been designed at Kazungula Border Post to circumvent or bypass Zimbabwe, that is between Zambia and Botswana.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, as long as our road network has not been spruced up, we will continue to lose business to foreign countries because our road network and infrastructure needs rehabilitation. How are we going to grow the cake in terms of rehabilitation of our road network? Already, your Committee has made enough noise to the effect that there has been computerisation in issuance of insurance. The Traffic Safety Council has had a windfall of US$1.5 million or more in just one month where they only made US$ 264 000 from 2009 to 2015. This is applaudable and it is how we can grow the cake through computerisation of systems. Through computerisation, we can also remove in totality, the issue of corruption at the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID). I am saying so because we can make sure that those driving schools are known, computerised and registered. Coming from the driving schools Madam Speaker Ma’am, we can also know that the vehicle – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Nduna, please stick to the
debate and you are left with four minutes.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. As I talk of
infrastructure development, I think I am passionate about how we can make sure that infrastructure development is not impeded, it is flawless and is given the respect that it deserves from the learners’ licence, VID to Computerised Vehicle Registration (CVR) in an integrated manner. As long as we computerise – One Member of Parliament from the
SADC PF raised the issue of making sure that we are e-compliant in our
Parliaments and we also embrace social media. This is what was said at SADC PF.
I want to say, as long as we computerise towards the development of our transport infrastructural development, we will not further tax our unsuspecting public but we can enhance collection through computerisation. Madam Speaker Ma’am, I want to thank you and say, by being embedded in these portfolios and forums, we will, as a nation, grow to be much strong in terms of technology and capacity building of
Members of Parliament and the media. I want to thank you.
HON. MATUKE: Madam Speaker, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. RUNGANI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 24th August, 2016.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. MATUKE: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 4 to 38 be stood over until Order of the Day, Number 39 has been disposed
of.
HON. RUNGANI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE AFRICAN UNION OBSERVATON
MISSION TO CONGO-BRAZZAVILLE
Thirty Ninth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the African Union Observation Mission to Congo-Brazzaville Presidential Elections.
HON. A. MNANGAGWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I rise to
wind up debate on my motion on the Report of the African Union Observation Mission to Congo-Brazzaville Presidential Elections held on the 20th of March, 2016. As alluded to in my contribution, the overarching goal of the mission was to provide an objective, independent and impartial assessment of the conduct of elections, in line with regional and international best practices and standards. Such observation missions help Hon. Members to learn from other countries in the region on how to conduct elections.
I would like to thank Hon. Mapiki, Hon. Maridadi – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members, can you
please lower your voices.
HON. A. MNANGAGWA: I would like to thank Hon. Mapiki, Hon. Maridadi, Hon. Mpariwa, Hon. Dr. Mashakada and Hon. Chamisa for supporting this motion. I therefore move that this motion be withdrawn from the Order Paper.
That this House takes note of the Report of the African Union
Observation Mission to Congo-Brazzaville Presidential Elections.
Motion: With leave, withdrawn.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. GONESE: I move that Order of the Day, Number 4 be
stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. D. SIBANDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
BASIC ORIENTATION COURSE ON THE HISTORY OF
ZIMBABWE
HON. MANDIPAKA: I move the motion standing in my name
that this House:-
COGNISANT of the role played by Parliament in the making of laws for the promotion of good governance;
AWARE that Zimbabwe got its independence as a result of a protracted war of liberation;
DISTURBED that some Hon. Members of Parliament lack basic orientation on the history of Zimbabwe;
CONCERNED with the neo-colonial machinations that seek to
distort our history:
NOW, THEREFORE, resolve that –
- The Administration of Parliament should include a basic orientation course on the history of Zimbabwe during induction of Members of Parliament;
- The political history of the country should be taught in our schools and Government institutions.
HON. MUKUPE: I second.
HON MANDIPAKA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I present a motion this afternoon – [HON. MUTSEYAMI: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Mutseyami, can you
please leave the House now.
HON. MANDIPAKA: I present a motion this afternoon which seeks or makes a passionate plea to all Hon. Members in this august House to articulate the history of Zimbabwe. Madam Speaker, there are various reasons why I urge and make a passionate plea to Hon. Members to articulate the history of the country. It is only when we are able to articulate the history of the country that as we sit here we make laws for the good governance of our own people, because we will know where we are coming from.
I know Madam Speaker, that we have a constitutional right to belong to political parties of our own persuasions, but when it comes to the history of the country – that one history which binds us together remains. History is one and the same and there is no dispute or debate about any country’s history because if it is history for a specific country, it remains that history for everyone else, despite our political affiliations. As members of Parliament, we need to appreciate and understand our national history.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, I would like to remind
members in this House that the use of cell phones in the House is now allowed. From this moment I am going to name members that are using their phones and they will leave this House. It is also now allowed to eat sweets or chew gum in the House. May you pleas observe the rules of this House. This is the last time I am reminding you.
HON. CHAMISA: On a point of clarification Madam Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. CHAMISA: My point of clarification is just on that point, perhaps we may need to clarify in the Standing Orders what the use of cell phones entail. The use of cell phones envisages a point of literally making a voice call. Now that we have our gargets that are being used for searching, the internet and surfing the net for purposes of adequate research, because we do not have researchers; it is not something that is prohibited. So, the use of cell phones for purposes of surfing the net is not what is envisaged in the rules and I hope that the clarification is going to be made so that we are able to use the modern technology appropriately. The world over, we are supposed to refer to our ipads, we are supposed to refer to our cell phones if we are trying to access the world wide web. So, I just hope that clarification will be made so that we are clear in terms of what we are doing. I thank you very much.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I think I have acknowledge
the point of clarification raised by Hon. Chamisa that we will look into it as it also entails the use of advancing and developing our e-Parliament. So, we will look into those issues so that we consider the use of cell phones in the House. However eating sweets and chewing gum in the House is now allowed, members that are eating sweets must stop.
HON. MANDIPAKA: Madam Speaker, I thank you very much. I
will continue from where I left. I was saying as Members of Parliament, I think it becomes quite paramount, very important to understand our national history in the national interest. The nature of our debates in this august House should be national in outlook and character. Our schools and Government institutions, it is high time that the history of this country is taught to our pupils at an early age so that when they grow up they will be able to appreciate their own motherland, their traditions, culture and heritage.
I am making a passionate plea Madam Speaker to the powers that be through this august House that the history of the country should not only be taught in schools and institutions of high learning, but it should also be taught to Parliamentarians. I would want to enumerate the importance of our national history. Allow me to articulate the importance of our national history. The importance of our national history lies in the power to create national identity and national cohesion, that is the importance of us as Members of Parliament to learn our own history. We need to be conscious of our past, it is a fact of history that Zimbabwe is endowed with rich natural resources, vast precious minerals. It is for that cause that around 1890, there were some invaders who invaded this country to exploit our precious minerals, to exploit our natural resources and these are facts of history which must be understood.
Because of the country’s potential, we realise during the Berlin Conference that a lot of the British found themselves in this country which they called Rhodesia before it was independent and it was at that material time that they did much damage to our resources by exploiting those resources and enriching themselves. This is again a fact of history that Members of Parliament should acknowledge and appreciate; there is no debate about it.
Madam Speaker, another fact of history is that as a result of the exploitation, as a result of the slavery and breeches in human rights by the colonizers, men and women who were brave and courageous waged a protracted struggle up and until we attained independence in 1980. It is again a fact of history. One of the most fundamental roles of
Parliament is to enact laws for the good governance of a nation. We
lack knowledge of our national history, it might be a challenge then if we lack that knowledge to be able to enact laws that are good for our people.
What I am praying is to see Hon. Members as we come here for the first time that in our orientation course that is provided for by Parliament, we are again given a course or an insight into our national history, it widens our scope, it widens our horizons and it makes us capable of being able to tackle the issues that concern this nation. Allow me to read what is contained in the preamble to our Constitution. It says “We the people of Zimbabwe, United in our diversity by our common desire for freedom, justice and equality and our heroic resistance to colonialism, racism and all forms of domination and oppression,..” What this basically means is that our Constitution appreciates that we exist in diversity from different persuasions, different cultures, different political affiliation but what unites us together is the spirit that we were able as a country to liberate ourselves from the colonial bondage.
There is no doubt and obviously no debate that our history binds us together. It is our history together, it unites us, it defines who we are, it tells us where we are and it informs us where we are going. So, it becomes quite paramount that we must learn our national history. History is vital for mankind and must be understood with accuracy and precision. The moment we fail to articulate and understand our history, is also the moment we fail to entrench values of patriotism in our own selves.
Madam Speaker, allow me to define briefly what history is all about. History is an enquiry or knowledge acquired by investigation. It is the study of the past, particularly how it relates to human beings. It is an umbrella body or term that relates to past events. One major advantage of knowing, understanding and learning about our history is that it will assist us to be able to provide perspectives on current challenges that our nation faces.
Madam Speaker, allow me to just give highlights of this country’s
history. It is a fact of history that architects of British colonialism were three men. The first one was Cecil John Rhodes, the second one was Dr Leander Starr Jameson and Alfred Beit, a wealthy German national who was also a banker. That is the fact of history. Madam Speaker, to invade the land, Cecil John Rhodes had to come up with what he termed a Pioneer Column in which he needed men of different professional attributes. In that Pioneer Column, 500 police officers were recruited to be able to police the country at that time. The land was parceled from the black minority to the majority of the whites that had colonised this country. Blacks were driven to arid and semi-arid areas where the soil was not productive. It is a fact of history Madam Speaker.
There was cheap labour that the whites during that time could get from the farms because the majority of the blacks that existed during that time had not gone to school. There was segregation, lack of sovereignty and a lot of taxation being imposed on the black majority.
As a result of that, a struggle was waged against the white settler regime.
Madam Speaker, Parliament of Rhodesia at that material time, enacted a number of laws. I will cite some of laws that were enacted.
The first law that was enacted was the Native Reserves Act, there was also the Masters and Servants Act, the African Labour Regulations Act, the Land Apportionment Act, Industrial Conciliation Act, the Land
Husbandry Act, Tribal Trust Land Act and the Land Tenure Act. These Acts were promulgated in this august House with the intention to promote colonial hegemony. African nationalism then sprouted, people began revolt and fight against the white minority settler regime.
Madam Speaker, the fight was for freedom, independence and the fight was against a system of injustice, the brutal system that used to existed. These are all facts of history. It is very paramount, despite our different political affiliation that we understand our history. Having appreciated the initial orientation that we received here at Parliament through our first appearance in this august House, I pray that …..
HON. MAONDERA: On a point of order Madam Speaker. I find it disconcerting that some people who once served in Pfumo Revanhu are now purporting – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – to be champions of history yet genuine comrades who suffered died in vain
but imposters and hoodlums are pretending to be the champions of history – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Members, I think you
should not abuse the privilege that you have in this House. That point is out of order.
HON. MANDIPAKA: Madam Speaker, for the record, this is not the first time that I am hearing this statement from the MDC. Hon. Misihairabwi-Mushonga once mentioned that. I never and I should repeat, I never was in the Pfumo Revanhu that he is talking about. Madam Speaker, if the Hon. Member is serious about it, I will take up the matter, because this is not the first time that I have heard that from the Hon. Member. Be that as it may, my motion…
HON. D. SIBANDA: On a point of order Madam Speaker. Can the Hon. Member stick to his motion?
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: There is not point of order.
HON. MANDIPAKA: Thank you Madam Speaker, there is no
point of order, you are very correct. I want it recorded that the accusation by Hon. Member Maondera is misplaced, false and malicious. I never served in the Pfumo Revanhu and that must be on record. At one time Hon. Misihairabwi-Mushonga said that but later came here and apologised, it is on record. Madam Speaker, that will not deter me from stating the facts that are true history.
Madam Speaker, my motion seeks to encourage this august House when we get orientation that we be given correct, accurate national history of this country so that at the end of the day, we do not wine and dine with the devil, but continue to protect the interests of Zimbabweans.
I thank you – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
HON. MUDEREDZWA: Thank you very much for giving me
this opportunity to contribute to this debate. First and foremost, I would like to thank – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Members, please
lower your voice, I want to hear Hon. Muderedzwa debating.
HON. MUDEREDZWA: Thank you Hon. Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to make a contribution to this motion. Madam Speaker, this is a very important motion – [HON. ZWIZWAVI: But the messenger is wrong.]-
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon Zwizwai, can you please
leave the House, now.
HON. MUDEREDZWA: Madam Speaker, history gives you
information about your identity, your nationality, who you are as a nation. In Zimbabwe, in particular, we are a nation that has got a very rich history. We were colonised in the past. We went to war to liberate ourselves. We are now a liberated country, a liberated nation. What we are doing now is trying to improve our way of life so that members or our citizenry live a better life. It is out of that that we value history. It is sometimes disturbing that someone can become a Member of Parliament without understanding the history of his or her own country –[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- The history of Zimbabwe talks of respecting - I am seeking your protection Madam Speaker, from this other side because most of them do not understand the history of this country. Most of them were part of the colonial system and I am
seeking your indulgence Madam Speaker Ma’am so that I can debate this motion.
It is very important because I have noted that some of our Hon. Members cannot even sing the national anthem and they do not even understand it. Some of them do not respect the national flag. One day in this Hon. House, I saw Hon. Members of Parliament putting on the national flag as an undergarment and it is an embarrassment Madam Speaker -[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- It shows that some of the Hon. Members do not understand what the national flag is all about and what it is that the national anthem is all about. This is why our nation sometimes is moving in retrogression.
HON. S. CHIDHAKWA: On a point of order Madam Speaker. The Hon. Member is using unpaliamentary language. Can we inspect the Hon. Members to see if they are putting undergarments which are made of the national flag to prove his point? Maybe, it is him who is putting on an undergarment which is made of the national flag.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: There is no point of order, the
Hon. Member was referring to the abuse of use of the national flag -
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
HON. MUDEREDZWA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. I
want to appeal to Hon. Members not to ignore knowing their history because when they go out there, they are representatives of this country despite the fact that they are coming from whatever side of the House. When they are out there, they should be in a position to posture the history of Zimbabwe in the right perspective. We have noted when we went out there with other members, Hon. Members for that matter, that they are unable to articulate the history of Zimbabwe. But, there are people out there even in countries as far as Sierra Leone who understand our history. They know that there is Robert Mugabe, the liberator [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – That is history and we need to appreciate that. Hon. Speaker Ma’am, history enhances loyalty of the Zimbabwean nation.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order Hon. Members, I
will give you time to debate this motion if you are interested. Can everyone sit down? I have given Hon. Muderedzwa the opportunity to debate this motion and I will also give you the same opportunity. Do not shout. Hon. Muderedzwa, you may continue.
HON. MUDEREDZWA: The importance of history is that it is
for shaping our future and for safeguarding our national resources and ensuring that we move together as a nation. I agree with the Hon. Member Mandipaka, the mover of this motion that he is suggesting that in schools, we should educate our children on the history of Zimbabwe. It is important that our children carry on this history to the next generation just like the indoctrination we were getting from the Smith regime that we were learning about the colonisation of Africa. We were learning on how they came to Africa to try and oppress and develop Africa but we are saying that our children should know how we decolonised Africa. Out of that, we will move as a region and as a continent towards the liberation of black people in the world.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, I know that to continue debating, some
Hon. Members are disturbed because this is a very important history. We are benefitting ourselves at our Caucus because I have realised that even members who did not participate in the liberation struggle are now in a position to understand how we came to be what we are today –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members, give
him the chance to debate.
HON. MUDEREDZWA: I strongly support this motion and I
strongly support the prayers of this motion. I thank you.
HON. CHIMANIKIRE: Thank you Madam Speaker. Firstly, I would like to thank the mover of the motion Hon. Mandipaka for bringing forward such an important issue. However, I feel that the mover of the motion did not do justice to it – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.]- Am I protected Madam Speaker?
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Chimanikire, you are
supposed to be speaking to the Chair.
HON. CHIMANIKIRE: I just did that and they are trying to intimidate me.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: You know the rules of
Parliament, so do not respond to them.
HON. CHIMANIKIRE: But this one (Hon. Nduna) should go and sit on the ZANU PF side. He is shouting at me.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Chimanikire, do you
want to debate or you want to rule this House?
HON. CHIMANIKIRE: Madam Speaker, he is shouting at me. Madam Speaker, the idea of history is a very noble one but there is a difference between history and propaganda. For example, when one of the speakers referred to the leaders of the liberation struggle, from history and what is on record, the first President of ZANU was
Ndabaningi Sithole and not His Excellency Cde. Robert Mugabe.
History records that the first political poetry to be active within the region was under Rhodes, Jameson and the other one was actually the
ANC which was formed in South Africa to which the late hero, Joshua Nkomo was a member. Also, to which Maurice Nyagumbo and the late Hon. Vice President Muzenda were members. The ANC came first before the formation of a party in the then Rhodesia which was led by Africans. We started off with the ANC and that is why in 1980, our National Anthem was as good as the national anthem that is currently being sung in South Africa, ‘Nkosi Sikelela iAfrica’. It was because the
foundations of African nationalism started in South Africa.
It did not start in 1966 in Chinhoyi where those who were involved in the Chinhoyi battle were people who came from Chipinge, Malawi and some Zimbabweans. However, some of the history books that are being written seem to indicate that there were only Shonas who fought in Chinhoyi, yet there were Ndaus and Malawians who were involved in that particular war. When we look at history, we must have correct history because there were various splits within ZANU and ZANLA forces starting with Lusaka and also in the camps in Mozambique. So when we talk about history, we should also be truthful enough to say who killed some of our nationalists. When Masipula Sithole wrote the book, A struggle within the struggle, he pointed out the Nhari Rebellion in Lusaka and we remember that Josiah Tongogara was arrested in Lusaka soon after the death of Chitepo. Why was that? Kenneth Kaunda was in charge of law and order in Lusaka and we must also remember that when we talk about history …
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Chimanikire, please
speak to the Chair.
HON. CHIMANIKIRE: When we talk about history, some of the leading commanders of ZANLA forces were defectors from ZIPRA.
These were Rex Nhongo and Josiah Tongogara. They moved from ZIPRA camps to ZANLA camps to spearhead the struggle –[HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- I know that is history.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. Order Hon. Members. Order Hon. Members on my right and my left side! Can you please allow him to debate? If you do not agree with his facts, you will have an opportunity to debate as well.
HON. CHIMANIKIRE: The formation of the Patriotic Front in
1979 was because of pressure that was coming from the Organisation of African Unity. It is not like we started being united as we are today talking of ZANU PF. The PF was the Patriotic Front that was formed and spearheaded by the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. That is history. Under the organisation of African Unity, what happened was that ZIPRA and ZANLA were told that, unless if you go with a united front under a political wing, which is called the Patriotic Front, we will not be able to support you in your negotiations with the British for independence.
When we talk about history, we should also remember that we have transitional periods that we had prior to independence where some were Pfumo revanhu and Bishop Abel Muzorewa also drove to the State House in a scotch cart and after that there was Rhodesia. To also remind others who did not know, by the way, ZANU had an internal wing which was called People’s Movement led by Dr. Tsvarayi who was based in Mbare of which I was a member at some stage. When we talk of
history, it is not history after you came from assembly points and then you got elected into… –[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]- That is
distorted history.
When we are talking about history – I am just wondering what the mover of the motion meant when he said the history of this country should be taught in schools. It is already being taught. I am just wondering how old his children could be. I am fortunate enough that all my daughters are graduates. So I do not know what you can teach them because they are mostly scientists and accountants. To go back and start reading history is not possible.
When I was in school, they would divide subjects in class to Arts and Sciences. I am just wondering whether all should be studying History for the sake of history when we in this House, passed a Bill that says we should encourage children to study sciences. Now, we are going back to reading history; distorted history for that matter –
[Laughter.]- If we are going to accept our history as being correct, some of the advocates of studying history actually do not know where they are coming from because this is not a Police Charter. Therefore, to start telling other Members of Parliament that you …–[HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear.]- to start suggesting that to qualify to be a Member of
Parliament, you should also be a historian is not feasible.
We have the Chigwederes of this world. Chigwedere can tell you the history of the Nehoreka Clan in no uncertain terms and we appreciate that. It is only last week during debate that I noticed that
Hon. Mandipaka was not aware that this country was once colonised by Bushmen – the Khoisan. I remember telling him during debate that he should know his history. Although he had moved a motion, he does not know that when you see Bushmen paintings, it does emphasise that prior to us who are here today coming here, there were the Khoisan. That is why they would sit in the caves and draw big animals that are bigger than those that are left after poaching –[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
So when we talk about history, we must first of all define what exactly you want to know. We are not talking about colonial history, we are talking about the history of this country. The history of this country is so clear that Mbuya Nehanda who was executed was a medium of Mbuya Nehanda but the way our children are being taught is as if that woman who was hanged was Mbuya Nehanda – no, she was just the medium of the actual Mbuya Nehanda – the spirit of early centuries.
That is what history is all about –[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
It is true that when we talk about our history, we should go back centuries to the old stone age and iron age which brought about mining of minerals – the minerals that we are talking about today.
Let it not be a vendetta to say, why is there the MDC because before the formation of ZANU which became ZANU PF later, there was ZAPU. Before the formation of ZAPU, there was NDP. The advent of MDC–T is just one cog in a wheel of history from where we are coming from because some of us came from ZANU PF and now we are MDC-T.
From MDC-T, we now have three vice presidents and you still have two
–[Laughter.]-
Madam Speaker, we are shaping history. History is not only current or some of the grievances that we still have from gammatox and weevils. The issue is about….
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Member. I think
the motion that was raised by Hon. Mandipaka is specifically speaking on the history of the country and not where you are now encroaching to.
–[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- I advise you... –[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- Order Hon. Members, order! I advise you to stick to the motion on debate and stop referring to things that do not exist in the history of Zimbabwe. Remain focused on the history of our country and not current affairs.
HON. CHIMANIKIRE: I thank you Madam Speaker. The
history of our country has got to be history of its people and its natural resources. It cannot be history without its people. That is why I started from the original residents who were here before us. We migrated from
Guruuswa which was in Tanzania, following the coast down to
Mozambique and some went as far down as the Cape. That is history.
We then started migrating coming eastwards from the border. That is how we got here. Like kwana Muderedzwa vakabva kuMozambique kunana Manica uku. Most of the residents of Zimbabwe today actually came through Portuguese East Africa. We have Soshangane and Mzilikazi coming from South Africa. The others remained in Malawi and the others went as far as Bulawayo.
We cannot pretend that our history does not have people. It is the movement of people within a certain precinct and then we went for the Movement of Democratic Change with people also bringing about change. I thank you Madam Speaker.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Madam Speaker, for giving me an opportunity to contribute on this motion raised by Hon. Mandipaka stressing on the importance that the people of Zimbabwe should know their history and where they are coming from.
When I was growing up, I was told that I belonged to the
Museyamwa totem and originated from Buhera. We then migrated from
Buhera to Harare and I asked why we migrated. I was told that people wanted to have inter-marriages and hence they had to move to different areas like some of the Seke people who are around. We were asking why there seemed to be the same people but we are now using different totems, and we were taught that besides looking for inter marriages, we also wanted to hold our own kingdoms, but we are just one and the same people of the Shava clan. When we come to our own houses and when a woman is married into a family she has to be told the culture and the rules and regulations of the family she is married into. She has to know what is taboo and what is sacred, and that is called the culture of the country. As a result, when she encounters any problems with that, she will be able to refer to what she has been told, and hence the motion raised by Hon. Mandipaka is very essential.
When we look outside Zimbabwe and study the history of those countries we need to know how those countries originated, and how they operated. We then look at issues when Kwame Nkrumah said he wanted to have a united Africa; what was his aim? What did he want to do about that? We also want to examine as to why he was assassinated? What was the reason for the assassination? It will enlighten our path, and we may be able to look into the future, and when we have some people coming into our country, we will be able to tell what they want. When we go outside Africa with our history we look at the history of Israel, and we say why was Israel put in the Middle East? We realised that the Western countries wanted to utilise the oil heritage which is in the Middle East, hence they had to create the people from Israel who were in the Diaspora and put them into those countries. We also talk about Syria and the Golan Heights so that when we see the West coming in, we should be able to look back at history and say what the Western countries have done in Syria, Iraq and other areas and the wars which are going on now.
We also talk about the Golan Heights, the West were looking for oil riches in those countries and they had to look for ways and means for destabilising those countries. Hon. Mandipaka has talked about a very essential issue, and I know we may not agree on a thing or two, but we know that each and every one of us has a history – even political parties. What is a fact about the history is that you can never change history. I may take the example of somebody who was once an MP. Nobody can eradicate that fact that one was once an MP.
Hon. Speaker Sir, let me make a correction on what was said by some previous speakers. Reference was made to the fact that when people were in prison following the imprisonment of Joshua Nkomo and Robert Mugabe, there was mention of the death of Herbert Chitepo. The release of Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo was caused by the war which was fought by Tongogara and Chitepo, and the Western colonizers were so pressed by what had happened and they said let us release these people. In order for them to lead to a fight, they created a story that the Tongogaras had killed Chitepo, hence they had to be detained. This was a way of destabilising the liberation struggle.
Mr. Speaker Sir, may you please protect me, I am stating history as it should be stated. I know there is some false history which are propagated by some people because the main reason why Herbert Chitepo had to killed is that there were some leaders who were also supposed to be killed at that time. The reason was to create a division between the members of political leaders who were detained and those who were waging the war. We now look at Lancaster House, this was caused by the fact that Mozambique was in a problem because there were a lot of fights which were going on. Tanzania also had its problems, so Joshua Nkomo and Robert Mugabe had gone to settle their issues –[AN. HON. MEMBER: Une proof here?]- They were informed that they take into consideration the fact that Mozambique and Tanzania had problems and these leaders were advised that the war should come to an end because they were feeling the pressure. The truth is that Mozambique was being hit by armies from Rhodesia and South Africa and hence they were calling for peace. I need to correct this fact because it is usually misunderstood.
Most of us who are here learnt our history on how we migrated from wherever we come form, especially the Chief Dombo and the Mutotas of the past. At times, the problem we have is the conception and perception of our history. When we look at our current history, in the year 2000 there was a party which was sworn which was called MDC, and the MDC took part in the 2008 elections, and won some seats in that election. After the elections, we formed a Government of natural unity. What we are saying about history is that our children should be taught about this which has happened. After the GNU, there were elections which were held and again MDC was defeated, and they will tell their children that their party which is MDC T later appointed three
MDCs. There were some splits such as the Biti, Mangoma, and the
Madhukus because this is part of the history of Zimbabwe.
Madam Speaker, Hon. Mandipaka has raised a pertinent issue and I do not think that it is an issue whereby we should come and hail insults at each other. We had a Muzorewa regime which had Zimbabwe- Rhodesia. When my children asked about Zimbabwe-Rhodesia on what was happening, I was able to explain to them that the Europeans were very clever. What they did – if you are Joseph Mapiki, one name will not change, and the surname will always be the same but children may change their names and have so many names. So, what happened in this country is that it was called Rhodesia and so the country had to have two names Zimbabwe-Rhodesia. Zimbabwe was taken just as if it were an appendix which was there hence the name Zimbabwe-Rhodesia.
Now, when we are talking of the history of Zimbabwe, it shows that when we know about your ancestors and how you sing praises for your ancestors, you can never give allegiance to another ancestral spirit which is not yours. Hon. Mandipaka has introduced this motion so that the people may know this history of the country and they will know where we are coming from and where we are going, and we will be able to protect our heritage because we know the history. With those few words, I think it is time for us to learn more about the history of Zimbabwe. When we know our history, we will be able to defend our rights and our heritage. You can never be incorporated into another clan which is not yours. This happens even at child birth. If you are black and you find your wife giving birth to a white child, you know there is an anomally in that instance.
*HON. MAHOKA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I will start by
thanking the mover of this motion. It is an excellent idea that each one of us should know where we are coming from so as to enable us to protect our country. It shows that everyone should know our personal history. Where we came from will help us to know our future. We know that some people were born with a silver platter in their hands and yet they never participated in the war of liberation. If you get someone who rejects the advice to learn the history of his country or for the history to be taught at schools, then there is something wrong with that person, because everyone should know their history and their ancestors.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Khumalo. Can
you please rise and withdraw whatever you were saying. – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - Are you protesting Hon. Khumalo. Hon Ndebele, I am sorry for that. Hon. Ndebele, but you knew I was referring to you.
HON. NDEBELE: Madam Speaker, I am a bit puzzled, how do I withdraw a good laugh. I merely laughed.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: No, Hon Ndebele, I heard you.
HON. NDEBELE: I withdraw the laugh Madam Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Ndebele, I heard you.
You said ko zvamunoita zvekutuka VP. Ndozvamataura. Withdraw that statement.
HON. NDEBELE: I stand guided Madam Speaker, if that is wrong at all I humbly withdraw.
*HON. MAHOKA: I will continue with my contribution. There
are a lot of people who died during the liberation struggle and our children should be told the history of this country. So many people died because we had sellouts and we still have some people going out and selling out this country. That was the reason why we engaged in the war of liberation. There are some people who are Members of Parliament who say there was no war of liberation and there were no sellouts. This is especially in the MDC party. Most of them know that we went to war to fight sellouts because selling out destroys the country.
Most of the whites who were in this country contributed to the death of the people of Zimbabwe. Currently, we are suffering, especially from the economic doldrums but we have some people in this House who deny that Zimbabwe is under sanctions.
HON. CHIDHAKWA: On a point of order Madam Speaker. We
need to remind the Hon. Member that this is no longer a debate but now an allegation. We are not sitting here to listen to her allegations. If she wants to make allegations she can go to ZANU PF headquarters and make allegations there.
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: From what you have said,
you have made your contribution in the same manner the Hon. Member is making her contribution. Every Member has a chance to debate on a motion which is raised in this House.
*HON. MAHOKA: We have some people who are pained when
we talk about the history of the country which was won through the liberation struggle. These people forget that a lot of people lost their lives and some were maimed during the war of liberation and we should know that as the people of Zimbabwe.
I want to thank Hon. Mandipaka for introducing this motion in Parliament because people are going to get a chance to explain the history of Zimbabwe. I think the Executive should see to it that lessons on the history of Zimbabwe are introduced because the previous speaker said “it is important that each individual should know his ancestral origins and know where his tribe originated from” because if you are somebody who does not know his ancestral roots, that person is bound to be a sellout because there is nothing that binds him to the soil of Zimbabwe.
The whites whom we are talking about – we had the war of liberation because we have some war mongers in this country but these people are cowards. Whenever a war starts, they are the first people to migrate to other countries.
*HON. TARUSENGA: On a point of order Madam Speaker, I am surprised by the contributions being made by Hon. Mahoka about the whites. If you look at her appearance and dressing, she is putting on some makeup which makes her look white. So, she is emulating them.
- [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Members, may I
plead with you not to abuse the privilege and immunity afforded to you by Parliament. When we raise a point of order we have to explain what we mean.
*HON. TARUSENGA: My point of order is; why is Hon Mahoka
insulting whites and yet she is trying to look like them. - [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. As far
as I can see, the point of order raised by the Hon. Tarusenga, he is showing that he is a male chauvinist. May I please point out that this Parliament defends the rights of women and does not allow chauvinistic sentiments to be made in the House.
HON. NDEBELE: What has been obtaining here has nothing to do with the gender card. Please, let us not go there.
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I have already made a ruling on that Hon. Member. We do not want anti-gender or chauvinistic sentiments.
*HON. MAHOKA: I thank you for protecting me. What you should know is that in ZANU PF, we have glamour girls who know how to dress, make up and be presentable. MDC has appreciated that by saying that we are trying to emulate the whites because we are a smart and clean party –
*THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Ndebele.
*HON. MAHOKA: I will continue with my debate regarding the whites. God created earth and all the people in it. He created America for whites and Zimbabwe for the black people of Africa. That is why we went to fight for the liberation of Zimbabwe because it had been colonised by the whites who were plundering our natural heritage and riches. A lot of our fellow countrymen lost their lives. We know that we have some Hon. Members who are just benefiting yet they do not know the history of the country that they are enjoying all these benefits because of the liberation struggle. Hence, the history of Zimbabwe should be taught in our countries in schools or wherever a forum can be found. The history should be disseminated. When you know your history, you will know your future.
I have heard some people making some contributions or talking on topics which surprised me on whether they are really patriotic. We have had some youngsters who will tell you that if you think you liberated the country, please go and slave it where it was enslaved or colonise it and we will free it. This shows that they look down on the efforts made by the freedom fighters. We have some people we left in Nyadzonia and Chimoio, and yet we have people who are not benefitting. We have some people who are surviving because of the sympathy of the people of Zimbabwe. Some of them during the liberation of Zimbabwe could have been killed because they are sellouts.
So, I want to thank Hon. Mandipaka for the contribution he has made. Let us continue with this discussion. I am afraid we have now lost our quorum and would like to make my contribution when the House is full so that people hear my point.
HON. MANDIPAKA: I rise on a point of order which arises from the fact that we do not make up a quorum and so we cannot continue.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Mandipaka has raised a
point of order on the issue of quorum and we will follow the Parliament procedures.
[Bells rung].
Notice having been taken that there being present fewer than 70 Members, the bells were rung for Seven Minutes and a Quorum still not being present, THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER adjourned the House
without question put at Eight Minutes past Five O’clock p.m. pursuant to provisions of Standing Order Number 56.
NOTE: The following Members were present when the House adjourned: Chamisa N.; Chidhakwa S.; Chimanikire G.; Chinanzvavana C.; Chirisa F .; Chisorochengwe T.; Chitembwe V J.; Chiwetu J Z.;Cross E G.; Gangarahwa G.; Gonese I.T.; Guzha N.K.; Holder J.; Labode M
R.; Majaya B.; Mandipaka O.; Maondera W.; Mashakada T.; Matambanadzo M.; Matienga M.; Matuke L.; Mawere M D V.; Mpofu M M.; Muchenje S. M.; Muderedzwa R.; Mudyiwa M.; Mugidho M.; Muzondiwa E S.; Ndebele A.; Ndlovu D M; Ndlovu N.; Ndoro L F.; Nhema C F.D.; Nkomo M.; Rungani A.; Sansole T W.; Sibanda D. S.; Sibanda D. P.; Sibanda M.; Sipani-Hungwe O.; Tarusenga U D.; Watson N J.; Zindi I.; Zvidzai S.; Zwizwai M .;
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 17th August, 2016
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
VACANCY IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
THE HON. SPEAKER: I would like to inform the House that on the 16th August 2016, I was notified by the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) that Mr. Munacho Mutezo, a Member of the National Assembly for Chimanimani Constituency had ceased to be a Member of ZANU PF. Therefore, he no longer represents the interest of the party in Parliament. Section 129 (l) (k) of the
Constitution of Zimbabwe provides as follows: “The seat of a Member of Parliament becomes vacant if the Member has ceased to belong to the political party of which he or she was a member when elected to Parliament and the political party concerned by written notice to the Speaker or the President of the Senate as the case maybe, has declared that the member has ceased to belong to it”.
Consequently, a vacancy has arisen in Chimanimani West Constituency by operation of the law. The necessary administrative measures will be taken to inform His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for the existence of the vacancy in line with Section 39 (1) of the
Electoral Act, Chapter 213 as amended.
MOTION
LEAVE TO MOVE A MOTION ON A DEFINITE MATTER OF
URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE: CONDUCT OF CITIZENS
CLAIMING TO BE POLICE OFFICERS
HON. CHAMISA: Hon. Speaker Sir, subject to what I discussed with you, I had put forward the intention and desire to table my motion, which motion you have indicated and in fact, you saw it but you were awaiting a copy. I would favour you with an e-copy instead. As a very digital Speaker, you will not have problems with it. I do not believe that you would want to insist on the analogue platform.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes. Can you proceed?
HON. CHAMISA: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker Sir. My
motion is a motion regarding urgent national importance. In terms of our rules, as you are aware, as Members of Parliament and as
Parliament, we are allowed subject to that confirmation on account of 25 legislators or Members of Parliament supporting that motion to raise it. This motion has to do with what we have witnessed in our country – a very sad development which I have no doubt is not supported by any legitimate Member of Parliament and we are all legitimate Members of Parliament. The issue of the conduct of citizens who claim to be police officers because their conduct has not been consistent with the conduct of police officers and here reads the motion:
“NOTING the disturbing images and video footage of men and women in police uniform beating up innocent citizens and civilians; AWARE that the Police Charter rests on the settled principles -
[AN HON. MEMBER: Get away!]- - [AN HON. MEMBER:
Inaudible interjections.]- - [AN HON. MEMBER: Mudarikwa.]- - [AN
HON. MEMBER: Ndi honourable uyu.]-
HON. MUTSEYAMI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker. Thank
you. My point of order is, during the presentation by Hon. Chamisa, Hon. Member of Parliament Matangira has pronounced clearly - “Get away’’ to an Hon. Member. Kubva ati ngakagare pasi kutaura Hon.
Member of Parliament.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. Hon. Matangira, did you
actually say that?
*HON. MATANGIRA: I am seated on the floor cross legged.
How did he see me? I did not say anything – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.]-
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. The Chair did not get to
hear that. So, I will ask Hon. Chamisa to proceed.
HON. GONESE: Just a follow up Hon. Speaker Sir. I believe that we have machines. On the same issue, we have cameras today and we also have the Hansard recording and I was going to propose that you study the matter to try to investigate and ascertain because clearly I heard that voice saying ‘get out’. You try to establish it and thereafter you can come up with a ruling when you have carried out those investigations.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. I have said order. I will
investigate the matter.
HON. CHAMISA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I just want to say that when we come here to represent the people who elected us, we also expect total respect because the views that we hold are not individual views and I hope that we respect members when they raise their issues.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Alright.
HON. CHAMISA: I just want to emphasise that because we cannot use macho tactics in a House of Assembly like this one.
Shouting should not be for this House and that Mr. Speaker, I just wanted it to be noted.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Chamisa, do you want to take the
Chair. I said I will investigate the matter.
HON. CHAMISA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. Let me just take the motion once more.
“NOTING the disturbing images and video footage of men and women in police uniform – beating up innocent civilians and citizens;
AWARE that the Police Charter rests on the settled principle of pro lege, pro patria and pro populi.’ - I am sure that those who have served in the police would know what I mean. It does mean for the law, for the country and for the people.
“WORRIED by the recent behaviour and conduct of certain police details in their handling and beating up of demonstrating and peace loving citizens;
CONCERNED with human rights abuses and rule by law instead of rule of law instigated by certain police officers or persons masquerading as police;
PERTURBED that the Minister responsible for the police or the Commissioner General have not made effort to discipline the perpetrators or make a statement on those who violated the national
Constitution.
FURTHER CONCERNED that the bad behaviour of these few bad men in our midst have caused animosity between the citizens who do a good job.
FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGING that the President of the
Republic, Mr. Mugabe, has publicly condemned – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.]-
THE HON. SPEAKER: You should address the President as His Excellency – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- Order, order.
HON. CHAMISA: Let me take that one once more….
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Chamisa, as a former Minister, surely you know how to address His Excellency the President.
HON. CHAMISA: Oh yes. I said acknowledging that His
Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Mr. Robert
Gabriel Mugabe has publicly condemned – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.]-
THE HON. SPEAKER: Can you carry on?
HON. CHAMISA: …..has publicly condemned the public who were exercising their rights but without correspondingly condemning those who have abused citizen rights and particularly those who are violating the Constitution.
NOW THEREFORE CALL UPON THIS HOUSE to do the
following:
- Ask the Minister of Home Affairs to investigate the conduct of the police and report to Parliament within the shortest possible time.
- Ask the Minister of Home Affairs to issue a public apology in the context of that investigation for the untoward conduct of some of the police officers.
- Immediately implement a training programme for our police to equip them with the human rights curriculum as is required by the
Constitution and the statutes of our country.
- To put in place an Act of Parliament setting up an independent complaints mechanism for members of the public to report cases of such abuses as contemplated by Section 210 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Last but not least, for Parliament to set up a Commission of
Inquiry to investigate into the conduct.
Hon. Speaker Sir, I had not acknowledged the presence of the Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Hon E. D. Mnangagwa. I want to acknowledge him. Shumba makadini? - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]- Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I just had to make sure we complete the protocol since I had already acknowledged the President.
Thank you very much.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I had indicated Hon. Chamisa that the very first opening paragraph of the motion is very vague. It had to be specific to the disturbing images and video footage. We need to know when that exactly occurred so that we can - [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.]- Order, order, so that the motion is properly contextualized and also, I noticed that the motion calls for some very fundamental processes, which - in fact could have been highlighted in the presentation of the motion by way of debate. So I will have to get that detailed information before I can allow the motion to be moved.
HON. CHAMISA: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. It is just safe to indicate that this was a motion on an urgent matter of public importance. I am sure as a learned colleague, you are aware that once we invoke urgency, we cannot wait beyond certain circumstances. This is being necessitated by what happened even today and I indicated to you. Granted, the issue of the footage has not been particularized to say when but I was going to do that because I have got that footage and I intended to then give you details so that I do not load you with form unnecessarily.
I seek your indulgence to allow the motion; by the time we then debate it, I would have given you those details if you want them.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I need to be favoured with the actual footage so that I have got the dates and so on and then I will make a decision. If the Hon. Member could actually favour the Speaker and then we contextualize the motion accordingly.
HON. ENG. MUDZURI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker. This point of order is based on my previous request that - I am happy that the Vice President is around today. My point of order is around our duty as
Parliamentarians to ensure that we are favoured with the business of the Minister of Finance in terms of introducing bond notes and in terms of regularizing the civil servants salaries and pensioners so that when we talk out there, we have something to discuss and defend the central
Government.
Our duty as parliamentarians must leave us with that responsibility of checking the Executive in ensuring that they do what is necessary. We, as parliamentarians, will be able to explain ourselves to say this is what Government is doing. The Minister promised to come here last month and I am sure on the 25th of this month, he is supposed to bring a half annual statement and we are saying, before he brings this, we must be favoured with what is happening to enable us to speak to our constituents.
Mr. Speaker Sir, it is our responsibility and your responsibility to help us so that we make history and we are not seen to just endorse what the Executive is doing.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I am advised Hon. Member that the Hon. Minister of Finance made a statement in that regard. We will check in the Hansard and then favour you with a copy.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. MUTSEYAMI: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. My
point of order is to do with the presence of Cabinet Ministers to answer questions in this House. As we speak, we only have less than seven Cabinet Ministers out of a possible 40 and if we include the Deputy Ministers the number should be 71. But we only have seven, yet we have one of the largest Cabinet in this world.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order Hon Members. I think we
should stop whipping a dead horse. Section 107 of the Constitution is very clear. Ministers and Deputy Ministers are to be here to answer to Parliament and where a Minister is not available, the Leader of Government Business in Parliament will handle those questions. So, the point of order does not arise.
HON. ZINDI: My question is directed to the Hon. Minister of
Mines. In relation to our Constitution Section 18(2) which states that the State, all Institutions and Agencies of the State and Government at every level must take practical measures to ensure that all local communities have equitable access to resources to promote their development. Citing this section; in Manicaland we do have diamonds but these diamonds … THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, can you please ask the
question, do not explain the question.
HON. ZINDI: My question therefore Hon. Speaker is what is the policy of the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development in relation to this section, which I have just cited on the diamonds which have been discovered in Manicaland, where the community has not accessed and developed their communities as a result of that found, which is the diamond.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT (HON. MOYO): I thank the Hon. Member for that
question. I think the Hon. Member correctly referenced a section of the Constitution, so naturally Government policy has to align itself to the demands of the National Constitution. Implementation to close the gap of misalignment may take time. However, the question asked is specific to Manicaland and requires data to see to what extent the community has benefitted against what the investors or operators have realised. I would suggest therefore that the question be put in writing to allow us to examine the detail of that specific business activity before we bring the response to the House.
+HON. J. TSHUMA: My question is directed to the Minister of Agriculture. I would like to find out from the Minister the progress made in the resuscitation of the Cold Storage Commission (CSC) in Bulawayo.
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, MECHANISATION AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MADE): I want
to thank the Hon. Member for raising the question on the work relating to the resuscitation of the Cold Storage Commission in Bulawayo. I want to assure the Hon. Member that there is work in progress in relation to the resuscitation of the CSC.
HON. HOLDER: I would like the Minister of Mines and Mining
Development to explain to this House; since the consolidation of the ZCDC, which was mining diamonds in Manicaland consolidated the diamond mining company, what are they doing in Gachegache? Are there diamonds in Gachegache or what has gold got to do with diamonds?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING
DEVELOPMENT (HON. MOYO): I do not think there is a link between ZCDC and the Gachegache project. The Gachegache project has to do with gold recovery from the alluvial sands there. The comment that referenced diamonds simply said that there may be deposits of diamonds in that area. They were never assessed and we never said they were at a mineable level. The project at the moment is specifically directed to extracting gold in that river. That is what is happening.
HON. KHUPE: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. My
question is directed to the Leader of the House, Hon. Vice President Mnangagwa. In September 2015, world leaders gathered in New York and they came up with sustainable development goals which are a successor framework of the Millennium Development Goals. They made a declaration that they were going to transform the world and they also vowed that they were going to eliminate poverty by the year 2030. As Zimbabwe, what is it that we are doing or have done to make sure that there are monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to determine the impact and sustainability of the sustainable development goals if indeed we are to eliminate poverty by the year 2030.
THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, I also want to thank the Hon. Member, the Vice President of MDC-T for the question. I want to thank her for remembering what happened in 2015. I feel very elated that she thinks that I should remember the decision which was taken at that time. Mr. Speaker Sir, in terms of policy, I can assure the Hon. Member and the House that everything is being done in the various subsectors of the economy to improve the lives of our people. In particular, coming to the situation of Zimbabwe, we believe that the primary challenge we are facing in this country which I believe everybody who
is a citizen of this country would agree that we have a primary economy which is on the bedrock of our agricultural sector.
Everything is being done by Government and the public sector to support our agricultural sector so that we put behind the issue of continuously importing food, whether there is good season in terms of rain or there is drought. We have now put measures to make sure that there is food sufficiency in the country. We wish to accomplish this goal within the next four seasons. There are two seasons in a year, this means in two years’ time, we shall have accomplished that area.
Then the other areas which are directed to dealing with the question of alleviating or eradicating poverty among the people; we have various sectors of the economy which deal with those issues. Obviously, the economy is not performing well but everything is being done by Government, private sector, public sector and parastatals to do our best under these circumstances to make sure we improve the lives of our people.
In the area of infrastructural development, I am sure colleagues are fully aware about the projects that are underway which are unfolding in the infrastructural development sector. We are also fully aware about what is happening in the area of tourism. We have just completed the runway at Victoria Falls which now is going to be able to take on board bigger planes to land. As a matter of fact, China alone has something like 250 million tourists per year which is expected to grow to 600 million by 2020. If we structure our tourism with countries of that nature and various other countries worldwide, we believe that now with the runway which we have completed, we should be able to improve our tourism sector. As a matter of fact, the indication and projection of that sector shows growth.
Mr. Speaker Sir, we also go into the areas of manufacturing and ICT. We are attending to all these areas in order to improve the lives of our people. More-so, we will continue to make sure that the areas of health and education receive full attention and we hope to receive cooperation from all citizens of this country.
I am aware that this subject is at the heart of the former Deputy Prime Minister because when he was Deputy Prime Minister, she used to champion this sector very ably and I still recognise that you have not forgotten this thing which you were championing at that time. I thank you.
+HON. MISIHAIRABWI-MUSHONGA: Thank you Mr.
Speaker. My question is directed to the Hon. Vice President, Hon. Mnangagwa. How is the Government handling the issue of deceased people especially those who died during the Gukurahundi period to have proper reburials like what we have seen happening here in Mashonaland, they were reburied properly. I have noticed that there are people who are trying to rebury those people properly and have a proper burial place for them. If that is what the villagers want to do, they want to find out from the Government how they can go about exhuming the bodies and reburying those people properly.
*THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE,
LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): I want to thank the Hon. Member for her question that is in connection with those that are able to rebury those that were not properly buried. It could be that they know that here in
Mashonaland, the war veterans are going around the country looking for their fellow veterans who were not properly buried and reburying them. We cannot order these war veterans to do that but this can be done by the Ministry of Home Affairs. They have a department that could deal with that. If there are remains that need to be reburied, that can be done by that Ministry.
+HON. MISIHAIRABWI-MUSHONGA: I do not know
whether you understood the question. I said those who died during the Gukurahundi period. There are a lot of people who were killed during the Gukurahundi period. I am saying the villagers want the bodies to be exhumed and reburied properly, how can they go about it.
*HON. E. MNANGAGWA: If my niece was listening properly, I have said that all those whose remains have not been properly buried all over the country, all such matters should be referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs, they are the relevant authority that deal with such issues.
I thank you.
HON. MANDIPAKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Rural Development and Preservation of Culture and Heritage, Hon. A. Ncube. Realising that our culture is being adulterated by western values, what is Government policy in terms of promotion of our culture and heritage? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND
PRESERVATION OF CULTURE AND HERITAGE (HON. A.
NCUBE): Thank you Mr. Speaker for the question raised by Hon. Mandipaka. May I ask the Hon. Member to put his question in writing so that I can give a favourable response. Thank you.
HON. MANGAMI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is
directed to the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development. What is Government policy regarding the vaccination of animals like dogs against rabies in terms of payments that people make?
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, MECHANISATION
AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MADE) Mr.
Speaker, I want to thank the Hon. Member for raising the question regarding vaccinations. There are vaccinations that are mandatory and that relate to certain issues that are free. So, if it is relating to those vaccinations that are free, that is what it is and you have to take your animals as and when they are called, particularly for rabies vaccination.
*HON. CHIBAYA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Services. Hon. Minister, the delay that you are experiencing in paying civil servants, are we not likely to get to December with the civil servants not having been paid some months salaries? What steps have you put in place to ensure that your workers get their salaries timeously?
I thank you.
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE,
LABOUR AND SOCIAL SERVICES (HON. ENG.
MATANGAIDZE) Thank you Hon. Speaker. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for the question. If you look at it, you would see that we are starting to pay from the 23rd, 26th, 2nd and lastly on the 6th. You will observe that we delayed in the payments of pensioners last month, but we have now brought this forward. We do not foresee a situation where we will have failed to pay certain months, come December. As Government, we are working to ensure that normalcy returns to the normal payment dates for the Civil Service and others. I thank you.
*HON. CHAMISA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My supplementary
question is directed to the Hon. Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Services. I read in the newspaper a few weeks ago and observed that Hon. Magufuli from Tanzania, upon realising that they were having funding problems, have come up with austerity measures. Among these, is that 4 X 4 vehicles should not be used by Government Ministers.
If you want to individually buy yourself one, that is okay and also that when you travel, you should no longer be in business class. Are we also going to foresee a situation where we are not going to have new 4 X 4 vehicles purchased for you as well as Hon. Members; that we will not have luxury vehicles so that we could be travelling in Honda Vitz vehicles? We would want to see Hon. Gumbo riding in a Honda Vitz or
Hon. O. Mpofu in a Toyota Raum. Are we likely to see such a situation Hon. Matangaidze?
*HON. ENG. MATANGAIDZE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
These are suggestions that are being given to us by the Vice President of MDC-T, Hon. Chamisa. He is a newly appointed Vice President, so I think he is eager to work. The Government is going to look into the suggestions and see those making sense. We will then adopt those. I thank you.
HON. MUNENGAMI: Thank you Hon. Speaker. I think every
Ministry has got a policy which it uses in terms of its functions. Hon. Mandipaka asked a policy question with regards to the preservation of culture in our country. I was a little bit surprised to hear the Minister saying they do not have a policy with regards to the preservation of culture. I just wanted to know if we have Ministries that work without policies with regard to their own functions. Thank you Mr. Speaker. *THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, that is not a point of order. We have already gone past that question. We are now on the question that relates to labour.
HON. KWARAMBA: We have heard about command farming
from the media, but there has not been a Ministerial Statement. May I ask the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation
Development to shed more light on command farming? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, MECHANISATION
AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MADE): Mr.
Speaker, I want to thank the Hon. Member but that is a detailed question in terms of the details that I can give. I can only say that today already, the Chairman of the Food and Nutrition Security...
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order Hon. Minister if you could
raise your voice a little so that they hear you.
HON. DR. MADE: I am saying in terms of technical detail of that programme. This morning already, detailed discussions have been given on that programme, if there are any further details, I would be able to put them in a detailed response to a written question, otherwise today a press briefing has been given that has details on command agriculture, as was given this morning to the press. So I plead with the Hon. Member to allow us to have that programme to be broadcast this evening.
*HON. MAHOKA: My question is directed to the Minister of
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Hon. Dr. Made. May you inform us on the preparations that the Government has done for tobacco farming which is going to commence on 1st September because you are talking about maize producer prices. What about for tobacco farmers? In the rural areas we do not have collateral. I thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, MECHANISATION
AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MADE): Mr.
Speaker, let me thank the Hon. Member. Firstly I would like to say that tobacco is in a better position. We know that in the tobacco industry we do not intervene much, as is the case with maize production.
Currently, we are in the second season for assistance in cotton production. In tobacco farming we have contractors and it is done under contract farming and is doing quite well. We are aware that farmers are complaining mostly about the banks – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible
interjections.]
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order Hon. Members at the back, may you listen to what the Hon. Minister is saying please. You may proceed Hon. Minister.
*HON. DR. MADE: We know that this season the banks would want to request for a lot of surety from tobacco farmers. We would want to say that the tobacco farmers are better placed than most of the farmers but we are going to look into the matter and see how best we can attend to your grievances.
There is also a plan that those who grow tobacco can also grow maize and alternate one hectarage for maize and tobacco so that they can be in the same programme that we are running for maize farmers, because the majority of them have irrigation systems in place. When there is crop rotation, we anticipate that those who are into tobacco farming will also go into the other programme.
For small scale farmers, we have other projects that we would want to bring on board that deal with irrigation so that the small scale farmers can also produce tobacco through mechanisation. I thank you.
HON. ZINDI: My supplementary question is on the issue of tobacco and related to the new policy which requires all tobacco growers to collect their cash from the banks … - [AN HON. MEMBER: Which banks?] - All banks, they were asked to open bank accounts so that they get their monies after sales at the tobacco auction floors through their banks.
Now the obtaining situation is that they are not able to access that cash. What is the Ministry doing in order to ensure that tobacco farmers are able to access their proceeds or profits after selling their tobacco so then they can return to the farmland because come 1st September, they are supposed to be planting for the coming season. What is the policy?
What is the Ministry doing about that?
HON. DR. MADE: I would like to thank the Hon. Member for raising that question pertaining to the tobacco farmers. In terms of the intervention, we have already brought this matter to the attention of the
Minister of Finance and Economic Development as well as the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe through the Tobacco Marketing Board. The matter is being looked into so that we facilitate the activities of the tobacco farmers. I thank you.
*HON. MUTSEYAMI: Thank you Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Hon. Vice President and Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Mnangagwa. Hon. Vice President, countrywide and in all our councils, some councils owe salaries to their workers in excess of 15 months, two years and others in excess of three years and because of these debts, the councils are now unable to pay their own workers because they owe them a lot of money.
Of note is the fact that majority of debts are by central Government and have been outstanding for a long time. As a Government that has noticed that there is this problem countrywide, what plans have you put in place? Have you set up a committee or any other modalities to ensure that these workers are paid so that there will other arrangements for resolving these council woes in these councils after central Government would have done its own interventions? I thank you.
*THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE,
LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): Thank you Madam Speaker, we address policy
questions. If it is a question on what does the Government say to someone who is supposed to pay for services rendered …
HON. MUTSEYAMI: On a point of order Madam Speaker. My
question to the Hon. Vice President is to do with councils across the country. We have noted, across the country that in most councils, the workers are owed in excess of 15 months, two years, three years and so forth. Most of these dues are as a result of debts on the part of central
Government, of monies that they are supposed to pay to these councils.
Then I was asking Hon. Vice President as the Deputy President for the Republic of Zimbabwe what policy is the Government coming up with in order to address the dues that have accumulated across the country. Chances are that councils will not have the capacity to clear their dues. What is the Government policy in that regard so that we help workers across the country? Thank you.
*THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): Thank you Madam Speaker. I am gifted in that I understand both English and Shona. I was answering in Shona because he first asked in Shona. He has not added anything new on what he said in Shona. He said that local authorities countrywide are failing to pay their workers because they are owed money by Central Government. As a result of that, what is the Government’s policy? The Government policy is that you must pay your debts. People should pay all their debts that need to be paid.
If such a question was put in written form, the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing would be in a position to know because I do not believe that all local authorities have the same problems. The relevant Minister can then be in a position to articulate issues as pertains to each and every local authority. It is not correct to say that all council workers have not been paid for more than 15 months. Some are paying and others have lesser months that they owe their workers. However, the Government policy is that everyone should pay their debts. I thank you.
*HON. MUNENGAMI: Thank you Madam Speaker. The Vice
President has mentioned that people should pay their debts. Therefore, my question is in 2013, the Government directed local authorities to write off all the debts that were accrued by residents. That is when this problem started. Now that they are failing to raise revenue by having corrected an anomaly in 2013, what measures are being put in place by the Government to ensure that this problem could be cleared? I foresee the same problem coming in 2018 when the Government is going to write off all the debts and councils continue to sink into oblivion. I thank you.
*HON. E. MNANGAGWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. He has
seen the crux of the matter which he believes I have not seen. He had not mentioned that point and that is why I have not addressed it. He said there was a time when the Government had to write off certain known debts. This is not the issue today. If it is the issue, you can go back to the Government. Madam Speaker, they should take the matter to the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing and tell him that it is not a fresh issue; it arose as a result of Government policy. This could be solved without difficulty.
*HON. CHIBAYA: Thank you Madam Speaker. From what you have said Hon. Vice President, my supplementary question is what are you doing as a Government. We know that we have experienced this problem. Can you not do something to alleviate the problems that councils are facing? The councils were supposed to receive money from the residents.
*THE DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, that question has
been answered adequately. Order, order please. If we were listening attentively, the Hon. Vice President said every local authority has its own problems and each council should present its problems to the Government; they should go to the Ministry concerned.
HON. A. MNANGAGWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. My
question is directed to the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development. Maybe God is going to bless us with rainfall this year. What is the Ministry’s preparedness in terms of inputs? I thank you.
*THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, MECHANISATION
AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT: I would like to thank the
Hon. Member for the question. We are waiting for the Meteorological Department to inform us on the weather pattern. As a Ministry, we are anticipating a good farming season. The preparations that were done regards command agriculture. However, we are going to wait for what the Meteorological Department is going to tell us. This programme is going to be dealing with rural farmers. We are hopeful that God is going to bless us with good rains. We are going to go ahead with the Presidential Input Scheme, where we are going to give seed packs and fertilizers to rural farmers so as to assist them so that they can realise meaningful harvests. We have put a lot of priority as regards farming, those farmers that are in A1 and the programme that is directed towards those that are in the small irrigation schemes, especially those that are receiving machinery from Brazil. We are saying that we are now getting to the second phase.
In the second phase, we will be targeting those that are in rainfall areas that do not have a high rainfall pattern. We are grateful to the Brazilians for them to have been able to assist us to go into Phase 2. It was as a result of success of Phase 1 of the programme. In Phase 3, we are going to be targeting cotton farmers and we are into the second season where we are giving assistance to cotton farmers. There are those dry or hard rainfall areas where we would want to give assistance.
Thank you Madam Speaker.
*HON. MAJAYA: Thank you Madam Speaker. This
Presidential Scheme that gives members inputs – seeds and fertilizers used to give predominantly ZANU PF members. This time around, are you going to be giving to every Tom, Dick and Harry or it is going to be another predominantly ZANU PF scheme?
*HON. DR. MADE: Madam Speaker, I would want to thank the
Hon. Member for the question. I specifically pointed out that the Presidential Scheme targets all farmers that are in the communal areas; in the A1, in the old resettlement schemes and small scale. I said these are farmers and I did not say that they should belong to a particular political party. I thank you.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Madam Speaker. My
supplementary question is that, besides command agriculture, does Government have any other plans that it has put in place as regards banking so that farmers could access the finance because it is not everyone who can be on this particular programme? I thank you.
*HON. DR. MADE: Thank you Madam Speaker. I may reiterate
that, that question has been answered. I earlier on said that we are going to look at the grievances of farmers holistically and we are not going to be excluding any type of a farmer by saying that they belong to the command scheme or any other such scheme. We want to holistically attend to the issues of our farmers so that they all benefit from
Government programmes and that there should be programmes where our farmers are well treated by banks. But as farmers, we should also listen to what the banks are saying and those that are giving us assistance
I thank you.
HON. MARUMAHOKO: Thank you Hon. Speaker. My
question is directed to the Minister of Industry and Commerce. Some three years ago, we saw companies like Lever Brothers and Reckitt and Coleman relocating to South Africa and starting to produce from there and then export to Zimbabwe. Now, in view of Statutory Instrument 64, what is the position of their products into the country? I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND
COMMERCE (HON. MABUWA): Thank you Madam Speaker
Ma’am. I would like to thank the Hon. Member for this very important question. Yes, you rightfully note that in the years 2009 when we all were saying that our shelves are now occupied, they were occupied by imports. At that, some firms particularly the ones which you mentioned, the sector where Lever Brothers is performing in the edibles – cooking oil or butter if you want, was operating then at 10%. But I am happy to say that now, because of removing items from the open general import licence and issuing out import licences for particular products that show that they are on the recovery in terms of manufacturing here in the country, we have had revival of industries. Particularly the oils industry has improved from the 10% then three years ago to now operating at 100%. We are even ready to export. I thank you.
*HON. MARIDADI: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question
is directed to Hon. Minister Supa Mandiwanzira. I want to find out what Government policy allows the Hon. Minister to have a motor vehicle purchased for him by a parastatal which is under his Ministry? I am saying so in light of the allegations that you are said to have received a loan for $200 000 and you bought a motor vehicle for $190 000. It is an infinite motor vehicle. Is it Government policy that parastatals under them, when they have Government vehicles that are purchased for
them…
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I do not think that, that
question was supposed to go straight to the Minister. The question is supposed to go to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural
Development because he is the one who negotiates for that.
HON. MARIDADI: Madam Speaker, I would have asked the
Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development in relation to vehicles that are made available by Government to Ministers in general. But, this is a specific case where a Minister has instructed a parastatal under his purview to buy him a vehicle. So, it has nothing to do with the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development.
Madam Speaker, the Minister is available unless Hon. Gumbo is saying that he is a better Minister than the Minister. The Minister has to answer for himself. Hon. Gumbo, allow Hon. Mandiwanzira to answer the question. Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, POSTAL AND COURIER SERVICES (HON.
MANDIWANZIRA): Thank you Madam Speaker. I would like to
thank you for allowing me to respond to this question because it is very important that we expose the lies that have been perpetrated for the longest time and led by Hon. Maridadi, even writing articles in the newspapers – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Member.
HON. MARIDADI: On a point of order. Minister, you answered a question and not a lie – nhasi topedzerana, toenda kumapena. Madam Speaker, the Minister must answer the question and spare us the lecture.
He must answer the question and spare us a lecture!
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Maridadi. Hon.
Maridari, sit down.
HON. MANDIWANZIRA: Thank you Madam Speaker for
giving me the opportunity to answer a question which is supposedly fact but it is not fact. The reality of the matter is that I have never obtained a loan from Government or a parastatal to buy a vehicle. The vehicle I drive as a condition of service vehicle issued to me by the Government of Zimbabwe is actually owned by CMED. So, Hon Maridadi must be well informed before he abuses parliamentary privilege to make allegations of corruption against Ministers.
It is very important that Hon. Members of the other side must not abuse their parliamentary privilege by lying – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, order, order Hon.
Members.
HON. MANDIWANZIRA: I have never obtained a loan. The car that I drive is owned by CMED. I thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, order, order. Hon. Maridadi, may you please sit down. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –Order, order, order Hon. Members. Can I have order please?
Hon. Minister, it is the duty of the Minister to give the information that is required when you are asked. It is not the duty of Members of Parliament to go around and research. Once you are asked, you have to give a full answer so that people know what is happening –[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible
interjections.] – Order, order. Let us have order please. Do not be so excited, you are Hon. Members of Parliament.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE HON.
DEPUTY SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order Number 64.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER
VISITORS IN THE SPEAKERS GALLERY
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I acknowledge the presence of the Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Mrs.
Taghrid Senouar in the Speaker’s Gallery. - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear,
hear.] -
HON. GONESE: On a point of order. Thank you for finally recognising me. My point of order is very simple. We have a question which was properly posed by Hon. Maridadi.
Our practice and procedures are very clear. When we have questions that have been asked on a policy matter, Hon. Members of Parliament are entitled to make follow up questions. This is the reason why, if a Minister is responding to a question, the Minister cannot be interrupted because it is now 1545 hours. The Minister finishes answering the question and thereafter, supplementary questions are posed and only when that question has been exhausted, that is when we can then say the time for questions without notice has expired.
For that reason, if the Minister is in the middle of giving a response….
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: The Minister was not in the middle of answering. You are out of order Hon. Member.
HON. GONESE: The Chair cannot interrupt the Minister.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: You are out of order Hon. Member.
HON. GONESE: No, I am still articulating my point. For the same rationale whereby a Minister or whoever is asking a question cannot be interrupted on the basis that time has expired. It is my respectful submission that the question to Hon. Mandiwanzira had not yet been exhausted because we had supplementary questions which we intended to pose to the Minister but you have now allowed the Minister to leave the august House depriving us of that opportunity, right and privilege to have follow up questions to that response.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, would you
please take your seat. You are out of order because the Minister was sitting down after answering. I responded giving you the opportunity that you are supposed to have the answer when the Minister answered and other members complained. We are now going to questions with notice.
HON. SITHOLE: On a point of order. My point of order is in relation to a previous ruling made by the Speaker, Hon. Advocate Mudenda, specifically section 140 (3) which talks about the Presidential question time. Since the presidium is here, maybe you can inquire on our behalf. When are we going to see His Excellency coming here for question time so that he may answer some of these questions?
THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE,
LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): Madam Speaker, I think it is important that the Chair should not bend rules because some people are insisting to violate procedures of the House. You have closed question time and we are going to written questions. You can only raise a point of order in terms of where we are and not where we have passed. I thank you.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
POLICY MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE DOMESTIC PRIVATE
SECTOR INVESTMENT
- HON. NDUNA asked the Minister of Industry and Commerce to explain the policy measures Government is putting in place to encourage domestic private sector investment as part of efforts to revive the economy.
THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE (HON.
MABUWA): I would like to thank the Hon. Member for this question which is all encompassing of the mandates of several Ministries. However, I will highlight policy measures that my Ministry has initiated and in most cases is implementing to encourage domestic private sector investment as part of efforts to revive the economy. The policy measures include the following:
- The establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZ);
- The establishment of the National Competitiveness Commission
(NCC);
- The improvement of the Ease of Doing Business;
- The promulgation of legal instruments that are encouraging domestic private sector investment;
- The management of imports and
- Exposing potential domestic investors through outward missions.
- SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES (SEZs)
Special Economic Zones are designated geographical regions that operate under special regulations which are different from other areas in the same country. This provides companies which are operating within
SEZs with some business advantages as compared to competitors. These SEZs have been initially targeted to be established for the following sectors and in the following locations:
- Bulawayo for the leather and textiles sector;
- Lupane for petro-chemicals;
- Victoria Falls-Gwayi-Binga-Kariba - corridor for tourism
- Victoria falls for finance
- Harare-Sunway City as a technology hub and
- Harare and Mutare for diamond cutting
As you are aware Hon. Members, the SEZ Bill is now awaiting
Second Reading in this august House.
- NATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS COMMISSION (NCC)
The National Competitiveness Commission which was established following recommendations by the Zimbabwe Economic
Policy and Research Unit (ZEPARU) Consultants on the Cost Drivers Study has the objective of addressing the constraints that are affecting the competitiveness of the economy and encouraging local business investment and growth. The National Competitiveness Commission will be operationalised as soon as the legal framework is in place. The draft
Bill is currently under review by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation
(CCL).
- EASE OF DOING BUSINESS
Mr. Speaker Sir, whilst the National Competitiveness
Commission is being finalized, several “Ease of Doing Business Reforms” are being examined by the Thematic Technical Working
Groups, which have been established to enhance issues concerning:
- Starting a business;
- Paying taxes and trading access borders;
- Getting credit and resolving insolvency;
- Enforcing contracts and protecting minority investors; and Registering property and getting construction permits.
These reforms are intended to streamline the business environment and encourage domestic private sector investment.
- LEGAL INSTRUMENTS THAT ARE ENCOURAGING
INVESTMENTS
The following are examples of legal instruments that have been put in place with the objective of encouraging domestic private sector investment:
- Rebate of duty on capital equipment imported for use in specific industries (Statutory Instrument 6 of 2016).
-This provision grants the private sector relief from payment of duty on capital equipment and allows companies to import equipment at a lower cost.
- VAT deferment on imported capital equipment
-Deferment of VAT is an officially sanctioned temporary postponement of paying VAT on importation of specified goods of a capital nature imported by companies in the manufacturing, agriculture, mining, aviation, transport and health sectors. The goods should have been imported for own use by the importer. This provision grants an importer of capital equipment a deferment of VAT for three (3) months.
The aforementioned legal instruments, among others, are designed to encourage and support private sector investment in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, agriculture and energy.
- MANAGEMENT OF IMPORTS
Government is utilizing the management of imports as a tool for the resuscitation and growth of new industries. The removal of selected products from the Open General Import Licence (OGIL) is currently being done through the following Statutory Instruments among others:
- I. 18 of 2016 (23 pharmaceutical products);
- I. 19 of 2016 (second hand clothing, shoes and blankets);
- I. 20 of 2016 (batteries, candles, floor polish and tobacco twine);
- I. 126 of 2016 (milk, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, biscuits, yeast, cement, soap and soap preparations, tubes, pipes, conveyor belts, rubber hoses and plastic bags);
- I. 6 of 2014 (sugar)
- I. 64 of 2016 (42 items)
- EXPOSING POTENTIAL DOMESTIC INVESTORS THROUGH
OUTWARD MISSIONS.
Government has come up with pipeline projects available for possible funding in line with the industrialization agenda. Business persons have participated in outward missions that include Russia, Japan, South Africa and Hungary; just to mention a few. Hon. Members should note that additional investment initiatives are being implemented to support domestic private sector investment by other line Ministries and that all these initiatives are being spearheaded by the Minister
of Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion.
HON. NDUNA: I have a supplementary question. What I need to know specifically is what it is that the Ministry is doing to promote the manufacture and export of refrigeration equipment that is being manufactured by local indigenous companies such as Capri.
HON. MABUWA: Thank you Madam Speaker. This is a new question which I cannot respond to off the cuff. May I request Hon. Nduna in his usual tradition to put it in writing?
HON. GABBUZA: From the list of goods that the Minister is saying are allowed to be imported, they are agricultural products. We still see supermarkets selling imported agricultural produce. Why are these supermarkets not being arrested or stopped from selling imported produce since there is evidence of the imported produce in the supermarkets.
HON. MABUWA: That is a very important follow up question. The issue is that there is no ban but there is a control. You will find that the agriculture produce that is imported and seen in the public supermarkets is under the surveillance of my Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development. Those items normally are issued with import licences and usually they are products that we do not have here in Zimbabwe, for example grapes and apples to mention a few.
HON. PHIRI: I have a supplementary question on the continued drama and David Whitehead Textiles. Sometime last year, you told us that you were waiting for the court action to come to an end but there is still drama. What is Government doing to assist and make sure that the investors are local rather than people from outside because it looks like the drama will never end?
HON. MABUWA: Thank you very much. Indeed as the Hon.
Member has put it, there is some activity which is outside the law of Zimbabwe which is taking place at Beitbridge, which includes the continued marches, strikes or whatever they are called. Like the Hon. Member has rightfully said, it is under investigation and there is a possibility that there is a third hand – non Zimbabweans who are involved in these activities. We are monitoring the situation and the security forces are establishing the truth about the systems and then the two countries will communicate and take control of the issues.
HON. PHIRI: Hon. Speaker, I think she did not get my question well. I asked about the drama at David Whitehead.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, can you put
the question in writing because it is specific to David Whitehead so that you can get a well researched answer.
RESUSCITATION OF ZISCO STEEL
- HON. NDUNA asked the Minister of Industry and Commerce to apprise the House on the way forward with regards to the resuscitation of ZISCO Steel in light of the reported collapse of the
ESSAR deal.
THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE (HON.
MABUWA): I thank the Hon. Member for wanting an update regarding the resuscitation of ZISCO Steel in light of the reported collapse of the
Essar deal. May I advise this august House that the resuscitation of
ZISCO Steel is in two broad areas at the moment, which are as follows:
- Government is engaging potential investors pending a definitive conclusion of the ESSAR-Government of Zimbabwe transaction
on ZISCO Steel. Government is currently negotiating with potential investors who have expressed interest in reviving the steel making project. I will accordingly inform this House once these negotiations have been concluded by Government.
Secondly, Government is working on various measures to improve the ZISCO Steel balance sheet to make it more attractive. The measures include;
- the management of an estimated US$380 million of the external and local debt
- the submission of the Bill to manage ZISCO STEEL’s legacy debt
- management of employee contracts in line with the current labour laws,
- hiving off the viable standalone subsidiaries
- audit and evaluation of programmes to assess the net worth of the company and a bid document which is currently prepared for the engagement of the potential partner.
HON. MARIDADI: The question here talks about ESSAR and in your response you talk about ESSAR. I remember once upon a time, you came to this House and you told us that the ESSAR deal had collapsed so I thought ESSAR was out of the picture. Why do you continue talking about ESSAR almost seven years after ESSAR came to Zimbabwe. Can you appraise us on what measures you have put in place as Ministry to ensure that the problems that we encountered will not recur so that when we get an investor, we will not have a recurrence.
HON. MABUWA: I want to thank the Hon. Member for the
supplementary question. Yes, there was talk on the collapse of the ESSAR deal which is on record and it is true. Concluding a business deal takes nuts and bolts, we have to agree on and sign. That is exactly what we are doing; we are concluding the collapsed deal. That is why I talked of working out on issues of concluding the ESSAR-Government Zimbabwe transaction. The collapsed transaction has got to be concluded.
On the measures, it is the bid document which is being currently prepared to engage the potential partners, it is going through scrutiny. That is an attempt to make sure that the lessons learnt from the collapsed deal will not recur. Thank you.
UTILISATION OF THE LAST HOPE ESTATE IN DETE
- HON. MKANDLA asked the Minister of Industry and
Commerce to inform the House on what plans the Ministry has to fully utilise the Last Hope Estate in Dete, in the Hwange District so that employment opportunities accrue to the Community in view of the fact that the existing farm, comprising of the Detema Safari Lodge, a hotel, service station, bakery, garden and other infrastructure, is underutilised and grossly mismanaged.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND
COMMERCE (HON. MABUWA): I wish to thank the Hon. Member
for her concern on the state of affairs at the Last Hope Estate in Dete.
As Hon. Members may be aware, the Estate is operated by the Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe (IDCZ), which is a parastatal under my Ministry. The title to the property is however still with the now defunct Zimbabwe Development Corporation (ZDC), a parastatal that was under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
Due to the existing sanctions, the IDCZ faces financial challenges to fund the business of the project at the Last Hope Estate. The organisation has therefore made efforts to secure a strategic partner with financial and business capacity to help develop the project under the Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) or Build Own Operate and Transfer
(BOOT) arrangement. These efforts have, to date not been successful. Indications are that questions surrounding the legal standing of the property which I earlier on alluded to have negatively affected the negotiations with proposed joint venture partners. Arrangements are now underway to transfer the title of the property to my Ministry so as to facilitate future negotiations.
May I also advise the august House that the IDCZ has in the meantime been leasing the hotel and service station to local business people in support of the empowerment programme. The Lupane State University used to lease the green garden but they have since been allocated their own piece of land. The bakery equipment is however obsolete and efforts to dispose of the bakery through public tender have not been successful.
May I highlight that at its full capacity in the 1990’s, Detema Safari Lodge employed a maximum of 30 people. The number of employees went down to 10 at the beginning of the year 2000. By the time the lodge was gutted down by fire in September 2015, it had a staff complement of four people. The business, like most in the country, was negatively affected by the macroeconomic environment.
It is hoped that the completion of the extended runway upgrade project at the Victoria Falls International Airport and the enactment of the SEZ Bill will assist the IDCZ to secure joint venture partners who will also be able to provide market access. The IDCZ will however consider disposing these assets to the local community on an open tender basis as per Government policy.
SCRAPPING OF STATUTORY INSTRUMENT 126 OF 2014
4 . HON. MAONDERA asked the Minister of Industry and Commerce when the Ministry is going to scrap Statutory Instrument 126 of 2014 in view of the introduction of Bureau Veritas which plays the same role and considering that the duplication is impinging on the ease of doing business.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND
COMMERCE (HON. MABUWA): I would like to thank the Hon.
Member for the question. These two legal instruments are very different in nature as the first one. Statutory Instrument No. 126 of 2014 is an import quantity restriction whereas the second, Statutory Instrument No. 132 of 2015, is a standards of quality assessment regulation. Therefore, there is no duplication as the two legal instruments address two different aspects of imports.
To allow resuscitation and investments in the manufacturing sector, the Ministry is implementing a programme to manage imports. This entails the removal of OGIL of products that are being manufactured locally, to a process where importation of similar products will be done through limiting imports on a time framed arrangement using import licences as a control measure. Therefore, it is important to note that the imports management programme is not permanent but a time framed measure to enable local products to compete with foreign goods.
To this end, Statutory Instrument No. 126 of 2014 is a legal instrument that specifies the exclusion of the following products from the Open General Import Licence (OGIL):
- Milk (liquid and powder)
- Potatoes, Tomatoes and Onions
- Biscuits and yeast
- Portland Cement
- Soap and soap preparation
- Plastic bags and polymers
- Tubes, pipes, conveyor belts and rubber hoses
In addition, there are also other Statutory Instruments restricting the importation of certain goods into the country, such as; - S.I. 6 of 2014 (sugar, poultry and meat of swine):
- I. 18 of 2016 (23 pharmaceutical products).
- I. 19 of 2016 (2nd hand clothing, shoes and blankets)
- 1.20 of 2016 (batteries, candles, floor polish and tobacco twine) and
- I. 64 of 2016 (coffee creamers, body creams, plastic pipes and fittings, builders ware products, metal clad insulated panels, bottled water, et cetera)
The removal of these products on the Open General Import Licence (OGIL) implies that a licence will be required by anyone who wishes to import them into the country. This import permit can be obtained by applying for it from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The effect of this type of import restriction is to limit the quantities of selected products into the country.
As you are all aware Zimbabwe has a negative trade balance meaning that as a nation we are currently importing more than we are exporting. For instance, according to ZIMSTAT, in 2015, imports were estimated at US$6 002 596 473 billion whilst exports were worth US$2 704 095 948 billion only.
Therefore, the afore mentioned Statutory Instruments are measures that my Ministry has implemented in order to resuscitate local industries, safeguard local formal employment and reduce the bulky import bill and prevent Zimbabwe from bring a retail economy. To date, this measure has to some extent paid some dividends as seen by the resuscitation of some sectors such as the cooking oil sector, the fairy processing sector and the confectionary sector.
Hon. Members, as a result of the observation of the sub-standard nature, in terms of both technical and health standards of some imported products, my Ministry introduced the Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) Programme. The continual influx of such products are a threat to the implementation of the economic blueprint ZIM
ASSET, the country’s growth and development agenda and the competitiveness of our local industry. Hence, the need to curb these sub-standard imports which do not meet quality, safety, health and environment standards in line with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreements.
Therefore, as of the 1st of March, 2016, the CBCA programme was enforced and is regulated by Statutory Instrument No. 132 of 2015. This new import regulation stipulates that selected products as cited in the Statutory Instrument must be verified for conformity or compliance to standard by the contracted conformity assessment agent, Bureau Veritas, in the country of origin before they can be imported into Zimbabwe.
The CBCA programme is aimed at substantially reducing the importation of hazardous and sub-standard imported products that are harmful to the consumer and the environment and the same time create an even playing field for our local industry. The Government of Zimbabwe has contracted Bureau Veritas, a French company to provide conforming assessment services under the CBCA programme for the next 4 years. This intervention is an interim measure whilst my Ministry works on the establishment of the Zimbabwe Quality Standards
Regulatory Authority.
The Zimbabwe Quality Standards Authority will be responsible for ensuring that products imported into and exported from Zimbabwe meet quality, safety, health and environment standards. This Authority will be administered by the Zimbabwe Standards Regulatory Authority Act whose draft Bill has been forward to the Attorney General’s Office for examination.
Currently, the CBCA programme is progressing steadily with more importers complying with the regulations as evidently shown by compliance levels increasing significantly to 58% in June, 2016. The majority of the certificates of conforming issued are for chemical products respectively whilst pearls are the least. Most of the conformity assessment activities are carried out in South Africa, as it is the largest trading partner, constituting 77% of total certificates of conforming issued followed by China, Zambia and the rest of the world.
PROGRESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SPECIAL
ECONOMIC ZONES
- HON. NDUNA asked the Minister of Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion to apprise the House on the progress that has been made to date with regard to the implementation of Special Economic Zones which are meant to provide renewed impetus for foreign direct investment.
THE HON. MINISTER OF MACRO-ECONOMIC PLANNING AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. DR. MPOFU): Thank
you Hon. Speaker. Hon. Members may recall that a Special Economic
Zones (SEZ) Bill (H.B. 15, 2015) was drafted and presented for the First
Reading here at Parliament following Cabinet’s approval for the principles. The Bill is now on the last stage of being passed into an Act. Very soon, the Bill will be assented into law by the His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe. Once this is done, the SEZ Authority will be created and the implementation of SEZs will kick off.
Meanwhile, my Ministry signed an agreement with Qingdao City of China to facilitate the country to learn from the Chinese experience on the SEZs implementation. Japan has also come on board and the Ministry is working with Professor Suzuki from JICA who shall be helping us with international best practice on SEZs incentives.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, can the owner of the
following vehicle ADI 9344 go and remove the vehicle, it is blocking other vehicles.
PLANS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OVER HIGH TAX RATES
- HON. NDUNA asked the Minister of Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion to state the Ministry’s plans to address concerns over high tax rates, infrastructure deficiencies and the multiplicity of licences which are not conducive for investment.
THE HON. MINISTER OF MACRO-ECONOMIC PLANNING
AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. DR. MPOFU): The Hon. Members may be aware that that my Ministry is responsible for
Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion. To this end, my Ministry is in the process of addressing the issues raised through a number of initiatives.
- To address infrastructure deficiencies, my Ministry plans to establish Special Economic Zones which are meant to develop infrastructure in the areas where they are to be located.
- Furthermore, my Ministry is involved in promoting investment in all sectors of the economy in order to attract the much needed investment into the same. A number of investment conferences have been undertaken and also a number of delegations have been hosted. My Ministry will also launch the country’s Investment Handbook which will be used as an international investment promotion tool. This is aimed at attracting investment in all sectors of the economy, infrastructure included.
- The One Stop Investment Centre at the Zimbabwe Investment
Authority aims to addressing the issue of a multiplicity of licences
by streamlining the investment approval process to shorten the turnaround time for investment approvals. Furthermore, we will be launching the virtual OSS which will enable investors to interact on line with investment facilitating agencies, thus cutting on the time required to obtain investment related licences and permits.
- Government, through the Office of the President and Cabinet, is spearheading a programme of reforming the doing business environment in Zimbabwe. This is addressing issues such as multiplicity of licences as we aim to make Zimbabwe an investment destination of choice to investors. I thank you Mr.
Speaker.
HON. NDUNA: Mr. Speaker Sir, it is certainly Question Number 7 but hearing from what the Hon. Minister gave as his answer, it looks like he has also answered Question Number 7. With your indulgence if he feels he still needs to submit that answer but I heard it clearly. I would, with your indulgence again move to Question Number 8.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MUTOMBA): The
Hon. Member is saying you have actually answered Question Number 6, so now you can go to Question Number 8. You can present your answer to the desk.
IMPLEMENTATION OF REFORMS TO IMPROVE THE EASE
OF DOING BUSINESS
- 8. NDUNA asked the Minister of Macro-Economic
Planning and Investment Promotion to state the progress that has been made in the implementation of reforms intended to improve the ease of doing business whose target date is end of March 2016.
THE MINISTER OF MACRO-ECONOMIC PLANNING AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. DR. MPOFU): Thank
you Mr. Speaker. I want to thank Hon. Nduna for that concession. That was my feeling as well that Question Number 7 is more or less the same as Question Number 6. The answer for Question No. 8 is as follows:
- Ease of Doing Business reforms are being executed under a multistakeholder structure of technical working groups constituted along thematic areas as measured by the World Bank in the Doing
Business index. The reforms are being implemented under a 100 Day Rapid Results Initiative approach to ensure maximum output, accountability and measurability of the efforts. The second phase of 100 Day Rapid Initiative was launched on Thursday, 4th February 2016 and was concluded on the 13th May, 2016 for the following reconstituted technical working groups:
- Starting a business/Protecting Minority Investors.
- Dealing with construction permits/Registering Property.
- Enforcing contracts/Resolving Insolvency.
- Paying Taxes/trading Across Borders.
- Getting Credit.
A review workshop was also conducted on the 14th of June, 2016 where updates were made on the progress of each technical working group.
- The reforms are aimed at reducing and simplifying procedures, automation of processes and review of processes and legislative framework in all these indicated thematic areas. Some of the highlights so far include the following:
- Starting a business has been reduced from 30 days to 15 days.
- Finalising the legal framework for a credit registry and operationalising it by 30 June, 2016.
- The Banking Act was also amended to provide for the establishment of a credit registry and the amendment was gazetted in May 2016.
- Time taken to pay tax has been reduced from 242 hours to 160 hours.
- Cost to export and import has been reduced by 30%.
- Time to process construction permits has been reduced from 448 days to 120 days.
- Property registration now takes 14 days from 36 days.
- All necessary steps for the establishment of a commercial court have also been done.
- You may wish to note Hon. Members, that publicity campaigns of the implementation of the DB have also been undertaken. It is worth noting that the exhibitions were made at the ZITF wherein all TWGs exhibited under the OPC pavilion and the 2 VPS visited the stand and were impressed. Aggressive public awareness campaigns will continue.
- My greatest call is to you Hon. Members such that once the legal instruments (Bills) come to you, they will be attended to expeditiously to pave way for better scoring in the next Doing Business ranking as this has a bearing on our credit ranking and investor perception also. I thank you.
HON. NDUNA: My supplementary question is, if the Hon.
Minister has the information, can he care to let this House know how much we have improved from the ranking that we had before, of 174 out of 180 something countries on the ease of doing business, either barometer or ranking?
HON. DR. MPOFU: Thank you Mr. Speaker. In my answer, I
alluded to the compilation of information to address that particular question. I have got a draft Investment in Zimbabwe document which will address those issues. We also would appreciate the contribution by the Hon. Members towards that kind of an initiative so that we sing from the same hymn book. I thank you.
ELECTRIFICATION OF MAITENGWE BORDER POST
- HON. NLEYA asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to state when the Ministry will electrify Maitengwe Border
Post.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. UNDENGE): Thank you Mr. Speaker. Maitengwe Border Post is 33km from Madyambudzi which is the nearest point that has electricity. Madyambudzi is fed from an 11KV network which is 70km from Plumtree. Extending the grid from Madyambudzi by another 33km to Maitengwe using 11KV network provides capacity constraints. Alternatively, it could be fed form a 33KV network but the nearest point is 71km away. Feeding Maitengwe from the 33KV is the most technically feasible option. Currently, REF is targeting to electrify institutions within 20km from the grid by 2018. Maitengwe is therefore expected to be powered using solar technology by 2018. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
CONNECTION OF ELECTRICITY TO SCHOOLS IN BULILIMA
- HON. S. NDLOVU asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development to state when ZESA will connect electricity to the following schools in Bulilima.
- Bhalule Primary School
- Ntunuywe Primary School, and
- Peace and Good Hope Primary School
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. UNDENGE): Thank you Mr. Speaker.
In Bulilima district, the following institutions have been electrified:- 40 schools, 16 clinics, 14 Government offices, 27 others which include chiefs, business centres and villages.
As for Bhalule Primary School, electricity was connected on 11th May, 2015. What remains is for the infrastructure to be put in place and the school to pay ZETDC what are called connection fees. The same applies with Ntunungwe Primary School; it was also electrified on 11th May. Once connection fees are paid, electricity will be switched on. The same applies for Peace and Good Hope Primary School, electricity arrived there on 1st April, 2015. Once the connection fees are paid, electricity will be switched on. Perhaps, the Hon. Member can assist the schools with the payment of the connection fees. I thank you.
AVAILABILITY OF RURAL ELECTRIFICATION
PROGRAMME IN BULILIMA EAST CONSTITUENCY
- HON. S. NDLOVU asked the Minister of energy and Power Development to state –
- When the Rural Electrification Programme would be availed to Bulilima East Constituency;
- the fees that are required as contributions by households.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. UNDENGE): Thank you Mr.
Speaker, the following institutions have been electrified, this is in Bulilima Constituency.
24 primary schools; 10 secondary schools; and 7 clinics.
Two primary schools, namely Nyabane and Ntenjane are on the 2016 roll-out. The planned date for Nyabane Primary School electrification programme was expected to begin in early February ending in May 2016 but due to cash constraints, this programme was delayed. Ntenjane Primary School electrification which was expected to begin in May 2016 will begin any time from now. Then the fees that are required as contributions by households is $90.00 per household. I thank you.
COMPLETION OF INSTALLATION OF PREPAID METERS IN
GLEN NORAH
- HON. MAONDERA asked the Minister of Energy and Power
Development what plans are there to complete the installation of prepaid meters in Glen Norah which was stalled in 2014?
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. UNDENGE): Mr. Speaker Sir, ZETDC
had embarked on the installation of prepaid meters in Glen Norah after the State Procurement Board (SPB) had granted permission …
Hon. Tarusenga having asked the question on behalf of Hon.
Maondera.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MUTOMBA): Order,
order Hon. Minister. It would appear that Hon. Maondera is not in the House and you did not inform the front desk that you are standing in for
Hon. Maondera. They are not aware.
HON. TARUSENGA: Mr. Speaker Sir, Madam Speaker was
informed about that before you took the Chair.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Alright, Hon. Minister, you
may proceed.
HON. DR. UNDENGE: Mr. Speaker Sir, ZETDC had embarked
on the installation of prepaid meters in Glen Norah after the State Procurement Board (SPB) had granted permission for three contractors to install single phase meters in Harare. However, the installations in Glen Norah stalled mainly due to meter availability challenges as well as the need for modifications before installations on some houses in the area.
ZETDC is currently procuring a total of 130 000 meters from two suppliers who were approved by the SPB, contracts signed thereof and deliveries are expected. We hope that once we have that delivery, the issue of shortages of prepaid meters will be a thing of the past. I thank you.
INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICITY TOKEN SALES POINT AT
LUSULU CENTRE
- HON. NKOMO MAIL asked the Minister of Energy and
Power Development when the Ministry would install an electricity token sales point at Lusulu Centre in Binga to alleviate the plight of the community which currently buys electricity tokens from Hwange town and Binga Centre?
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. UNDENGE): ZETDC is sending a
team on 19th July to talk to the business community and individuals who are interested in third party vending of electricity. Those interested will be given details of banks and Powertel to formalize the arrangements so that vending can start at Lusulu Centre. This is the practice at all business centres where ZETDC does not have offices. I thank you.
MEASURES AGAINST RUVHENEKO PRIMARY SCHOOL
HEADMISTRESS
- HON. MAONDERA asked the Minister of Primary and
Secondary Education what measures are being taken to bring to book the
Headmistress of Ruvheneko Primary School in Glen Norah, Mrs.
Chigabo who was implicated in a recent audit by the Ministry’s auditors?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND
SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. PROF. MAVIMA): Thank you.
Hon. Speaker. I would like to thank Hon. Maondera for the question relating to Ruvheneko Primary School in Glen Norah and I would like to respond as follows: Issues to do with financial management in schools are matters of concern to the Ministry. For this reason, we instituted an audit of our schools in order to bring transparency in the use of the funds that are collected at school level.
In 2015, the Ministry managed to audit 1697 schools. In some cases, there were reports of abuse of school funds by heads of schools. As a matter of fact, where there were allegations of abuse of funds, thorough investigations were carried out. With respect to Ruvheneko Primary School, audit was carried out and the initial report indicated that there were some irregularities in the handling of funds. The concerned head has now been asked as a matter of procedure to provide a response on that audit. That is where we are at the moment. Thank you Hon.
Speaker.
SUBSTANTIVE HEADMASTERS FOR SCHOOLS IN MUDZI
- HON. MUDYIWA asked the Minister of Primary and
Secondary Education to explain why:
- One secondary school out of 35 registered and satellite schools in Mudzi District has a substantive headmaster while the rest are in acting capacity;
- What is Government policy regarding the period one should be on an acting capacity as school head;
- Whether these acting headmasters get an acting allowance and at what rate.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND
SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. PROF. MAVIMA): Thank you
Hon. Speaker. My response to the above questions is as follows:
- The Ministry considers leadership at school level as vital to the day to day running of the school. As such, the majority of our schools are under substantive heads. Satellite schools are schools that are under a registered school and the head superintending over a satellite school is a substantive head for that particular satellite school. This phenomenon does not only apply to schools in Mudzi District. It applies to all schools in the country. So, by their nature, all satellite schools are under a head of an established school.
- There are indicative periods for acting in post. All members who have requisite qualifications are free to apply whenever such posts are advertised. More often than not, it is the function of budgetary control as well as institutional fitness that determines the process of appointing substantive heads.
- Issues to do with acting allowances are not under the purview of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. However, as a Ministry, our responsibility is to indicate to the Public Service Commission members who are in acting capacities. Allowances and rates are determined by the Public Service Commission as the employer. Thank you Hon. Speaker.
BUYING PRICE OF COTTON FOR THE 2015/2016 FARMING
SEASON
- MANGAMI asked the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development to inform the House on
Government’s buying price of cotton for the 2015/2016 farming season.
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, MECHANISATION AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MADE): Thank
you Hon. Speaker, I would want to appreciate the question from the Hon. Member. The question is already superseded because the price of cotton is already in the public domain. The cotton buying price by Cottco is 45c per kg, with price adjustments being paid after grading.
Thank you.
CONSTRUCTION OF AN IRRIGATION SCHEME AT SOKWELA
DAM
- MANGAMI asked the Minister of Agriculture,
Mechanisation and Irrigation Development to state the progress that has been made on the construction of an irrigation scheme at Sokwela Dam in Gokwe South.
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, MECHANISATION AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MADE): I want
to thank the Hon. Member for raising the question. I just want to emphasise that on this question, currently Government is developing an inventory of all small dams in Gokwe and assessing the irrigation potential of each water body. Thank you.
PURCHASE OF SMALL GRAINS FROM FARMERS BY
GOVERNMENT
- HON. MANGAMI asked the Minister of Agriculture,
Mechanisation and Irrigation Development to state whether Government buys small grains from farmers and if so, to state the price.
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, MECHANISATION AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MADE): I also
want to thank the Hon. Member for raising the question. The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) purchases small grains from the farmers. The price that is paid for small grains is equal to the price that we pay for maize, which is $390 per metric tonne. I am aware that in certain areas, GMB could have been paying farmers less than that. If there are any areas where small grains have been paid differently, the price is $390. I want that to be known because it is very important. That is why I have said that this is an important question. I state it as the Minister that small grains should be paid at the same price as maize because we want to encourage farmers who are in those areas that are suitable for small grains. If there are any farmers who have been paid less than this, they should immediately make their way to the GMB and the price should be adjusted. Thank you
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I have to acknowledge the
presence in the Speaker’s Gallery, members from the African
Parliamentarians Network on Development Evaluation (APNODE) from
Cote D’ivoire, Uganda, Kenya and supporting staff. You are most welcome – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
CONSTRUCTION OF DINGANI DAM
- HON. M. NKOMO asked the Minister of Agriculture,
Mechanisation and Irrigation Development to inform the House what progress has been made in the construction of Dingani Dam at Mzola Central area in the Lupane West Constituency.
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, MECHANISATION AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MADE): Mr.
Speaker, I want to thank the Hon. Member for raising the question.
However, I have to say that the question is misdirected as the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development is not responsible for the construction of dams. This question must be redirected to the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate. Thank you.
PLANS TO RE-GRAVEL THE HEADLANDS-MAYO ROAD
- HON. MAONDERA asked the Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development, what plans are in place to re-gravel the
Headlands-Mayo Road, which is in a very deplorable state.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. J. M.
GUMBO): Mr. Speaker Sir, 18 km of the Headlands-Mayo road was surfaced between 2002 and 2005. This surfacing project was stalled because of funding constraints. The Ministry is now pursuing the engagement of the private sector in road development through Public-
Private-Partnership or Build-Operate and Transfer concessions.
Headlands-Mayo road is also lined up for gravelling in July and August this Financial Year, 2016, to make it trafficable since it is in bad shape. I thank you.
PROGRESS ON RESURFACING OF GURUVE TO MAHUWE
ROAD
- HON. KANHANGA asked the Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to apprise the House on the progress made on the re-surfacing programme of the Guruve to Mahuwe road, particularly on the 7km stretch of broken tarmac between Makombe and
Camperdown.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. J. M.
GUMBO): Mr. Speaker Sir, the Ministry intends to regravel and grade the narrow Mat Section of Guruve-Mahuwe Road, which is in bad shape and grade the rest of the gravel road. The Ministry is financially constrained, hence, at the moment is not in a position to resurface the 7km stretch from Makombe to Camperdown. The gravelling and grading should make the section trafficable, until funds to surface the section become available. I thank you.
REHABILITATION OF THE CHIMOYO-CHIWONDE ROAD
- HON. MUFUNGA asked the Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to:-
- State when the Ministry is going to rehabilitate the Chimoyo-
Chiwonde Road in Muzarabani;
- State when the Ministry is going to construct the following bridges in Muzarabani which were destroyed by floods in 2006;
- Bridge at Hoya river; ii. Musingwa bridge; and iii. Chimoyo bridge
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. J. M.
GUMBO): Mr. Speaker Sir, Chimoyo-Chiwonde Road and bridge fall under the jurisdiction of Muzarabani Rural District Council, which I believe are mobilizing resources for the needed works. Mr. Speaker Sir, the Ministry is currently mobilising resources to the tune of US$515 000 required to carry our repair works on Hoya bridge. It is the intention of the Ministry to start work on this bridge before the end of the year, 2016. To construct a bridge across Musingwa River, the Ministry needs US$2.5 million. Considering limited resources, the Ministry will start works on Musingwa Bridge after completion of needed repair works on Hoya Bridge. I also regret to advise that, currently, there is no provision for the re-construction of the Chimoyo Bridge. I thank you.
HON. GABBUZA: The Hon. Minister reports that the local authority is mobilizing resources to sort out this road. My understanding was that the road authority is under the Ministry and gives the resources to the local authority. Is the Hon. Minister indicating that the local authority has a different system or way of mobilising resources?
HON. DR. J. M. GUMBO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, through its arm of ZINARA gives money or disburses funds to local authorities.
Therefore, in order to answer the question, I have said, the responsible authority is mobilising funds. This means that the funds that will come from the Ministry, through ZINARA for their second disbursements, after they have acquitted whatever they have been given, is the money they are mobilising in order to repair the bridge. It is already in their plans, they are just awaiting us to disburse the money, which we can only do after we have received their acquittals. That is what I am referring to, it might have been put in such a way that it implies that the local authority is going to be getting money from somewhere, but the essence or the answer to the question is that, through ZINARA, they are waiting for us to give them the money so that they can use on their project. I thank you.
HON. MUFUNGA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I understand Hoya Bridge is bigger than Musingwa Bridge. How can Musingwa Bridge require US$2 million yet it is smaller than Hoya bridge? Thank you.
HON. J. M. GUMBO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am talking about a project for which the bill of quantities has already been worked out by the professionals. If Hon. Mufunga is that qualified to make those bill of quantities, then I possibly can assist the staff and see whatever can be done but these are the bill of quantities that have been worked out by engineers and I am just an economist; I am not qualified to do BOQs. I thought he would be happy to see to it that whatever has to be done for his project is going to be done.
He might look at the bridge and say this one is smaller but he is not qualified, I think to deal with the soils and whatever might be required to be done. So, I think you might have to exercise your expertise with the engineers and see whether the soils are that easy to make a bridge and make it cheaper or it might be small but requires a lot of money because the soils might not be that good. I rest my case Mr. Speaker Sir I am not qualified but I am just giving you the information as is given by the engineers. I thank you.
HON. MUFUNGA: Minister, the monies that you are disbursing
to local authorities, are you satisfied that the monies are being used for the purposes that you are giving them for, because you have given to some local authorities US$300 000 or US$600 000 but after acquittal, what is on the ground is not the true reflection of the monies that you have given them. Are you happy with that?
HON. DR. GUMBO: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am a Member
of Parliament, representing a constituency and I am also one, like any Hon. Member in here who came up with this Act that put together ZINARA. As a Member of Parliament, my role is also to oversee. So, if the money is given to your constituency and we always talk about it and you do not check how those monies are being used, then as Members of
Parliament we are failing on our oversight role.
My first advice to the Hon. Member is that, please play your oversight role and see to it that the money that was given to your local authority is being properly utilised. On our part and I as Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, if the money has not been properly acquitted, we will not disburse any more money and that is exactly what I have said. So, play your part on the ground and I play my part, then we meet half-way. I thank you.
RESURFACING OF ROBERT GABRIEL HIGHWAY AND
INKOMO-DARWENDALE-TRELAWNEY-BANKET ROADS
- HON. MUKWANGWARIWA asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to inform the House when the following roads would be resurfaced:
- Robert Gabriel Mugabe highway from Norton to Murombedzi; and
- Inkomo-Darwendale-Trelawney-Banket road, in Zvimba East.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):
Mr. Speaker Sir, the preparation for work commencement is currently underway for the resealing and resurfacing of Norton-Murombedzi road. Delivery of materials by our suppliers has already commenced. Delays have been due to procurement challenges.
Referring to part two of the question, the road is segmented into two. Inkomo – Darwendale road is pothole infested and requires urgent resealing and pothole patching which will be done as soon as funding from ZINARA is availed. As for Banket-Trelawney road, rehabilitation and resurfacing is required and there have been plans to do this for a long time. However, Treasury has not been able to fund this and other roads on the national programme. When funding gets provided, this and other roads will be constructed as required. I thank you.
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
PROGRESS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ONE STOP
SHOP INVESTMENT CENTRE
- HON. NDUNA asked the Minister of Macro-Economic
Planning and Investment Promotion to state the progress that has been made on the establishment of the One Stop Shop Investment Centre.
THE MINISTER OF MACRO-ECONOMIC PLANNING AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION (HON. DR. MPOFU): I have
set up a transformation taskforce comprising of Investment Promotion department and ZIA which is working flat out to operationalise the physical OSS. Key parameters notes as being hurdles to the full operationalisation of the OSS and which are being attended to are:
- Legal provisions to legalise the OSS – being addressed through amendments to the ZIA Act. To this end, the AG’s office is finalising the amendments which seek to give legal effect to OSS and the intention is to have the ZIA Act amendment being brought to this House before the end of the third quarter of 2016.
- Secondment arrangements – being addressed by making the ZIA Act an Omnibus Act and so providing for Secondment of OSS officials at ZIA. The Ministry is also roping in the Public Service Commission to develop suitable contracts for the seconded staff n liaison with the taskforce and the respective institutions that are members of the OSS.
- Payment arrangements – being addressed through justifying the payment platforms and having a single payment platform that generate one receipt for all OSS agencies. Payment methods to be widened to include internet banking, mobile banking and international payment cards (VISA and MasterCard).
- Turnaround time – All agencies to adhere to an agreed turnaround time, with possibility of graduating to a “silent is consent rule” being applied, once the 5 day working period is attained. All post approvals like EIEA also have agreed timeframes to adhere to, i.e. one month at most.
- Digital OSS – making provision to have on line licence application. Currently, on line company registration, ZIMRA registration, NSSA and ZIMDEF registrations is being finalised.
Other agencies would be added once the system is fully running. Target is end of year but so far name search is on line and database of names has already been uploaded.
- Operationalise date – Honourable Members, my Ministry can report that the OSS is now 90% operational. The officers are now stationed at ZIA as from 1 August, 2016. All the OSS officials underwent some training during the last week of July which is now ahead of them, i.e. to facilitate investment into the country. I thank you.
COMPLETION OF RURAL ELECTRIFICATION IN MSALA
WARD
- HON. O. NCUBE asked the Minister of Energy and Power
Development to state when the rural electrification programme in Msala
Ward in Gokwe-Kana Constituency will be completed.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. UNDENGE): I would like to thank the
Hon. Member for his question. As the Hon. Member may be aware, the Rural Electrification Agency plans to extend the electricity grid network to all rural public institutions within 20 km of the existing grid network and to electrify those beyond 20 km using solar technology by 2018. This is in line with ZIM ASSET targets and is subject to availability of funding. These projects are already being implemented and 2015 saw the electrification of institutions such as Mateme Primary and Secondary schools as well as Mateme clinic as scheduled.
The following is a table showing un-electrified rural public institutions, including chiefs homesteads, in Gokwe-Kana Constituency, the estimated distances from the existing grid network, the dates by which the institutions are expected to have been electrified and the mode of electrification, that is whether grid or solar.
STATUS OF CURRENT AND FUTURE ELECTRIFICATION
PROGRAMMES IN GOKWE-KANA CONSTITUENCY
Item No. | Name of Institution | Distance from
Grid Network
|
When to be electrified | Source of
Energy |
1. | Dzvuke School | 6.2 km | By 2018 | Grid |
2. | Paradza School | 12 km | By 2018 | Grid |
3. | Maboke School | 8 km | By 2018 | Grid |
4. | Marirangwe School | 4.5 km | By 2018 | Grid |
5. | Ndarire School | 7 km | By 2018 | Grid |
6. | Tachi School | 15 km | By 2018 | Grid |
7. | Mapiwa School | 25 km | By 2018 | Solar |
8. | Lutochani School | 33 km | By 2018 | Solar |
9. | Mwambani School | 1.7 km | By 2017 | Grid |
10. | Mayambi Primary
School |
1.5 km | By 2017 | Grid |
11. | Lukukwe School | 14 km | By 2018 | Grid |
12. | Jiri Primary School | Underline | By 2017 | Grid |
13. | Mudzimundiringe
School |
0.8 km | By 2017 | Grid |
14. | Chief Jiri | 15 km | By 2018 | Grid |
The Agency is implementing a 42 km Single Wire Earth return (SWER) line covering 7 institutions in Gokwe-Kana Constituency, listed below.
- Kambe Primary School;
- Chehamba Primary School;
- Msala Primary School;
- Msala clinic;
- Msala business centre;
- Mbungu Secondary School; and Mbungu Primary School.
Electrification of these institutions is almost complete as all the lines have been done and REA now awaits the delivery of transformers from ZESA Enterprises (ZENT). Unfortunately, ZENT has a huge backlog of transformer supplies mainly as a result of resource constraints. I would, however, like to assure the Hon. Member that these institutions will be prioritised once transformers become available as they were scheduled to be completed in 2015.
ELECTRIFICATION OF CLINICS IN MUZARABANI
- HON. MUFUNGA asked the Minister of Energy and Power
Development to explain why the following areas in Muzarabani have not been electrified:-
- Chiweya Clinic,
- Dambakurima clinic,
- Chadereka clinic and
- Kairezi business centre.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. UNDENGE): Mr. Speaker Sir, I would
like to thank the Hon. Member for raising such an important question which helps explain plans in place to ensure that the stated institutions in Muzarabani are electrified. Let me hasten Mr. Speaker Sir, to point out that, the implementation of the Rural Electrification Programme is an ongoing process which, among other things, is dependent on the availability of resources.
Mr. Speaker Sir, in respect to the Chiwenga Clinic not Chiweya Clinic as asked, the clinic is 29 km from the nearest existing electricity grid network. According to the Rural Electrification strategy, institutions located far away from the existing electricity grid are for now only being considered for solar in view of the distance from the grid. However, I am happy to advise the Hon. Member that Chiwenga Clinic is targeted for electrification using the solar off grid system (solar system) in 2018.
Mr. Speaker Sir, as for Dambakurima Clinic, my Ministry is reliably informed that the grid leading to the institution was completed over 5 years ago. However, the ZETDC network feeding the area was down until the last two weeks when it was repaired. The institution has completed the internal wiring which has so far been inspected by ZETDC. ZETDC is now waiting for the institution to pay connection fees and once this is done, this shall pave way for connection.
Similarly, Mr. Speaker Sir, Chadereka Clinic had its grid completed on 30th July, 2014. Delays in connecting the institution were due to slow pace by the institution to do the internal wirings. Recently, the institution just completed the internal wirings and ZETDC has inspected the institution and is now waiting for the institution to pay the required connection fees for its connection.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I would also want to inform the Hon. Member that Kairezi Business Centre is 21 km from the nearest electricity grid network. The grid network will be extended for 9.6 km to Kakonono Primary School towards the business centre. This will leave the grid network 11.4 km away from the business centre. The business centre can then apply for electrification on a 50% capital subsidy as only Government institutions qualify for 100% funding.
ELECTRIFICATION OF SCHOOLS IN MUZARABANI
- MUFUNGA asked the Minister of Energy and Power
Development to explain why schools in Muzarabani have not been electrified given that they have fully paid connection fees?
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. UNDENGE): Mr. Speaker Sir, in
respect of schools that have paid connection fees in Muzarabani but are yet to be connected, the situation on the ground indicates that electricity connections have recently been done at the following schools:-
- Kapembere Primary School – two houses have been connected.
- Hwata Secondary School – Administration block has been connected.
- Sapa School – two houses have been connected.
- Kasembere School – The administration block and five houses have been connected.
- Bore School – a meter has been installed on one house.
However, the network is faulty and is being attended to.
In addition to the above Mr. Speaker Sir, my Ministry is aware that internal wiring is in progress at the following schools:- vi. Chadereka; vii. Chimoi; viii. Musengezi; and ix. Dambakurima Secondary School.
Once wiring has been completed, Mr. Speaker Sir, ZETDC will do the inspections and complete the connections.
ZETDC INFRASTRUCTURE IN HARARE WEST
- MAJOME asked the Minister of Energy and Power
Development why ZETDC is prevaricating for more than two years in responding to a written request by the sitting Member of Parliament to visit and familiarize herself with ZETDC infrastructure in Harare West.
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. UNDENGE): Mr. Speaker Sir, it is
unfortunate that Hon. Majome has been failing to get access to familiarize herself with ZETDC infrastructure in the Harare region for the past two years. However, let me indicate that access to such highly protected places requires vetting for security clearance. As such, I advise the Hon. Member to direct her request to my Ministry for possible clearance upon providing her personal details and date of intended visit.
FAILURE BY ZETDC TO ATTEND CONSTITUENCY
COMMUNITY MEETINGS
- HON. MAJOME asked the Minister of Energy and Power Development why ZETDC is habitually failing to turn up at constituency community meetings to explain electricity issues despite confirming their willingness to attend?
THE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. UNDENGE): Mr. Speaker Sir, while
the utility is obligated to provide relevant information to its stakeholders on its operations and programmes, the major concern is that some meetings particularly the last meeting that the ZETDC Harare Region staff attended in Mbare turned violent. As a result of such unfortunate high levels of intolerance within our society, the utility made a precautionary position to avoid attending such meetings.
I am, however, happy to inform the Hon. Member that the utility has been attending meetings with Harare Residents Trust which comprises of various residents representatives. Members are also free to visit ZETDC offices for particular issues of concern so that they can keep their constituencies informed.
INSTALLATION OF HEADMAN MSALA OF GOKWE-KANA AS A
SUBSTANTIVE CHIEF
- HON. O. NCUBE asked the Minister of Rural Development and Preservation of Culture and Heritage to state when Headman Msala of Gokwe – Kana Constituency will be installed as a substantive Chief of the Tonga People.
THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT,
PROMOTION AND PRESERVATION OF NATIONAL
CULTURE AND HERITAGE (HON. A. NCUBE): I am aware that
indeed there is Msala Headmanship in Gokwe South and there is a substantive headman who was appointed in terms of Section 8 of the Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17). I would like to bring to the attention of the Hon. Member the fact that if one is appointed as headman, that becomes their position and they do not necessarily graduate into chiefs. It is incumbent upon the clan to approach my office through the office of the District Administrator who will in turn make a recommendation on the submission. We have not yet received a claim for the upgrading of the Msala Headmanship to Chieftainship.
PAYMENT OF ALLOWANCES TO HEADMEN IN HWANGE
WEST
- HON. B. MPOFU asked the Minister of Rural Development and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage to explain whether there are any plans to pay allowances to some village headmen in
Hwange West Constituency after they completed the vetting process.
THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT,
PROMOTION AND PRESERVATION OF NATIONAL
CULTURE AND HERITAGE (HON. A. NCUBE): I would like to
bring to the attention of the Hon. Member the fact that completion of the vetting process does not mean that a person has been appointed as village head. The appointment is completed when the Secretary has approved the recommendation for appointment in terms of the
Traditional Leaders Act. Once the Secretary has appointed a village head, the village head will start getting his or her allowances from the date of appointment.
PROVISION OF BICYCLES TO VILLAGE HEADMEN IN
HWANGE EAST
- HON. B. MPOFU asked the Minister of Rural Development
and Preservation of Culture and Heritage to explain whether it is possible to provide village headman in Hwange West Constituency with bicycles in view of the fact that they walk long distances to attend
Chief’s meetings.
THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT,
PROMOTION AND PRESERVATION OF NATIONAL
CULTURE AND HERITAGE (HON. A. NCUBE): We take note of
the concern raised by the Hon. Member. However, I regret to advise that currently, we do not have a policy that caters for the procurement of bicycles to village heads. The village heads are only entitled to their monthly allowances. Benefits may be reviewed once fiscal space improves.
ALLOWANCES FOR HEADMEN IN SMALL SCALE FARMING
AREAS
- HON. BEREMAURO asked the Minister of Rural
Development and Preservation of Culture and Heritage to explain if headmen in the small scale farming areas are eligible to receive allowances after having been appointed by the Chief because Chipapa and Vuti have village heads appointed but are not receiving allowances.
THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT,
PROMOTION AND PRESERVATION OF NATIONAL
CULTURE AND HERITAGE (HON. A. NCUBE): Well, in terms of
the Traditional Leaders Act, headmen and village heads are appointed by the Minister and Permanent Secretary respectively. Chiefs are merely expected to nominate candidates for appointment either as headmen or village heads. Therefore, once a suitable person has been appointed as headman or village head by the responsible appointing authority, they are automatically entitled to receive monthly allowances accordingly. In this regard, Chipapa and Vuti village heads will only qualify for allowances once appointed.
Again, headmen and village heads presiding over resettlement areas which have not been emplaced under the authority of Chiefs are not entitled to an allowance until those areas such as small scale farming areas have been gazetted under Chiefs.
PROVISION OF E-LEARNING EQUIPMENT TO SCHOOLS IN
GOKWE-KANA
- HON. O. NCUBE asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to state when the Ministry will provide E – learning equipment to the following schools in Gokwe – Kana
Constituency:
- Mbungu Secondary School;
- Marimasimbe Secondary School;
- Mateme Secondary School;
- Lukukwe Secondary School;
- Kana Secondary School;
- Njanje Secondary School;
- Choto Secondary School;
- Batanai Secondary School;
- Mkoka Secondary School; and
- Selima Secondary School
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
EDUCATION (HON. DR. DOKORA): It is the thrust of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to promote e-learning in all schools in Zimbabwe. The new Curriculum Framework for Primary and Secondary Education: 2015-2022 provides for the teaching of information communication technology (ICT) from Early Childhood Development to Advanced Level. For this reason, syllabi for ICT for infant, junior primary and secondary levels were developed.
Further, the Ministry through its Curriculum Development and Technical Services department has made efforts to come up with an elearning solution for our schools. This will see our schools getting a variety of appropriate digital content. All the above mentioned schools in the Gokwe-Kana Constituency and beyond will benefit from the current initiatives that are underway. However, the provision of hardware equipment for e-learning is a shared responsibility. While the Ministry can play a part in providing hardware equipment, schools and other partners, including the Hon. Member can assist where possible.
The ratio of computer tools to learners is recommended at the UNESCO benchmark of 1:8. Since e-learning software solutions may be centrally accessible, and we did an initial agreement to use MS 365
Suite. We have since invited TelOne, Zarnet and E-learning to provide a Proof of Concept (POC) that demonstrated connectivity at the most efficient, cost-effective and non-disruptive thresholds. Once the POCs are signed off, schools can then become connected within the radius of their cluster points.
More information will be made available as we develop this frontier in the immediate future. Hon. Members can contact the District Schools Inspectors who will gladly indicate areas they can be useful in the massification of ICT tool presence and utilisation in schools.
REVIVAL OF SHASHE IRRIGATION SCHEME
- HON. S. NCUBE asked the Minister of Agriculture,
Mechanisation and Irrigation Development to state when Shashe Irrigation Scheme would be revived, considering that there is plenty of water in Shashe River.
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, MECHANISATION AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. MADE): Hon.
Speaker, the irrigation scheme being referred to is Mambali Irrigation Scheme, which has already been earmarked for rehabilitation once resources are availed.
STATUS OF GWANDA-MAPHISA ROAD
- HON. S. NCUBE asked the Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to clarify the status of Gwanda-Maphisa
Road, in view of the fact that documents at Matobo Rural District Council indicate that it was tarred in 2006, while the situation on the ground is that it is still a gravel road.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. J. M.
GUMBO): Mr. Speaker Sir, Gwanda Maphisa Road is 58kms long and
a gravel road. It was last graded in 2015. The road is in a fair condition and is due for regrading before the4 end of this year, 2016. The information in Matobo Rural District documents of the road being tarred in 2006 is incorrect, but certainly, there are plans to surface it at some stage. I thank you.
PLANS TO COVER POTHOLES ALONG BEITBRIDGE-
MASVINGO ROAD
- HON. B. TSHUMA asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development whether there is an emergency plan to cover the potholes littering the Beitbridge-Masvingo Road, especially between Beitbridge and Rutenga as these potholes are a death trap.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. J. M.
GUMBO): Mr. Speaker Sir, the potholes between Beitbridge and Rutenga are being attended to with the aim of resurfacing the worst section. Please be advised that the road from Beitbridge to Harare has been awarded to a developer on a Triple P Concession for dualisation and rehabilitation, and work on this very busy road is expected to start towards the end of the year. I thank you.
COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION WORK ALONG KAROI-
BINGA ROAD
- HON. BEREMAURO asked the Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to –
- Explain why it has taken the Ministry more than 25 years to complete construction of Karoi Binga Road and;
- State when construction is likely to resume.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. J. M.
GUMBO): Mr. Speaker Sir, it has taken the Ministry a very long time to complete the construction of the Karoi-Binga Road because of financial constraints. The Ministry is now pursuing engagement of the private sector in road development through Public-Private-Partnership or BuildOperate and Transfer Concessions. Karoi-Binga Road is one of the targeted roads and tenders are to be floated this year, 2016, for this road and others. I thank you.
COMPLETION OF KAROI TOLLGATE
- HON. BEREMAURO asked the Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to explain why it has taken construction of Karoi Tollgate six months before completion and when it is likely to be completed.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. J. M.
GUMBO): Mr. Speaker Sir, the construction of the Karoi Tollgate has taken six months before completion because of inconsistent release of funds for the construction works. The matter has been discussed with ZINARA and it is hoped that the funding will improve. The tollgate is targeted for completion by the beginning of the fourth quarter of the year
2016.
MEASURES TO IMPROVE TECHNOLOGY AT THE
VEHICLE INSPECTION DEPARTMENT
- HON. MASUKU asked the Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to explain the measures in place to improve the technology used at the Vehicle Inspection Department in order to curb corruption particularly on the Provisional Drivers’ Licence tests.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. J. M.
GUMBO): The Ministry has zero tolerance policy on corruption in line with the aspirations of ZIM ASSET. In this context, the Ministry has implemented the following proactive strategies to curb corruption at the
Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID):-
- VID depots are grouped into three categories, that is, small, medium and big, respectively for purposes of analyzing their performance and the strate4gy helps the Ministry to monitor performance per each depot and be able to identify the existence of wayward behaviour through daily, weekly and monthly returns and reports analysis. This strategy has demonstrated its effectiveness from 2009 to current, where 32 officers were fired when it surfaced from the analysis on the returns that corruption was taking place at 13 VID depots namely: Eastlea, Belvedere, Chitungwiza, Gweru, Mutare, Chiredzi, Bindura, Kadoma, Victoria Falls, Zvishavane, Nyamapanda, Chinhoyi and Marondera, which issued 199 Drivers and Provisional licences to undeserving applicants and were cancelled by the Ministry.
- We have erected conspicuous notice boards at all VID depots and introduced on March 6, 2016, three toll free numbers (08013121-3), informing members of the public to call the supplied numbers if they have been asked for consideration or bribe by VID officials in order to pass a Drivers licence or a provisional licence. The tol free numbers are also displayed at the rear of all VID vehicles.
- All depots have suggestion boxes strategically positioned for members of the public to air their views as a feedback on service delivery.
- We have a dedicated multi-skilling strategy for all our officers, that is, every officer is trained as both an examiner and an inspecting officer. The strategy helps to remove pre-arranged corrupt practices and predictability from officers on duty in that the manager at any given time, can reshuffle officers from driving examinations to vehicle inspections or vice-versa.
- We have a three-year transfer policy which helps in mitigating against over-familiarisation of officers with members of the public which has high propensity for corruption.
- In line with advancement in the global village, VID as a learning organisation, will in the near future, move towards automation of its services, which will help to reduce direct human interface therefore reducing corruption.
- It is from best practice that we monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the above strategies for continuous improvement. Any reported case of corruption is investigated in order to get to the bottom of it and appropriate action is taken as indicated in item one above.
- My Ministry intends to commercialise the VID as a strategy to improve the quality of service delivery and eradicate corruption, given that it will be easy to motivate diligent performers and weed out unruly elements without going through the bureaucratic processes.
I thank you.
On the motion of THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO),
the House adjourned at Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 16th August, 2016
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair)
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
(HON. DR. GANDAWA): I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 3 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the
Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. MUTOMBA: Thank you Madam Speaker for giving me
the opportunity to wind up this very important motion. May I take this opportunity to thank all the Hon. Members who contributed. May I also thank all those Hon. Members who did not contribute but were paying attention to those Hon. Members who were debating.
Madam Speaker, the legislative agenda that was set by the President contained more than 21 Bills. Almost half of those Bill were supposed to address the challenges that we are facing within the country’s economy. Unfortunately, very few of those Bills saw the door to this Parliament. I am a bit concerned that it would appear to me that the triangular legislative system that we do have in the country is not supportive of each other, that is the Executive, the Judiciary and this
House. One pillar of this triangular legislative system is not committed.
The attitude is that they seem not to care. This House has been kept disengaged. We had a lot of high expectations on seeing these Bills which were supposed to address the economic challenges that we are facing as a country. I am now imploring you Madam Speaker, that you have to do something about the situation. The electorate is expecting quite a lot from us to improve the economic environment besetting in the country. I do not know how you are going to do it Madam Speaker. This scenario has to change – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible
interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. Please
lower your voices.
HON. MUTOMBA: I know you have been addressing this issue on numerous forums unfortunately, it would appear that some other people seem not to be listening and are giving us deaf ears but I implore you Madam Speaker to do something about this. We need to change because it is us who are supposed to craft laws that improve the economic environment of this nation. Now, our President wanted 21 Bills to come to this House but just a few have come and it would appear to me that the Executive are actually …
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, order. Hon.
Members, I know that it has been quite a long time before seeing each other but we cannot have meetings in this House. We want to hear what is being said by the Hon. Member.
HON. MUTOMBA: Thank you Madam Speaker. It would appear
to me that the President is taking his own direction because he would want things to improve, but the managers are actually taking their own route. Anyway Madam Speaker, like I said earlier on, I am only imploring you to do something. Could I now move for the adoption of this very important motion although this House did not do justice to it. I thank you.
Motion put that a respectful address be presented to the President of Zimbabwe as follows:-
May it please you, your Excellency, the President:
We, the Members of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, desire to express our loyalty to Zimbabwe and beg leave to offer our respectful thanks for the speech, which you have been pleased to address to
Parliament.
Motion put and adopted.
MOTION
FIRST REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WOMEN
AFFAIRS, GENDER AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ON THE
HIGH PREVALENCE OF CHILD MARRIAGES IN
MASHONALAND CENTRAL PROVINCE
HON. NYAMUPINGA: Madam Speaker, I move the motion
standing in my name that: this House takes note of the First Report of the Portfolio Committee on Women’s affairs, Gender and Community Development on the high prevalence of child marriages in Mashonaland
Central Province.
HON. NYANHONGO: I second.
HON. NYAMUPINGA:
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Madam Speaker, I am giving a report on the visit that was taken by your Committee on Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development in Mashonaland Central.
Studies indicate that girls who marry later and delay pregnancy increase their chances of staying healthier, better their education and build a better life for themselves and their families. However, girls that get married at a young age face a number of challenges such as complications during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to conditions of fistula. From the 29th of May 2016 to 3rd
June 2016, the Committee on Women Affairs, Gender and
Community Development conducted public hearings in Mashonaland Central Province, pursuant to the need to understand the challenges posed by early child marriages. This report provides the committee's major observations, findings, conclusions and recommendations.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
The Committee's public hearings were guided by the following objectives:
- To assess the extent of child marriages in Mashonaland Central
Province;
- To gather the views and opinions from the members of the public on the factors promoting child marriages in the province; and
- To gather views of communities on measures that may be adopted to curb the high incidences of child marriages in
Mashonaland Central.
3.0 METHODOLOGY
The Committee held oral evidence sessions with stakeholders such as Plan International and Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development. A workshop was also held with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and
Community Development and further submissions were made to
the Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development
Committee on the situation of child marriages in all the provinces in Zimbabwe. The Committee also carried out a fact finding mission to Mashonaland Central Province on the high prevalence of child marriages and the factors and conditions that drive this harmful practice.
4.0 BACKGROUND
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) defines child marriage as “a formal marriage or union before 18 years of age” (UNICEF, 2014). There are International Human Rights instruments that have been put in place in relation to the problem of early marriage. The key ones are Universal Declaration of
Human Rights; Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of
Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Institutions and Practices Similar to
Slavery; Convention on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age for Marriage and Registration of Marriages; International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Convention for the Suppression of the Trafficking in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prosecution of Others.
Early marriages are a big threat to the human rights and well-being of children. According to UNICEF, an estimated 14 million girls between the ages of 15 and 19 give birth each year (UNICEF, 2014) They are twice more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth than women in their 20’s. Child marriage denies the young an opportunity to grow and empower themselves. It challenges the basic right of these children to education, health, protection and development. The girls are forced into it a lot more in comparison to their male counterparts and impacts girls with more intensity. Child marriage has many causes: cultural, social, economic and religious. In many cases, a mixture of these causes result in the dragging of children in to marriages without their consent. Girls from poor households are twice more likely to be married early than the girls from higher income groups.
Zimbabwe is one of the countries in the world with high cases of child marriages. The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (2014) indicates that the proportion of women who were married before the age of 15 is more than that of men. That is, 5% of women and 0.3% of men aged 15-49years were first married or in union before age 15.
Also, 1 in 3 women and less than 1 in 20 (3.7%) of men aged 20-
49 were first married or in union before age of 18. As of 2014,
32.8% of women between 20-49 years were married before age of 18. This is extremely high, worrisome, and exposes young women to the risk of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
According to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),
31% of girls are married before the age of 18 in Zimbabwe.
According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (2014), 39 % of the women in rural areas aged 20-49 years currently in marriage or union were married before the age of 18, compared to 21% in urban areas.
According to the Zimbabwe Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (2014), Mashonaland Central tops on the list of provinces with the highest number of cases of child marriages with 50% of the marriages involving minors; followed by Mashonaland West with 42%; Masvingo 39%; Mashonaland East 36%; Midlands 31%; Manicaland 30%; Matebeleland North 27%; Harare 19%; and Matebeleland South 18%. Thus, Zimbabwe is among the 41 countries in the world with many cases involving minors being forced into marriages by their parents or guardians.
There are existing gaps in marriage laws that continue to promote child marriages as outlined below;
- The Customary Marriages Act Chapter 5:07 has no age limit for marriage.
- The Marriage Act Chapter 5:11 in sections 20 and 21 allow marriages of minors by written consent of their legal guardians. If the consent of the legal guardian(s) cannot be obtained for whatever reason, a Judge of the High Court may grant consent to the marriage.
- The Marriage Act in section 22 states that no boy aged below 18 and no girl aged below 16 can marry except with the written consent of the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. This means that girls can marry at 16 years of age.
- The Children’s Act Chapter 5:06 defines a child as a person under the age of 16 years and a young person as someone aged 16 years but below 18 years. The same act defines a legal guardian to mean also a husband of a girl who is under
18 years of age.
- The Maintenance Act Chapter 5:09 in section 11 states that maintenance for a child shall cease when they marry meaning that the act recognises child marriages.
- Section 8 of the Matrimonial Causes Act states that a maintenance order in favour of a child shall cease when the child marries meaning that it recognises child marriages.
- The Guardianship of Minors Act Chapter 5:08 states in section 4(1)(b) that a parent who is granted sole guardianship shall also have power to consent to the marriage of a minor child.
- The General Law Amendment Act Chapter 8:07 in section 15(5) permits the operation of laws that grant majority status at an age earlier than 18 years. This can be related to the Marriage Act which states that once a girl gets married whilst still a minor, she automatically becomes a major and does not lose this status even if she divorces while still a minor.
Although there is no specific Act of Parliament against child marriages, Constitutional Court ruling on the 20th of January 2016, in which marriage of children under the age of 18 years has been outlawed, is a milestone development in preserving the sexual reproductive health and human rights of minors who are below the age of 18. The Constitution of Zimbabwe in terms of Section 81 guarantees that children under the age of 18 have the right to health, the right to be protected from sexual exploitation or any other form of abuse, the right to education, and the right to be protected by the law. In abolishing child marriages the
Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe has given life to Section 81. However, there is need to realign any laws which are at variance with the Constitution’s provisions and which are at variance with the judgement.
5.0 SUMMARY OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BY THE COMMITTEE
From 30 May 2016 to 3 June 2016, the Portfolio Committee
on Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development conducted public hearings on the prevalence of child marriages in Mashonaland Central. Evidence gathering meetings were held in
Centenary (Gatu Township Community Hall, 30 May 2016);
Dotito (Dotito Council Hall, 31 May 2016); Rushinga (Rushinga
Guest Lodge, 1 June 2016); Shamva (AFT Tehila Wadzanayi, 1
June 2016); Bindura (Tendai Hall); Chiweshe (Nzvimbo Growth
Point, 3 June 2016); and Mazoe (Henderson Research Station, 3 June 2016). The submissions made to the Committee during public hearings are presented under three sub-headings: (1) prevalence of child marriages in Mashonaland Central; (2) factors and conditions that promote child marriages; and (3) measures proposed during public hearings to curb child marriages in Mashonaland Central.
5.1 PREVALENCE OF CHILD MARRIAGES IN MASHONALAND CENTRAL
In all the districts that the Committee visited, submissions
made confirmed high prevalence of child marriages. In Centenary, the Committee was informed that there was a high pupils’ dropout rate and rampant child marriages involving girls doing grade 6 and 7, especially in Lower Muzarabani. A primary teacher reported to the Committee during public hearing that on average 30 students are dropping out of school due to child marriages annually. A church pastor, during public hearing, informed the Committee that a 15 year old girl had been sexually abused and forced into marriage, had contracted STIs that affected her health until she became mentally disturbed. Rehabilitation of the girl was said to be difficult since parents and close relatives were said not to be cooperating. In Dotito, it was reported to the Committee that a Grade 6 pupil had been married recently. In Rushinga, it was mentioned by CAMFED, a civil society organization that provides fees for school going girls in difficult circumstances, that even after buying school uniforms and paying fees for girls in Rushinga, under-age girls continue to drop out of school due to early marriages. In Shamva, the Committee was informed of an under-age girl who was made pregnant by a Government official and the perpetrator was not arrested.
5.2 FACTORS AND CONDITIONS PROMOTING CHILD MARRIAGES
Mr. Speaker, at all the seven (7) evidence gathering sessions conducted by the Committee, as outlined above, numerous critical factors and/or conditions were mentioned repeatedly as the main drivers of child marriages in Mashonaland Central, namely: (i) poverty; (ii) lack of alignment of marriages laws with the new Constitution; (iii) lenient sentences given to cases regarded as statutory rape or consensual sex with a minor; (iv) practices of child marriages by some churches, in particular, the Johanne
Marange Apostolic sect; (v) lack of education in communities; (vi) low level of awareness and poor understanding of child rights; (vi) harmful cultural practices; (vii) provision of temporary dormitories at schools for students coming from faraway places from school; (viii) striptease in beer halls; (ix) general lack of recreational facilities and entertainment in the province; (x) drug abuse by children in communities; (xi) high levels of unemployment.
Poverty was mentioned in all districts visited by the Committee as the major contributory factor to cases of child marriages. In Centenary, Dotito, and Rushinga, the Committee was informed that there was a high unemployment rate, and that the traditional cash crop, cotton, which used to generate income was selling at very low prices. Due to poverty, young girls are exposed to sugar daddies or gold panners with cash leading to child prostitution. This was further confirmed in Shamva, Bindura and Henderson public hearing meetings. Lack of alignment of laws to the new Constitution as a cause of child marriages was specifically referred to in Centenary (by NAC representative), Rushinga (by a student).
In Shamva, the Committee was informed that the absence of a specific law against child marriages allows citizens to continue marrying girls under 18 years with impunity. In virtually all public hearings that the Committee held, reference was made to the poor investigation or even lack of concern to child marriage cases by police as well as lenient sentences given to those convicted of having sex with minors.
In Centenary, the Committee was informed that sentences given to those guilty of having sexual intercourse with 13 year old girls was either a $100 fine or community service. The issue of lenient sentences was repeated in Dotito, Rushinga, Shamva, Bindura and Henderson Research Institute. Other factors which were also mentioned as causing child marriages include, chinamwari initiation for those who follow nyau or zvigure culture, chiramu and that children now have too much rights and parents and teachers are no longer able to discipline them.
5.3 PROPOSED MEASURES TO REDUCE CASES OF
CHILD MARRIAGES
- At Henderson Research Institute, in Mazowe, it was recommended to the Committee that even 18 years, as age of marriage, is too low.
- In Dotito, Rushinga, Bindura, and Mazowe, the Committee was advised to take up the issue of reviewing too much child rights, in particular abolition of corporal punishment in schools and by parents and guardians, with the aim of enhancing discipline for children both at home and at school.
- In Bindura, the Committee was informed of the need for engaging parliamentary committees and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development and civil society organizations (CSOs), on child rights awareness in rural areas, urban areas, farms and mines, since child rights are not well understood.
- In Bindura, the Committee was informed that there was low level of understanding of the Constitution and child rights, thus, it was emphasised that there was need to train and strengthen the village heads and all levels of traditional leadership knowledge of the Constitution and child rights.
- At Shamva and Rushinga meetings, contributions by primary teachers, indicated to the Committee, that there is need for the subject of Guidance and Counselling, to be reviewed and improved to ensure it includes teaching on sexuality education, HIV and AIDS, child rights and child marriages, among other things, and that the subject should be examined at Grade 7, to equip children with requisite information on their rights, child abuse and child marriages.
- At Shamva and Rushinga meetings, contributions by primary teachers, indicated to the Committee, that there is need to empower junior MPs and junior councillors and incorporate them into awareness campaigns against child marriages, something which if adopted will provide children in communities with the opportunity to talk between and amongst themselves about child marriages.
- At Rushinga public hearing, the Committee was informed that there was high level of adult illiteracy in the area, and there was need for adult literacy programmes in outlying areas of Rushinga, particularly those close to the border with Mozambique.
6.0 COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS
6.1 The Committee observed that youths and school going children are exposed to excessive use of drugs such as dagga (mbanje), tablets for the mental patients (locally known as mangemba) and broncho a cough syrup taken in excessive quantity to get drunk, as well as alcohol.
6.2 The Committee found that there is a deficit of information and adequate understanding of children rights and their responsibilities in most communities in Mashonaland Central. As a result, there is misunderstanding between teachers, parents and guardians who believe in their traditional role of guiding and disciplining their children, on the one hand, and children who no longer want to be disciplined and tend to abuse claim to their rights, and often engage in unbecoming behaviour and demeanor, including early sex activities, resulting in unwanted pregnancies and early marriages.
6.3 The Committee also found that communities in Mashonaland Central were concerned about incidences of sex with minors involving public officials or figures such as police officers and Members of Parliament and/or teachers.
6.4 In most, if not in all cases, child brides are disempowered, dependent on their husbands and deprived of their fundamental rights to health, education and safety.
6.5 Neither physically nor emotionally ready to become wives and mothers, child mothers are at greater risk of experiencing dangerous complications in pregnancy and childbirth, becoming infected with HIV/AIDS and suffering domestic violence.
6.6 Child mothers in Mashonaland Central province often have limited skills, education and access to the economic assets and decision making powers necessary to properly nourish their offspring and are therefore perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
6.7 The Committee found that child brides who marry older and more sexually experienced men have a heightened risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
6.8 It was observed that the broader community and traditional leadership and the police are not using existing laws such as Sexual Offences Act, Domestic Violence Act, the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:07], among others, to bring to book perpetrators of child marriages and those who facilitate such marriages.
6.9 The Committee observed that the absence of a specific Act of Parliament against child marriages with stipulated custodial sentence contributes to general lenience with perpetrators of child marriages in communities and churches, and the police's laxity when dealing with cases of child marriages.
6.10 Related to the above finding, the Committee observed that communities do not have confidence in the effectiveness of laws to eradicate sexual offences with minors and child marriages due to lenient sentences, such as a $100 fine or community service, meted against those convicted of statutory rape or have consensual sex with underage
girls.
7.0 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
7.1 Government and key development partners, UNDP, UNFPA,
UNICEF, Plan International and CARE International should engage key players in Government and local communities and invest in programmes on awareness campaigns against gender based violence, domestic violence, the rights of the child, child marriages and family laws, in all the provinces by December 2016.
7.2 The Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture should review the subject of Guidance and Counselling, to ensure that it fully exposes students to issues on sexuality education, child rights and child marriages by the end of 2016.
7.3 The Zimbabwe Republic Police must, with immediate effect, enhance patrols in villages and engage the broader community leadership and school children on laws against child abuse, domestic and gender based violence, and child marriages.
- 4 There are already several laws which criminalize the sexual exploitation of young people, and the girl in particular. These include Criminal Codification and Reform Act, Sexual Offences Act, and Domestic Violence Act. These laws must now be rigorously enforced by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Judiciary in order to end impunity in cases related to having sexual intercourse with underage girls and child marriages.
- 5 As a follow-up to Constitutional Court ruling on child marriages in Zimbabwe on 20th January 2016, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development should urgently initiate before the end of 2016, the crafting of a Child Marriages Bill, which should clearly criminalize child marriage in Zimbabwe. The provisions of such a Bill should clearly stipulate, among other things, that parents and guardians and anyone facilitating child marriage, including through receiving lobola for an underage girl, should be liable for severe prosecution under the law, and should encompass marriages happening in churches.
- 6 There is an urgent need for the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to expedite a comprehensive harmonisation and synchronisation of marriage and family laws with the new Constitution by December 2016, with particular focus on marriage and age of consent to sex to address the existing gaps.
- 7 There is need for the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the
Registrar General’s Office, to establish a central registration of all marriages, including those solemnised in churches or traditionally in communities, to ensure that all marriages comply with the rights of women and rights of children as provided for under Sections 80 and 81, respectively of the Constitution. This should be done by March 2017.
- 8 The Registrar General’s Office should with immediate effect, in line with Section 81 of the Constitution, provide all children especially those from vulnerable groups with birth certificates without deterrent conditions in order to make it ease when investigating cases of child marriages
- 9 The Ministry of Health and Child Care from August 2016 should maintain constant monitoring of Government hospital's compliance with free maternal treatment policy, adequate deployment of health workers and midwifery personnel, improved delivery of maternal kits, clean water, accommodation facilities, and other necessities, to hospitals and clinics, as well as the provision of mobile clinics in rural areas, where necessary.
- 10 The Judiciary should mete out severe and deterrent sentences against the convicted perpetrators of not only rape and child sexual abuse cases, but also against all those who marry girls below the age of 18 years, and those involved in arranging, facilitating, receiving lobola or such like offerings and or payments to effect child marriages.
- 11 There is need for the establishment of One-Stop-Centres, by
June 2017, housing services from key ministries such as Ministry of
Health and Child Care, the Home Affairs (ZRP), Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, legal services, victim friendly court facilities, and safe houses, in order for them to deal effectively and expeditiously bring perpetrators of child sexual abuse, gender based and domestic violence, and child marriages, and compassionately protect survivors of the crimes mentioned above. The Ministry of Women
Affairs to coordinate the programme with the stakeholders involved.
- 12 The Ministry of Local Government and Urban Development should by the end of 2016, orient traditional leadership in marriage laws and the Constitution, which protect the rights of women and the girl child.
- 13 By October 2016, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development should engage and encourage traditional leaders to open discussion of cultural beliefs and practices that are harmful to the dignity and rights of women in general, and the girl child in particular, such as genital mutilation, virginity testing, appeasement of the avenging spirits by marrying off the girl child to the family of the deceased, forced cultural and sexual initiation of underage girls.
8.0 CONCLUSION
In the light of the Committee’s findings, it is clear that child marriage is a scourge affecting our communities every day and really needs urgent Government and stakeholders’ intervention through a multi
sectoral approach.
11. Annexure A: Statistics of Mashonaland Central Child
Marriages Public Hearings Attendance.
Date | Venue | District | Attendance
Male Female |
Total | |
31 May | Gatu Township | Centenary | 17 | 171 | 188 |
2016 | Community Hall | ||||
31 May
2016 |
Dotito Rural District Council | Mt. Darwin | 63 | 111 | 174 |
1 June
2016 |
Rushinga Rural District Council | Rushinga | 61 | 63 | 124 |
2 June
2016 |
AFM Tehila Wadzanai | Shamva | 69 | 102 | 171 |
2 June
2016 |
Tendai Hall | Bindura | 36 | 94 | 130 |
3 June
2016 |
Nzvimbo Rural District Council | Chiweshe | 91 | 86 | 177 |
3 June
2016 |
Henderson Research
Institute |
Mazowe | 33 | 37 | 70 |
GRAND TOTAL | 370 | 664 | 1034 |
HON. NYANHONGO: Thank you Hon. Speaker. I would also
like to add my voice on the report that we have just heard from Hon. Nyamupinga. It is true that we went to conduct Public Hearings on the dates that she has mentioned in Mashonaland Central. During our Public Hearings, we managed to visit the centres that were organised by the District Administrators and indeed, we discovered a lot of things that are taking place in that particular province. It is very fortunate that in some places that we visited, we were very much impressed by a high turnout of school children starting from primary up to secondary level. They attended and contributed despite the fact that some relatives and parents including teachers were there, but they openly managed to give out their views and to let us know what is going on and the problems that they are facing.
In most of the centres, there were some traditional leaders who were there to attend these meetings and contributed. That is when we discovered that traditionally, we have quite a number of parents who support through ignorance, the issue of child marriages. We also discovered that there are quite a number of things that forces children into these child marriages. One of them is poverty and the other one being that both parents would have died and the children are left alone without anyone to give them direction.
So, these are some of the challenges that we discovered. It is important for us as a Government to make sure that we really look seriously into these issues. If we do not do this as a Government, you will find that Zimbabwe will slowly lose its ubuntu, and if we lose ubuntu, that means to say the nation of Zimbabwe will no longer have direction. This has to be corrected at that early stage where the children were saying we must observe and make sure that we observe the majority age which is stipulated in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The majority age which is in the Constitution of Zimbabwe is not being followed. It is not only in Mashonaland Central, but this is happening in most of our provinces because of ignorance and some of the reasons that Hon. Nyamupinga has mentioned in the report. We have discovered that parents are no longer having the mandate to give direction to the children because of fear and in some cases, you could hear that the parents were taken to the police or to the courts by the children when they were trying to correct or criticise them not to do certain things. A child would report his/her parents to the police and the police will not hesitate to make an arrest and take the person to court. So we really need to rethink about it as Government to correct the policies. I think we are giving our children too many rights, the Rights of Children. I believe we must relook into those rights so that we do not end up having these rampant child marriages. We really need to do something about it as Government.
We also discovered that there are some traditional leaders, for instance chiefs, kraal heads, headmen and so on who are in support of these early child marriages. You will find somebody at the age of 60 or 70 years marrying a 13 year old girl. We also discovered that religions such as the vapositori are practicing this. We really need to sit down with them again to ensure that this practice does not continue.
In Centenary, we discovered that there is a certain mupositori with seven wives, the youngest being about 13 years old. The duties of the young girl/wife entail kunotengesa zvinhu pamusika with a baby strapped to her back. You really see that it is so pathetic. We are slowly losing our direction as Zimbabweans,something has to be done.
We also discovered that schools that are far away from where these children are coming from maybe 8 to 10 km. Just imagine a lone girl child walking a distance of about 10km with probably two boys, what will happen within that 10km distance? Anything can happen and when this child falls pregnant, the parents are forcing her to go to where she was impregnated. In other ways, we are forcing the child to be married before maturity. I think we need to educate our constituents on the repercussions of having one child impregnating another, like those in the 13, 14 and 15 years age groups.
There are some of the implications and it is not just about carrying the baby but it entails a lot of things. You will find that in the end, the lifespan of the mother/girl child, I would like to say, will be two or three times shorter than her expected lifespan. Also the future of the new born baby, even after the girl child delivers that baby without any complications will not be like that of a baby who has been borne by a mature woman. So I think we really need to seriously look into these issues because we need our children to bear babies when they are fully matured in order for them to bear healthy babies. Hon. Dr. Labode will agree with me because if we do not control these issues, especially the vapositori then we are just allowing the situation to continue and it is going to be worse off than what we are saying.
I would like to thank my Chairperson, Hon. Nyamupinga for the eloquent report. We shall need to debate about this as Hon. Members.
The Speaker stated that we are all parents here and if we do not do anything about it, our contributions are very important so that we bring the situation which is a little bit controllable to normalcy. If we leave it like that, we will not have done justice to the nation of Zimbabwe. I thank you.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Committee that went to investigate on the issue of child marriages. In
Mashonaland Central, Shamva tops the list in terms of child marriages. What is causing this is mainly because of the artisanal miners, but some of the causes of child marriages are due to poverty because children do not have food to eat.
As a Member of Parliament for Shamva, they were asking me about the elephant tusks that were said to amount to US$9 billion. They were asking why of the value of $9 billion worth of elephant tusks in stock, $7 billion should not be sold so that the money can assist in terms of alleviating poverty and getting medication? They were also saying that those who are engaged in alluvial gold mining get 2 kilograms of gold… - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MARUMAHOKO):
Order, order. The Hon. Member has alluded to a very important observation. I thought Hon. Members were going to take note of that, but instead you continue to make noise. You may proceed Hon.
Member.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, so this is what is causing Shamva to have a high rate of child marriages. It is a challenge for us to eradicate the poverty that is causing these child marriages - because when you treat someone, you do not treat the symptoms but what has caused the disease. We can come up with so many pieces of legislation but by not addressing the causes of the challenges, we will not be doing justice as Members of Parliament.
They also questioned me and calculated that the Chinese who are coming in to mine alluvial gold make about 3 kgs a day. If you go to Fidelity, the 3kgs are not there so they asked me that as Member of Parliament. The challenges that we are facing in Shamva whereby we have lost our parents, there is a drought and most of the children who are engaged in child marriages are orphans because their parents died of
HIV and Aids, and for that reason they are engaging in early marriages. Their concern is that other people are taking our natural resources outside the country and benefiting from them. So that is what the people in my constituency are raising.
As a Member of Parliament, I also realised that all these child marriages were due to poverty. As a nation, we need to come up with legislation that ensures we control our natural resources. When we were questioning the National Parks officials, they were saying they are an appendix too and cannot sell the elephant tusks but they said they can only sell in the event that they continue negotiating. As a nation, we need to sit down, identify the causes of child marriages and see what we can do in order to reduce poverty which is a major cause of child marriages.
Of concern to the people of Shamva is that some of the children who are experiencing challenges are being abused by Government officials. There is an official who abused a child and surprisingly, the official was elevated to a high position. You find that the person ends up infecting the child with HIV and AIDS and he only served five years in prison. He came back and was given a high position. What it means is that the trust that has been given to an official by the community is lost because he is now impregnating young girls. The girls are unable to look after their children. They now have to look after their children and siblings after the death of their parents. The official was in jail for five years for rape. He came back and was given money …
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: The following vehicles:
ABP7586 and ABV 2961 are blocking other vehicles. Can you please go and remove those vehicles. You may continue Hon. Member.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. What is also of concern with regards to what is happening in Shamva or Mashonaland
Central on child marriages is that when we visited most hospitals, most of the children who were pregnant were 13 years old. They usually experience problems when giving birth because their bodies are not ready for child birth. So, we need to represent them and ensure that they get medical attention.
What I have alluded to is what has contributed to child marriages. Also, on the issue of cases at the courts, if you do not have a lawyer you cannot get justice. As I alluded to earlier on, a person who is HIV positive rapes a child and goes to prison. He comes back and continues raping young girls. These are the challenges that we are facing. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
HON. GABBUZA: Thank you Mr. Speaker for giving me the
opportunity to add my voice on this motion. Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate the report given by the committee. I would like to indicate that what has been reported in Mashonaland Central is actually a tip of the iceberg of what prevails in the whole country – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – It is not a small problem and what would have been nice is for the committee to also provide precise statistics. When you say prevalence, we would need to see how frequent the problem is. I am sure there are ways of tabulating and coordinating such information. If we had statistics Mr. Speaker, it would help Hon. Members to appreciate the gravity of the problem because this is not a small matter.
Mr. Speaker, I would just indicate to you what obtains in my constituency which is exactly a replica of what happens in Mashonaland Central. Some secondary school in my home area called Tinde had 16 children dropping out of school last year because of pregnancy. Most of them are children between the ages of 14 and 18. There was one girl aged 18 and the rest were about 15, 16 and 17 years. Another high school called Siyazundu, both primary and secondary schools were in the newspapers last year with teachers and villagers impregnating school children. The most serious part is mainly on school children who receive donor support because they are orphans. They will be nicely dressed and are the most affected because they look better than other school girls. This is a very serious problem Mr. Speaker.
When I visited Kamativi Secondary School last year, there were two pregnant girls who sat for their examinations. One of them actually gave birth after the last paper. I asked the school authorities why they keep pregnant school girls in the school from form three until they give birth – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - I am saying so because that is part of the problem. If you go to school and you are pregnant, you should be allowed to go and give birth and possibly be allowed to come back. To allow a pregnant schoolgirl to learn with other kids – [AN HON. MEMBER: What about the boy?] – Do not argue with me, you will have your chance.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order please.
HON. GABBUZA: We cannot have a situation whereby school children who are pregnant continue learning with others who are not pregnant and even be allowed to give birth whilst attending school. I personally do not think it is a good policy from the education system. Other people might have their own views, but I think it encourages pregnancy and sexual intercourse in schools. Children might view it as a normal thing that should be accepted. If there is such a policy, I think there is need for further debate and interrogation to see whether it is really assisting or encouraging pregnancies in schools.
Traditional leaders are part of the problem. I visited one of the traditional courts where a boy had impregnated a young girl. A single question was asked, “Young man do you know this girl?” The boy replied yes, I know her. The Chief said, let us go and drink beer. Charge your lobola because you have seen your son in law. It was taken lackadaisically as if it is generally accepted in the community. It was like if you have impregnated a girl, you just pay the lobola and the issue is solved like that. I think there is need for the traditional systems to assist us in that regard so that they are not allowed to preside over issues of underage children who are abused. However this is what is going on; it is happening.
In most communal areas, we have got what are called the Child Protection Committees. They report cases of child abuse and underage pregnancies to the police. They provide statistics and culprits are taken to the police but two to three days they are set free. Nothing is done and they do not even go to court. If you make a follow up, you are told he went and paid a goat and the case was withdrawn. As I have already mentioned, some of our male teachers are responsible.
When the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is engaged, there are so many issues of rights that are brought in and eventually the teacher continues teaching at the same school where he is busy impregnating school children. Normally, these young girls have no ways of providing evidence and sometimes a few dollars are given to them and the parents and they pretend everything is normal. The case is swept under the carpet. I think we must not have a situation where a teacher is allowed even to touch a school girl. I think that is part of the problem.
Mr. Speaker, we should also appreciate that our economy is part of the problem. You can imagine a school girl who has dropped out of school because there is no fees. The whole morning she is seated home doing nothing and possibly roaming at the growth points and many and every evening are approaching it. It normally starts with small boys and eventually she no longer sees a man as somebody that she must keep a distance to. For two/three years after dropping out, obviously you do not expect that girl to be remaining sitting at home and doing nothing. Eventually she gets into such problems because they have no jobs, no school and are doing nothing. If we can sort out our economy and get children to be busy with doing other things, it would partly solve the problem. Although I strongly feel that these other issues that I have raised before are some of the things that Government must look into and make sure that if it is policies, they are revised and possibly with supporting statistics to see if these change of policies that we are doing are helping in any way. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
HON. GONESE: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. I
would like to begin by thanking the Committee for the sterling work that they did and for producing this very comprehensive and in my view, excellent report which brings to the fore the problems that are bedeviling us.
Mr. Speaker Sir, what I find very sad is that this is not the first time that we have spoken about child marriage. I do recall that Hon. Maondera brought a motion to this august House on the eradication of child marriage. It was supported by all Hon. Members in this august House and it was unanimously adopted. Subsequent to that Mr. Speaker, Hon. Misihairabwi-Mushonga brought a motion here in relation to the Constitutional Court application dealing with the issue of child marriage. That motion was well presented, also well supported and unanimously adopted and now for the third time, we are now dealing again with the same issue. From the time that those two motions had been adopted, nothing tangible has actually taken place and nothing tangible has happened for us to eradicate this scourge. I believe that the biggest problem that we have is not necessarily the issues mentioned in the report such as poverty. Of course, they are a big factor and the state of our economy is also a very big factor but in my respectful submission, the biggest problem that we have is the distance between our ears – that is our mindset.
We have a situation where some people in very high offices, I remember that the whole nation was astounded and flabbergasted when the suspended Prosecutor General came up with a statement that these young girls – what does the nation expect them to do if they are poor. They will find an escape route through marriage. In other words, suggesting that those girls who have been abused, that it is appropriate for the abusers to marry them so that they take them out of the cycle of poverty. That is a very unfortunate statement Mr. Speaker.
I believe that as a nation, we have to look seriously at how to deal with this issue and not continue having this debate in this august House. We can continue debating until the cows come home, but at the end of the day, nothing will be actually happening because this thing will continue happening. We can raise another motion or two more before we get to 2018 but nothing will actually take place until such a time in my respectful submission that we as a nation and in particular the Executive, actually come to this august House. There have been suggestions which have been made about alignment and for me that is not a really big problem because as we speak, the Constitutional Court has made a pronouncement which is clear in black and white. So, whatever those other laws provide, like the Customary Marriages Act which does not have a minimum age of marriage, it does not matter because it has become irrelevant. The Marriage Act which allows marriage for girls above the age of 16 with the consent of the Minister, that has again been superseded by the Constitution of Zimbabwe. It has been ably interpreted by the highest court in the land, the Constitutional Court which has stated unequivocally that child marriage is not allowed in terms of the Constitution. What therefore do we need to do? In my respectful view Mr. Speaker, it is to have remedial action which can only come in the form of a model law.
Actually as a matter of fact, at the SADC Parliamentary level, we have adopted a model law and if that model law is used for the purpose of crafting a piece of legislation which will state clearly that anyone who marries a person below the age of 18 has committed a criminal offence and have clear penalty provisions which stipulate that, that person is liable to be sentenced to imprisonment for a specified period. That in my view will be the best starting point.
As it stands Mr. Speaker, the biggest problem that we have now is that yes, we can say that child marriage is prohibited in terms of the Constitution and the Constitutional Court has said so. But, what then happens to someone who marries a boy or girl below the age of 18 – nothing. If someone is above the age of 16, even having sexual intercourse with that young person is not a criminal offence. It is very unfortunate Mr. Speaker that when we had that debate on the General Laws Amendment Bill which is now an Act of Parliament, we raised that very same issue and the Hon. Vice President gave us an assurance that, that aspect was going to be rectified but it was not.
As we speak, that law is still in place. It is only an offence to have sexual intercourse with a young person if that person is below the age of
16 but between the ages of 16 and 18, it is still not a criminal offence. And, that is one of the problems. If we are allowing the old madhalas/grandfathers to propose to those young girls and indulge in sexual intercourse and I want to say, the problem is not so much between boys and girls but mostly with older men who should actually know better but those are the main abusers. Those are the predators that have to be dealt with and it can only be done when we begin seriously to look at our criminal law.
Unfortunately as I have already put and I want to reiterate that it appears that we do not have the political will and the necessary commitment to deal with the scourge. Mr. Speaker, the constitutional judgment was passed some time ago – by now, one would have expected the Hon. Vice President who is responsible for Justice, Legal and
Parliamentary Affairs Ministry to have come up with the Amendment Bill to deal with the issue which I have alluded to, to say that sexual intercourse can only take place between adults because our Legal Age of Majority Act is very clear. It is consistent with the Constitution and it stipulates that only those above the age of 18 are adults and anyone below the age of 18 is still a child and that is the way that it should be.
We all agree in this august House that boys and girls have no business being husbands or wives, let alone being fathers and mothers. They are still immature and are still children themselves. It is necessary that as a nation, we come to a stage where this scourge is totally eradicated and it will not happen if we are hedging and fudging. If we are not genuinely committed and we just want to speak about it but do nothing concrete to ensure that something tangible actually happens, it does not help.
Mr. Speaker, if we look at ourselves here, I think that most of us have children. If you have any child who is below the age of 18, under normal circumstances, that child would not have completed their schooling. Because, if you go to school when you are attaining six, you go through 13 years of secondary education. By the time you complete your upper 6th, you are still 19 and you want to go for tertiary education or university.
Ideally, I want to agree with the Chairperson of the Committee who said that there are people who have expressed sentiments that even the age of 18 is not the appropriate age for one to get married; that ideally we would even want people to get married after completing school which is around 23-24 years. Be that as it may, let us have a minimum threshold so that we say that in some circumstances because of various factors, some people may get married before they complete schooling. Let us not allow a situation where anyone who is still a child and where anyone is still below the age of 18 can get married. The only way we can do it as a starting point is through legislation.
We should come up with an Act which stipulates that anyone who gets married to a child has committed a criminal offence. Once that criminal offence has been committed, that person has to be tried and sentenced to a term of imprisonment without the option of a fine. That is the only thing that can bring the message home to everyone there in the outlying area that this is not acceptable. As long as we just talk about it and we do not implement something tangible, we will continue having this problem. That is only a starting point – legislation. It is like the foundation. When you are building a house, you still need to have your slab and you still need to build a wall. That foundation and wall are through conscientisation and sensitisation.
We know that some of the biggest culprits are traditional and religious leaders. You find that some of these leaders dream that God has decreed that Mary or Jane or whoever is supposed to become their wife. With that vision and with the influence that they have in the community, the young girl then gets married to this old man. For me, Mr. Speaker, it is very necessary to sensitise some of these people who are guilty of those practices so that they will at least have an appreciation that this is against the spirit and the Constitution of Zimbabwe. At the end of the day, we will have this level of understanding and appreciation in our community.
I believe that as legislators, we must now begin to have a structured programme because when we debate in this august House, those who have access to the Hansard or internet will know what we have talked about but the generality of the population of Zimbabwe will not be aware of it and this is the reason why I am suggesting that we must have structured programmes.
I want to agree with Hon. Members who have stated that it is not about Mashonaland Central. It is a problem which is permeating the whole fabric of the Zimbabwean society. We need to be going to all the communities, not just rural areas but even to urban areas as well so that we have this sensitisation and conscientisation. The people of Zimbabwe will become very clear and aware that this is something that cannot be accepted. It should be brought to an end.
I want to go back to the theme that I started on; that is to say that we really need the Executive. I know that Parliament is responsible for making laws but at the end of the day, it will be appreciated if the responsible Ministers were to treat this matter with some urgency and bring the legislation which I talked about. Thereafter, we also have the lobbying and advocacy which I have also mentioned so that they go in tandem – then we have on one hand the supporting pieces of legislation and on the other hand, we have the awareness which will actually enable the people of Zimbabwe to be able to deal with this problem and hopefully be able to bring it to an end. With these words, I want to say that I wholeheartedly support the motion from the Committee.
HON. CHIRISA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Firstly, I would like to thank the Chairperson of the Committee on Women Affairs for presenting this report in this august House. I would also like to thank Hon. Nyanhongo who seconded the motion. My colleagues have said it all. It is a very comprehensive report but I would also like to make my contribution.
Mr. Speaker Sir, a child marriage is like an informal marriage or union before the age of 18. It is reality in this country for both girls and boys although the girls are the most affected by this early marriage issue. This is a lifetime disadvantage to these girls and boys and I think it has to be dealt with once and for all.
World statistics show that 7 million women alive today were married as children and more than 250 million were married before the age of 15. You find that as much as it is a problem in Zimbabwe, it also affects other countries worldwide. I think the United Nations has put in place structures to make sure that there is protection of children by the laws of the countries that are member states. Unfortunately, some of them like Zimbabwe have not domesticated some of these international instruments and protocols.
Children who marry before the age of 18 are less likely to remain in school. They cannot be mothers and fathers and at the same time concentrate on books. They are more likely to experience domestic violence. They are also likely to die due to complications at pregnancy level especially the girls. At child birth, even when you are in the 20s, you can also have problems. What more of a 12 or 14 year girl child?
The children born of these young girls are also likely to be still born because they die during the first month or week of their birth. I just want to say we celebrate and salute the two girls who were mentioned by Hon. Misihairabwi-Mushonga in this august House who advanced and fought for the elimination of child marriages. It is up to the Executive and this House to make sure that what came out of the Constitutional Court is made a reality.
Evidence show that girls who marry early often abandon their education and become pregnant and maternity death related pregnancy at child birth are an important component of the mortality rate of the girls aged between 15-19. A mother who is under 18 is also a child and an infant risk dying in the first year. Even if the child survives, he or she is mostly likely to suffer low birth weight, under nutrition and late physical and cognitive development of the child.
The child brides are at risk of violence and exploitation by their husbands and the other wives of their husbands. Child marriages often result in separation from family and friends and lack of freedom to participate in community activities which can all have major consequences on the girl’s mental and physical well-being.
The Chairperson of the Committee mentioned child trafficking and according to the Protocol to prevent suppression and punish trafficking, especially of women and children. Child trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of children for the purpose of exploitation, which is a violation of the children’s rights. This could be a boy or girl child but still it is abuse and exploitation as well as denial of their opportunity to reach their full potential.
Research has yielded information on the nature of child trafficking and little is known about this. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that one to two million children are being trafficked every year. This is happening in Zimbabwe also and this must be stopped. UNICEF, which works with other development partners, Government and NGOs on all aspects of child protection and antitrafficking responses also supports evidence based research to strengthen interventions and prosecution to make sure that Zimbabwe uses the opportunity to use this facility. We should ensure that we are in line with the International Protocol. We also have the Kuwait case, which has tarnished our name as a country and as a Government and I think we need to do something.
Civic organisations have also come in to support international partners and the Government of Zimbabwe in training professionals and working with children, including social workers, health workers, police, and border officials to make sure this trafficking is reduced and in the end eliminated. UNICEF, as a child organisation is worried that sometimes their efforts are not recognised fully because we do workshops and talk shows, but no action is taken to make sure that what we discuss in these workshops becomes a reality. We also have children with disabilities who are taken advantage of, may be due to poverty or because the parents feel they want to get rid of them. They are part of the group that is also involved in child marriages. It is not because they want to, but because their parents or guardians want to get rid of them. I think to be a disabled girl also leads to child marriage so that the parents benefit and they get rid of the disabled child in the process. So, we must protect our disabled children and all the vulnerable groups.
In conclusion I would like to say that maybe as a country we have not done much in terms of research, to ensure we have all the statistics as one speaker alluded to. Maybe we are not taking this seriously because we think it is just happening in Mashonaland Central while forgetting that it might be affecting your own province, district or constituency. So, we have to put our heads together and fight this problem to its conclusion. In many cases a child will be exposed to different types of violence, exploitation and abuse, including this child marriage which is a very visible form of child abuse. Each has its own characteristics, hence the need to change legislation, policies, and services as well as making sure that our social norms are in line with the changes that we are making as legislators. We should also improve the protection of children in multiple ways and as legislators we can meet with development partners on a number of issues and make sure our Executive is strengthening child protection systems, protecting and promoting positive and social norms. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, I have an announcement to make. There will be a ZANU PF Caucus meeting on 17th August,
2016 at ZANU PF Headquarters at 09:00 hrs.
+HON. J. TSHUMA: Thank you Hon Speaker for affording me the opportunity to add my voice to this pertinent matter. May I start by thanking Hon. Nyamupinga, seconded by Hon. Nyanhongo for bringing up this very important motion, which is a scourge to every one of us, particularly those from my area. First and foremost, may I make it known that this motion that we are talking about does not only affect Mashonaland Central but it affects the whole country. Our children are being allowed to marry while they are still minors. Can this august House look closely at this matter and come up with solutions to end this scourge.
I think we should look at the parents and guardians of these children because that is where our problem lies. I concur with Hon Gonese, who said we should not just talk without doing anything. My opinion is that Government should put a sentence that is deterrent to the parents who will receive the lobola and the victim as well. The sentence should be deterrent enough so that this scourge can come to an end. I believe these guardians and parents want to benefit economically from this child, instead of educating the child on the proper things to do – hence the child is abused. What are we doing as parents? Government should not leave the parent out of this matter because this parent will repeat the same thing, but if the parents and guardians are jailed this will bring this matter to an end.
The other matter is when we were growing up we were given a key to start life at a party on attaining the age of 21 years. Why do we not as Parliamentarians come up with a law that stipulates that anyone who wants to marry should do so at the age of 21 years because they will be mature. We should forget about 18 years and start talking about the age of 21 years. Why should people hurry to marry? You will stay in marriage forever hence the reason why people should not hurry into marriage. That way, people will be happy.
Let me now look at schools. Children spend most of their time at school from 07:00am to 16:00 pm. What takes place in these schools? Sometimes there is nothing we are doing to remove this scourge. We just leave it while it continues to grow until it becomes as cancerous as it is right now. Government and the Ministry of Education should deliberately have a curriculum in place to teach these matters so that children are made aware whilst young that it is important not to be abused. When you have attained a certificate then you can think of getting married. The Hon. Member from Binga stated that some teachers are also involved in these things and they continue teaching. Such matters are disturbing us. When you talk about something, you make a resolution and deter certain practices, if we keep quiet, we will not achieve anything. This matter of debating and debating, I request that let us come up with laws that are deterrent enough.
Moving on to spiritual matters, religious groups are also involved in these matters. I will not repeat what the other Hon. Members have already said, but I concur with their sentiments. Some prophets prophesy on wrong things, they prophesied that they should marry. No, we should not allow these prophets to do that, to prophesy that so and so should marry a child. People should be given deterrent sentences, this should also the same with those who abuse children.
Mr. Speaker Sir, let me now conclude. As Government, we are not here to waste time. We want to do our job properly so that our constituents will be aware that we are representing them here, we have no time to waste. When we say this practice is bad, the sentence should be deterrent as well. When someone commits a crime, it should be quite clear. Parents and guardians will not accept lobola because they will be aware that they will be incarcerated, leaving all the wealth behind. I request that this House and Government should have teeth to bite and enforce measures to curb this system. Thank you.
+HON. MPOFU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to second the motion moved by my Chairperson Hon. Nyamupinga and seconded by Hon. Nyanhongo. Mr. Speaker Sir, I am touched, we moved around Mashonaland Central; it pains me particularly on matters pertaining to the disabled just like me. Men take advantage of the disabled people. We have people who are disabled, some cannot see just like me, you are raped but you are not able to identify the person who would have abused you. We also have those who are deaf and dump, when asked to identify the culprit, that person would not be able to do so.
This matter of marrying minors is across the country. We find that in Mashonaland Central a 14 year old had a greedy mother, the child would come back home early in the morning and the mother would just accept. We as adults are a problem, particularly, we mothers. As a parent if you find that it is evening and your child is not at home, you should find out where your child is. Of late, even 18 year olds were considered as children but now we are saying 18 year olds should marry. If a child who is 18 gets married, you find that her body is not mature enough to go through the gestation period. You find that in most cases children in such cases die. It is difficult to find the culprit who would have impregnated this child because the child would have died. I suggest therefore that they should marry at 23 not at 18.
Secondly, Mr. Speaker Sir, these old men who marry minors should be castrated so that they do not marry these minors. How can such men have carnal knowledge of children who are not yet ready to be mothers? Both boys and girls should marry above 18, if we say 18 for the girl it should be 18 again for the boy. Sometimes some of these children are taken for two years and thereafter they are dumped for another girl.
Now, coming to religious groups, we have these Apostolic sects, you find an old man saying he wants four women, some say 12 – particularly in my constituency. What can one man do with 12 women, minors for that matter? How do they survive with one man? You find that these women are as cheap labour. It touches me as a mother and I think it also touches those men with sober minds. I actually concur with the previous speaker who said even guardians or parents of these minors must be incarcerated as well.
We have some of these very short disabled persons who are being abused. When they are impregnated they are taken to beer halls where they are made to dance. The law should be deterrent enough. The police should remove children who are below 12 years of age who will be dancing in these beer halls. If such a child has parents and they are identifiable, those parents should be arrested as well, because when you discover that your 12 year old s not home, you should find out where that child is.
I would like to praise my Chairlady. I am actually touched by these things because I always move around with the Chairlady. As Hon. Members, noting our political differences, we should be united. When people are incarcerated for impregnating minors, they should not be given light sentences. They should be given 40 years or more on rape cases. Does it not touch you as a parent when you find that your child is under such circumstances? There should be deterrent sentences of even 40 years. You should not take advantage of the child and make her into a wife - no.
This is not a laughing matter, but this is the truth. We cannot rest because of these abusers. Even if those in the Judiciary do not do a proper job, they should be arrested. We do not want corruption. We are the owners, we should make the law. Let us unite in enacting a law so that our children grow properly. I repeat that for disabled persons, there should be a law that says those who stay in the bush or in the streets are born by people who cannot see. When they are moving around, the mother cannot see that the child is abused. I request that Government takes action in these things. These are children but if we look at the living and forget the disabled - we do not choose to be disabled. It can be you or someone else, or which political party. Feel for your disabled people. It is bad. This is what I had. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. MATUKE: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that the debate do now
adjourn.
HON. RUNGANI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 17th August, 2016.
On the motion of HON. MATUKE, seconded by HON.
RUNGANI, the House adjourned at Twenty Minutes Past Four O’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 16th August, 2016
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE
SENATE
SWITCHING OF CELLPHONES
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: May I please
remind Hon. Members to put their cellphones on silent or switch them off. Thank you.
SECOND READING
PAN-AFRICAN MINERALS UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY BILL [H.B. 10, 2015]
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GANDAWA): Madam President,
the world is changing at a rapid pace, driven largely by developments in science and technology. It has become evident that countries that are scientifically and technologically advanced become strong competitors on global markets, therefore generate income, higher wages and wealth.
The African mineral industry has evolved largely as a producer for foreign export markets. The developed countries are focusing primarily on technological development programmes that emphasise value added and high margin products, while encouraging developing countries (mostly African) to remain primary producers of minerals. African countries must embark on value addition to their minerals. Value addition of mineral resources cannot be achieved by labour intensive methods alone but rather via a technology based approach. Despite its enormous mineral resource, Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) has not been able to adequately harness its endowments for its sustainable development and this has been attributed to lack of skills, knowledge, technology, infrastructure for innovation and entrepreneurship. Africa needs world class R&D institutions in the minerals sector with linkages to the fabrication sector.
THE AFRICAN INSTITUTIONS OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY (AISTs)
In February 2001, IMF Managing Director, Horst Kohler, and World Bank President, James Wolfensohn, travelled to Africa to meet with African leaders as a follow-up to their commitment at the Prague
2000 Annual Meeting. During one of the meetings, the then President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, lamented the knowledge deficit in Africa to Mr. Wolfensohn. President Mandela went on to suggest to the World
Bank that world class African Institutes of Science and Technology
(AISTs) in Sub Saharan Africa were perhaps Africa’s greatest need. Their focus is on what is missing in our developmental system, i.e postgraduate education, research and innovation linked to entrepreneurship.
In January 2005, at the 4th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Abuja, the African Heads of State and Government agreed to establish four AISTs, one each in Western, Eastern, Northern and Southern Africa. The AISTs are run by the Nelson Mandela Institution, supported by the World Bank among other development partners.
Cureently, AISTs have been established namely, in West Africa, the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja Nigeria which focuses on Energy and Petrochemical Engineering. The second one was established in Eastern Africa, Arusha, Tanzania, the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM AIST) which focuses on Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering. The third one was established in Northern Africa, Ougadougou (Burkina Faso) the International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE) which focuses on Water Engineering and Environment. The fourth one was to be established in Southern Africa.
Zimbabwe won the bid to establish a postgraduate Pan-African
Minerals University of Science and Technology (PAMUST) as an NMI centre of excellence dedicated to the teaching and training of very high calibre mineral professionals in mineral beneficiation and value addition for the African continent.
The basis of Zimbabwe’s successful bid to host PAMUST Zimbabwe has a vibrant mining sector with over 60 minerals, 40 of which are being mined. Therefore, Zimbabwe’s successful bid was based, among other factors, on its strength in mineral endowments, a developing industry, and also on the strong commitment that the leadership of Zimbabwe has towards education in general and the development of a world class institute for imparting knowledge on mineral beneficiation and value addition. Zimbabwe has well trained mineral experts that are sought after, the world over, and the country has the highest literacy rate in Africa.
With its central location in a mining region of Southern and
Central Africa, easy accessibility and a well-developed infrastructure,
Zimbabwe was judged to be the best candidate for hosting the AIST in
Southern Africa. The Sixteenth Summit of the 19 Member Common
Market for Eastern and Southern (COMESA) held from 23 to 24 November 2012, adopted a decision to support Zimbabwe in its bid to host the AIST for Southern Africa in light of the country’s potential to be the COMESA centre of excellence in mining and mineral beneficiation.
THE PAMUST CONCEPT
PAMUST will be established to provide very highly advanced post graduate courses and research (Masters, PhD and post – doctoral) in mineral value addition primarily and principally. Secondly, programmes in the ancillary courses and research in geology, mining and extractive metallurgy will also be offered at very advanced levels as necessary precursors to mineral value addition. Thirdly, PAMUST will offer advanced courses and research in business studies related to the minerals industry.
The PAMUST vision is to be an institution of the highest standing for advanced technology education in minerals. Its mission is to give the highest specialised instruction, and to provide the fullest equipment for the most advanced training and research in all aspects of mineral S & T and allied subjects, especially in its application to the exploitation of African mineral resources for the maximum benefit of Africa.
3.1 PAMUST Academic Programme Areas
The following five (5) programme areas will be offered:
- Mining Engineering.
- Extractive Metallurgy (beneficiation).
- Mineral Science and Engineering for Mineral Value
Addition, and
- Minerals Business Studies.
PAMUST Academic Features
PAMUST will be established primarily as a state post-graduate university offering Maters Degree courses and providing research at PhD and post-doctorate levels. It will be a pan African Institution to serve a comprehensive array of needs in the mining industry for the whole continent. PAMUST vision is to be a world class institution with the most advanced facilities for teaching and training the best and brightest African students and serviced by world class academics. Because of the needs of the continent, PAMUST will aim to produce a critical mass of graduates who will serve as lecturers/professors in colleges/school of mines continent wide, man R&D institutions for value addition in various countries, provide leadership in industry and
Government.
PAMUST OUTPUTS AND EXPECTED IMPACT
Outputs
Established of world-class environment for research and technology development for the African mining industry with capacity to generate and apply knowledge for sustainable development will be a primary output. Linkages with the mining sector to utilise research to improve quality, productivity and competitiveness of the African industry will be developed. Specifically PAMUST will produce valueadded human capital Master’s and PhD graduates with sound knowledge on mining development for deployment in Universities and Schools of Mines in Africa, Minerals and Materials R and D institutions, industry and Government. PAMUST itself will be a depository of information on mining issues on the continent.
Expected Impact
Production of world-class PhDs within and relevant to problems and needs of the region and Southern Africa will increase, thereby reducing brain drain. Currently, about 500 000 Africans study abroad, and about 30 000 African PhDs live abroad. This will result in the reduction to necessary levels, the numbers of expatriates employed in Africa. Currently, Africa employs about 150 000 expatriates at a cost of approximately US$4 billion per annum. Increased participation by
African institutions in research on Africa’s minerals carried out by researchers from institutions abroad, and hence enhanced networking with such institutions. Promoting research at the continent-wide level will involve a pooling of resources. This will limit costs for any given country, while increasing the benefits for all – especially the very small, low-income countries. Smaller countries that lack the human and financial resources to sustain excellence in institutions of higher learning will benefit greatly from this Pan-African approach.
Benefits to Zimbabwe
PAMUST will immediately produce post-graduate academics who will fill the many vacant posts at Zimbabwe and Africa’s departments of geology, mining and metallurgy and abate severe shortages at these institutions.
PAMUST will seek to attract leading world experts, local and diasporan Africans to research on Zimbabwean and African minerals with a view to adding value to them with the creation of opportunities for downstream industries. With post-graduate dissertations and theses being carried out at the university, Zimbabwe will become a rich repository and a minefield of information on minerals to which the country will have a privileged, immediate and unrestricted access. This will be a strategic empowerment of Zimbabwe in the global mineral economics. The PAMUST will be uniquely positioned to leverage research funding to the country for training scientists and engineers as part of a continental strategy on manpower development for other institutions in the continent. The university will contribute immensely in the transformation of Zimbabwe from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy as a result of minerals value addition, value added products, downstream industries, business opportunities, employment creation, skills enhancement, and technology transfer.
Historically, a key methodology for human capacity development by African countries has been to send their brightest students overseas for studies, with the earnest hope that they will return and serve their countries. This, to some extent has been a successful model, albeit at a significant cost. Some of the students do not return at all, or come back to a frustrating mismatch between their training environment overseas and a non-stimulating local working environment, rendering them less productive. PAMUST essentially seeks to be an institute on the African continent, whose teaching and R & D facilities are at par with the best in the developed world. Further, its teaching staff will be world class. In this context, PAMUST will seek to attract, some of the brains across the globe to teach Zimbabwe and other African students. This will involve PAMUST being a key continental repository of international staff exchange programmes. The PAMUST model, which brings the best international brains, including retired professionals, to teach and train Zimbabwe and African scientists on the continent, will rapidly accelerate Africa’s human capacity development at a fraction of the cost of sending Zimbabwe and African students overseas.
PAMUST Academic Governance Issues
PAMUST shall be an internationally recognised centre of excellence in the development of innovative sustainable, technically advanced solutions in the beneficiation and value addition of minerals, with its main operational base on the African continent. It shall offer postgraduate courses and study programmes aimed at molding future leaders in technology innovation and knowledge-based development.
Recruitment of both students and staff shall mainly be from African continent on the basis of merit. English shall be the medium of instruction and also the language of academic, administrative, and most social and community activities that are part of the PAMUST experience.
PAMUST Administrative Issues
PAMUST will be established as a State University. The governance structure summarised below shall guide and oversee the establishment, growth and required development of this university. The Chancellor of the PAMUST shall be the President of the Republic of
Zimbabwe. A University Council whose membership is drawn from the African region will be appointed by the Chancellor. A Chairman of the
Council of Pan African Minerals University of Science and Technology (PAMUST) who is a person of international repute with vast experience in governance issues of academic institutions; the President of
Zimbabwe will have the Appointing Authority for the first Council. The PAMUST will maintain a link with the NMI Board, and utilise the services of the International Advisory Bodies in matters related to academic business (instruction curricula, laboratory development, etc), quality assurance as well as advice on staff hire, recruitment and remuneration.
PAMUST Infrastructure
SIRDC will allocate to PAMUST about 80 hectares of its land that is not earmarked for construction. More land for PAMUST, if and when necessary, will be allocated from State land that is contiguous to SIRDC. Appropriate infrastructure will be built to the specifics of PAMUST master-plan.
SIRDC will allow PAMUST to start operating from SIRDC buildings some of which will need finishing. The Buildings Technology Institute building and its pilot plant, the library building and the building currently housing Biotechnology Research Institute and Food and
Biomedical Technology Institute will also be made available for use by
PAMUST. These buildings can be renovated to suit requirements of
PAMUST.
SIRDC has analytical and testing equipment which PAMUST can use initially. The Institute of Mining Research which is nearby at the
University of Zimbabwe has some equipment which PAMUST will also use. Residential accommodation for lecturing staff, students and visiting professors will be built at SIRDC on the land that is earmarked for that purpose. Other students and staff may be transported to and from the
City of Harare.
PAMUST will initially rely on infrastructure on SIRDC for internet, water, electricity, sewerage and clinic. Resources are going to be pooled from joint efforts of African Governments, Government of
Zimbabwe, Nelson Mandela Institution, World Bank and other partners.
The Pan African Minerals University of Science Technology is earmarked to commence operations using existing infrastructure and facilities at SIRDC. Additional research facilities and support shall be sourced on a need basis from local State universities and colleges.
PAMUST will start with modest student enrolment as the development of infrastructure proceeds. All along, the ratio of Master’s to PhD students will be maintained at about 4:1. It is assumed that it will take 10 years, following its opening, for PAMUST to reach its full capacity, if resources inflow is as forthcoming as planned.
In order to leverage off the mining sector, targeted investment in human resources development and R & D is needed by the State and the mining companies.
Madam President, I move that the Pan African Minerals University of Science and Technology Bill [H.B.10, 2015] be read a second time.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: I wish the speed of presentation could be slower so that we grasp what you are saying. We happen to be very old and at times if you read very fast we cannot hear the essence of
it.
I was just reflecting and as a debate to this Bill that on his first presentation of the Budget Statement, the current Minister of Finance and Economic Development said that it a new normal era – I think this translates to the very normal situation that we have in our country that we have all the agreements and good policies acceded to and we have been passing Bills of so many universities for our country which we believe is for the good of our country, but we happen to be very poor and I was just wondering what our problem is. What exactly is wrong that we have everything but we have nothing out of it?
On issues of resources, I do not know whether it is good for us to know how much our Government, African Development Bank and the Nelson Mandela Institute are going to put in terms of contributions towards the success of the PAMUST. With these few words I want to thank you very much.
HON. SEN. NYAMBUYA: I would like to support the Minister
on this very important issue which he has brought before the Senate. I think it is very topical not only for this country but also for Africa and developing countries. It is timely and opportune when the world, especially developed countries are actually engaged in a scramble for resources in Third World countries in general. We have witnessed a scramble for resources for Africa and for us in Zimbabwe, I think everybody can see the amount of interest and attention which has been generated for our resources and minerals in particular. This country has got up to 21 minerals and most of those minerals are not found up in the North but here in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The travesty of justice is that we are exporting those minerals in raw form. For example, in Zimbabwe we have platinum which has got a group of other minerals associated with it. We are extracting platinum and it goes out of the country to be refined elsewhere. What they tell us after they have refined our resources, we do not know whether it is true or not – the amounts which are given, but these are minerals in high demand.
We have got some African countries which produce oil, the number one resource in the world today. Oil has started wars in the Middle East but there are queues in those countries for petrol, diesel and paraffin and yet they are exporting oil. That oil is getting finished day and night. The list of the number of minerals and other resources which are being exported in a raw form is endless and those minerals are getting finished.
It is only right and just that we make substantial efforts to ensure that we engage in beneficiation so that we do not only create jobs for our people but we gain full value for those resources before they are exhausted, because they are going to be exhausted and our children will spit on our graves.
Madam President, why should we have bullion markets in the North? Gold is extracted mostly from this part of the world but it is marketed elsewhere because we are failing to engage in meaningful beneficiation. We are failing to ensure that our people participate and gain full value from the resources which we have.
I just want to caution the Minister on the issue of resources. That we should establish the university, there is no doubt in my mind, I am very clear, because it is the right thing to do for a country and continent which has got so much in terms of resources but which is not benefiting. We need to give these kinds of institutions a priority so that it lifts off in a proper manner. If you establish an institution such as this one and you fail to fund or resource it properly, we become a laughing stock of the North. They come here and see the university which is not properly resourced in terms of human and material resources, we will kill our reputation and we will destroy what is otherwise a noble and practical aim.
If we do not want to remain as poor African countries on a rich continent, we need to embark on meaningful ventures such as this which has been brought before this august Senate by the Minister. I thank you.
HON. SEN. B. SIBANDA: I stand to add my voice to the current debate on this Pan African University. The first thing I would like to state is that I am gratified that Africa has started thinking and that is the Africa we want. That is the Africa we anticipate. That is the Africa our children should be looking forward to. It is good that the various regions in Africa have established these institutes. I see through these efforts what Thabo Mbeki conceptualised as NEPAD in a different form. I think we are going in the right direction. We should not lose that direction.
I would like to make the point as what my colleagues have alluded to, that we are endowed greatly as a nation and it is a shame that we can be poor in the midst of plenty. I also add to Hon. Gen. Nyambuya’s suggestion about financing. We have got the resources to finance the establishment of such a University. If we properly and I emphasise, properly managed our natural resources, particularly the underground resources, we should be able to pay whatever advance money that is given to us or we could actually, on a month to month basis contribute to fund that expense.
I would like to congratulate Zimbabwe on being able to win the bid to host this University. I also take the opportunity to urge us as a nation that we have been recognise by Africa, let us continue to earn our recognition and get more respect in terms of how we manage our own resources and in terms of how we will manage this University.
Madam President of the Senate, I would like to pose a question to the Minister; he indicated that the President of Zimbabwe – and I am not insinuating that he is incapable of constituting the Council, but why? This is a continental effort, why should the input come from only one President? Would we not enrich the process if we made sure that various countries made effort to the final decision? With these comments, Madam President of the Senate, I thank you.
HON. SEN. T. KHUMALO: Thank you Madam President for giving me this privilege of commenting on the Mineral University of Science and Technology which I think we are all excited about. We appreciate that we are going to be hosting Africa and African issues on mineral and value addition training. My small comment is; “have we also sent our own people for training so that we do not fail to do the adequate training of students? Have we attached people in different universities or different firms outside the country who are already doing value addition, since we are sending our minerals out of this country unprocessed? They are processing and polishing the minerals outside the country to the countries which are still going to totally depend on other people from other countries, they will fail us in achieving the desired results. Once we start training without locals, it means we are going to look outside our country for people who will do the job. We must ensure that when we sell our processed minerals we will not be controlled. We should have our qualified people to lecture at the Mineral University to have a successful training or we send people elsewhere for training so that when this University becomes functional, they will be well versed on how to do the value addition to different minerals.
This is my contribution and I am pleased and happy that we are going to be Africa’s centre in minerals training. I thank you Madam President.
HON. SEN. MUMVURI: Thank you Madam President. I also rise to add my voice to this debate on the Pan African Minerals University of Science and Technology. I want to agree with all those who have spoken before me in support this Bill; suffice to say we remain a rich continent with poor people. If we exploit such a venture, I think it will do us good as a region and as Zimbabwe in particular. Other regions have already taken initiatives as what Hon. Senator Nyambuya has said and the name Nelson Mandela Institute has already been taken by other regions and yet Nelson Mandela comes from this region and we are doing it as a last resort. All the same Minister, we welcome this. I personally welcome this Bill. As you have already alluded to in your submission Minister; Zimbabwe produces highly qualified academics and they are all over the world. This is one of the opportunities for them to come back and help develop Zimbabwe in particular and the region in general.
However, I just want clarification Minister, on the entry point of those who are going to enroll at PAMUST since it is a regional effort – if I heard you correctly, you said programmes start at post graduate level. How about offering places at first degree level as well, especially for us in Zimbabwe because we are hosting this as an initiative? The second clarification – you said SIRDC which is already operating here is going to offer land and buildings, what other obligations is the Government of Zimbabwe going to contribute? Is this going to be shared responsibility among the governments which are involved in the Southern region or our Government is going to take a large share of contributing or forming the establishment of this University?
The reasons for establishing this University have already been said, Zimbabwe being central with high literacy rate et cetera. We want to welcome the Bill and it is long overdue. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MAWIRE: Thank you Madam President of the
Senate. I stand to congratulate the Minister for introducing this Bill on
PAMUST. I am grateful and congratulate the country of Zimbabwe through the leadership of His Excellency Cde. R. G. Mugabe who fully supports this programme. Zimbabwe is a blessed country; whenever there is any programme which comes up, we come into mind first that we be part of that developmental programme.
Thank you Minister for talking about science and technology, we are in a revolutionary world. We were looking at the facets of education and we have been informed that Zimbabwe is one of the countries with highly educated and qualified people and you find them all over the world. That is because we have intelligent people but we were lagging behind in the progress of science and technology. When you look at the kind of education we have had as Zimbabweans, we are only mainly into Arts but when it comes to minerals and mining we had to get some expatriates to come and perform these specialised duties. Zimbabwe has highly educated people; we did not have engineers or any other people into scientific programmes.
The introduction of this Bill which talks of the establishment of a
University means that we are going to develop highly and Zimbabwe is going to develop. We are known for that but what is left is for us to implement this Bill. We are very grateful and very supportive of this Bill. I thank you Madam President of the Senate.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: Thank you Madam
President of the Senate. I am so happy and want to support this motion. I also want to add my voice. Firstly, this has touched on our minerals, which we are all aware that we have an abundance of them, but we are not yet able to extract or know where they are. So, I think this will help
I come from a gold rich area. We have stayed in our areas for quite a long time, but you find that people discover gold which means we are not yet knowledgeable in knowing where the minerals are, even the diamonds. We stayed in those areas for quite a long time, but no one was aware that there were diamonds there, which means even here where Parliament is, probably there is platinum and we might be told to relocate. So it is very important that we be knowledgeable. I want to thank Africa for trusting Zimbabwe, that we are the ones who are going to lead. What I am saying is, as a country, we should not bring disgrace to other nations.
I think whatever we are trying to do, it should come out well so that as Africa, we are not ridiculed that we are sitting on gold and are poor. This is rampant in all Africa. If you go to Antwerp where diamonds are taken or even Europe, they do not have diamond mines, but we know that we sell 70% of our diamonds there. It is because they are clever. That is what we want to gain from this university but I want to say to the Minister, when we are looking at these minerals, I think we should remain technical. I do not know how you are going to do it.
I think it should also look into things that are hindering our progress which is not scientific. If you look at DRC, you will find that DRC is rich in minerals but there is no peace because people want to take those minerals. I read in the newspaper today about 45 people who were killed in the eastern DRC because of minerals. People will talk about rebels and firearms. I do not know how we are going to do it but I think this university should also address conflict issues because this is hindering us from getting what we should realise from our minerals. I also want to say if you look at DRC, Angola and Sierra Leone, these rich countries benefited from their minerals. So, if we do not look at that, we lose a lot because of instability.
Going further, having those minerals, the university should also spread the word that this is knowledge which is cognitive knowledge – IQ. We should have people who have passion for their people, who love their people so that the management and the people that you are going to give jobs should know that when you talk about minerals, it is directed to people. These minerals should not be company owned. They should not only enrich themselves as they are the only ones who are exporting when the people in those areas are not benefiting.
If you remember in this Parliament in 2012, we were given a report in the Budget. I remember it quite clearly, in the Mid-Term Policy, they said from January to July we only got US$600 million from minerals, but the money that was channeled or remitted to the Government was only US$15 million. They realised US$600 million, but remitting US$15 million only. We then say we are rich in minerals, but it is all because of the formulae that is being used. How does that money come to the people? It is very important Madam President. Thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
(HON. DR. GANDAWA): Thank you very much Madam President. I
want to thank the Hon. Senators for their contributions, I want to first thank Hon. Mlotshwa for her contribution and want to agree with her that we have everything in Zimbabwe. She is worried why we are not progressing while we have everything in Zimbabwe. I am very sure that by harnessing the technology as well as the human resources that we want to train, we should be able to close those gaps so that the country moves forward.
You also asked how much the Government is going to contribute and many Senators also indicated or wanted to know as to how much or what is the contribution of Government. As a Government, this university is a continental university. It is not a Zimbabwean university.
Most of the funding for this university is going to come from the World Bank as well as the Nelson Mandela Institute. All governments in the continent contribute to the establishment of this university. The Government of Zimbabwe is contributing the land as well as the infrastructure that we are already using at the IRDC, but all in all, the money should be coming from the World Bank as well as all other governments. Our contribution for the land is part of our contribution to the whole. Also our mines, our institutions, the mining, will be the fields where the students will also go and practice. So, the mining institutions will also contribute on the construction of the laboratories and so on, in their respective premises where the students will be working from.
I want to thank Hon. Senator Nyambuya for the support. Indeed, it is very important that the country and the continent gets this university. He mentioned that we have 21 minerals. These 21 minerals are the ones that are being mined, but we have 60 minerals and 40 of these minerals are not being mined to some extent because of what Senator Chief Charumbira has said that we do not have the expertise to know the exploration. We tend to seek from abroad, to get expertise to tell us where our minerals are and in most cases when they discover the minerals, they do not leave the data. They tend to go away with the information and it makes us remain poor.
Exporting raw material like platinum; we send it out and then people are always crying. I always read in the papers when they complain to say, we cannot create employment, we cannot create jobs. Yes, we cannot create jobs if we are creating jobs for other countries because the processing and mining does not take as many employees as the downstream industries that come with processing the materials. So, if we are able to correct that aspect to make sure that we mine, we process and then send the product out of the country, we are then able to create employment for our people and even grow the industry. So, we are very sure that the creation of such a facility and institution which will aid and strengthen the capacity of our institution will also create employment for us.
General Nyambuya says we should give priority. It is very pertinent to mention that priority must be given to…
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Order Hon.
Minister. General Nyambuya is Honourable.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
(HON. DR. GANDAWA): Sorry, Hon. Nyambuya. He mentioned the
need to give priority to the institution. As I have already alluded to, since the funding is coming specifically for the institution, the money will be given to the institution to develop the institution.
Hon. Sen. Sibanda, I want to thank you for your support and gratification and we appreciate your support. You mentioned a very pertinent issue where we need to run our institutions professionally. I want to agree with you that the institution will be run professionally. However, you questioned why the President must be the one who appoints the Council. The President appoints a Council in his capacity as the Head of State, but the actual process of identifying the members of Council is done by professional bodies in consultation with various stakeholders in the country as well as regionally and the continent. So, it is a whole pool of professionals that the President only assesses and endorses a wide process that would have been done by officials who recommend to the President for endorsement.
Hon. Sen. Khumalo, I want to thank you for your support. We are capacitating our people but the establishment of the university will create a pool of skilled people for value addition and beneficiation which will mean that even our people who are already trained outside will come back and work in our industries. You asked whether we have already started attaching people in companies outside to gain skills. We already have a lot of our experts who are in the diaspora and are willing to come home to work. In the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, we have a website which is called the Human Capital website, where so many people apply for jobs to come back home and work. So, we are very sure that we have our people who are willing to give us expertise. However, some of the people might also even work from wherever they are with the advent of technology. They can contribute their skills from there, using virtual learning.
Hon. Sen. Mumvuri, I want to thank you for your support. We appreciate your support, but you posed a question on the entry point. Why are we starting at post-graduate level? You said you want to start at undergraduate. Our universities such as the University of Zimbabwe, National University of Science and Technology already have undergraduate programmes. We even have the School of Mines, they already have programmes taught at undergraduate level. So, this university must be a centre of excellence that produces high skills that we do not have currently. The graduates coming from the currently running universities will then enroll into this university for post-graduate studies and research.
Suffice to say that, this will be their main niche, the Masters and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), the post-graduate. However, it does not stop the institution from offering even lower programmes or shortcourses for artisanal miners to assist them and capacitate them to run their small mining ventures. The obligation of Zimbabwe is to professionally run the institution administratively but the funding comes from various partners.
Hon. Mawire, I would like to thank you for supporting this Bill. It is true that the expertise and skill of using machines was not available and we hope that this university will increase the number of professionals within Zimbabwe and across Africa who will be able to use scientific machines used in our industries.
I would also like to thank Hon. Sen. Chief Charumbira for your support of this Bill. It is true that there was little expertise and skill. We did not have the expertise to locate the presence of minerals but I am hopeful that the launch of this university will bring forth the missing expertise and skills and we will be able to survey and explore the location of our minerals. We will also be able to obtain knowledge on how to beneficiate those minerals so that our wealth can be enhanced.
As an industrious people, I hope that we will not shame our country and the whole continent in our venture to ensure that this university comes to fruition.
You also indicated the issue of conflicts, giving the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a reference point. It is true that conflicts lead to instability and inability to fully exploit the available minerals. It is already evident through the attacks and criticism we are going through because of the wealth that we have. However, I am hopeful that the country’s stability – we have another University Bill that was passed earlier, the Defence University Bill. We are confident that Defence University will work in collaboration with the university under discussion in terms of ensuring that national stability and the expertise prevails.
You also spoke about humanity within our leadership so that we are able to maintain and mould leadership with people at heart and are able to lead these institutions with the highest level of integrity. This will ensure that we do not come up with an elitist kind of university, but encompass people from all walks of life in order to ensure that the whole populace and not a few individuals benefit. We also hope that even the universities will educate people that it is important to ensure that our nation develops so that we all benefit.
On the leaking of minerals and other natural resources, we intend to introduce a course known as the Minerals Business Studies. There was little knowledge on this and we were getting little benefit on our minerals because we were throwing away a lot of things as waste whilst getting little on our resources. I am hopeful that the launch of this university will give rise to our country’s development so that our wealth can be retained. I now move that the Pan-African Minerals University of Science and Technology Bill [H.B. 10, 2015] be read a second time.
Motion put and agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
Committee Stage: With leave, forthwith.
COMMITTEE STAGE
PAN AFRICAN MINERALS UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY BILL [H.B. 10, 2015]
House in Committee.
Clauses 1 to 8 put and agreed to.
On Clause 9:
*HON. SEN. MARAVA: Thank you very much Chairperson. I
support this Bill. This is enrichment to Zimbabwe but will the Minister explain some Sections of this Bill where he talked about the powers of the President in electing the Board with the assistance of various institutions which will be even background to those individuals.
Where does Parliament of Zimbabwe come in recommending
individuals to sit into this board? Maybe I have asked my question at an inappropriate time but all I want to hear is if Parliament of Zimbabwe going to make a contribution in the appointment of the council which runs this institution. So, who are the other people who are involved besides the President?
THE CHAIRPERSON (HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA):
Senator Marava, are you talking of the University Council which is on Clause 12? Right now we are debating the Chancellor.
Clauses 9 to 11 put and agreed to.
On Clause 12:
HON. SEN. MARAVA: Thank you Mr. President. I am happy
that the Minister had already heard my question. When you talk of the powers of the President to elect these members of this council, who are some of these people who will give the recommendations to His Excellency?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
(HON. DR. GANDAWA): Thank you for the question. When you look closely at Clause 12, which states the personalities and characters of people who will appoint the members of this council, it states that, (a) the Chairperson of the council is appointed by the Chancellor, (b), the
Vice Chancellor (c) every Pro-Vice Chancellor of the university, (d) one representative nominated by the Ministry responsible for mines in
Zimbabwe, (e) one member representing the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education, ZIMCHE, I do not know if I should continue reading because this is well explained. All relevant ministries will be asked to send representatives in that council and these also represent the members of the Children’s representatives, regional Chambers of Mines will also have somebody to represent them.
The Nelson Mandela Board will put its own member, African Union Commission also puts its own, and African Academy of Sciences will put its own as well. These will elect their own members and then send them to our Ministry for us to compile and then send to the President for signing.
*HON. MARAVA: While everything is in order Mr. President, I
have got a light feeling that this House while it has passed this Bill which we rejoice in passing it, I think there was need for a feedback to this House so that we can also just proceed together rather than leaving
Parliament at the stage where you would have started. I know it will be Executive implementing its own things but I think there was need for you to come back to this House.
HON. DR. GANDAWA: I understand what the Hon. Senator is
saying but if we were to follow that, there will be a conflict with these institutions and yet we have given them the autonomy to run their affairs following the laid down procedures. However, if they abrogate some of the rules and regulations given, that is when we may have to consult with Parliament or the Government – but if these institutions are
Following the laid down rules, there is no need for interference by any other bodies.
HON. SEN. CHIEF NEMBIRE: Thank you Mr. President. I
have got a feeling that there is a gap because I feel as the Chiefs we are the custodians of the riches underground especially those. So, we feel as the custodians of this cultural effect we need to be included in this board.
*HON. DR. GANDAWA: It is known and also welcomed that the Chiefs could be incorporated into these councils but we are now saying the Chiefs can work hand in hand with the Chamber of Mines and any other mining bodies. This is where the chiefs will be incorporated to give guidance on the rules of the sacred places of these areas. So, maybe in the future we need to look into the inclusion of chiefs in such councils
Clause 12 put and agreed to.
Clauses 13 to 36 put and agreed to.
Schedule put and agreed to.
House resumed.
Bill reported without amendments.
Third Reading: with leave, forthwith.
THIRD READING
PAN AFRICAN MINERALS UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY BILL [H.B. 8, 2015]
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIARY
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEVELOPMENT (DR. GANDAWA): Madam President, I move
that the Bill be read the third time.
Motion put and agreed to.
Bill read the third time.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TAWANGWA: Madam President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MASUKU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 18th August, 2015.
MOTION
SECOND REPORT OF THE THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON
GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT ON EARLY CHILD
MARRIAGES
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Second Report of the Thematic Committee on Gender and Development on Early Child Marriages.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. CHIFAMBA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to make my contribution on a motion raised by Hon. Sen. Makore. This is a very touching issue, when I debate it I get very emotional. Becoming a housewife is a very heavy task because it involves such issues as taking care of your husband and running the home. When you are talking of a young girl who has not been exposed to such knowledge, yet at the end of the day this little girl instead of running the home to prepare for her husband, she will be found playing in the playground with other youngsters. In the past, there was a case whereby young girls were married from the early age of 10. When this lady grows to 20 years, the man would feel that he is fed up with this young girl and chases the lady away to take another young girl. Why should this man be so ungrateful and cruel that he is always looking for younger or little girls yet he is older. We are talking of a young girl who is not even aware of how to take care of her sanitary wear. I beg the people of Zimbabwe to let the little girls mature into adulthood. We also want professionals who are ladies. They should be allowed to become presidents, ministers and chief executive officers who are women.
When this young girl is married off at such a tender age, she has no way of progressing in life. On the other hand, the young man or man who has impregnated her will continue advancing with his education while the little girl’s comes to an end. Let the girls mature so that you can enjoy all the benefits from marrying a mature lady. I take the analogy of fruits, if you take a fruit which has not yet ripened and eat it, it is bitter and sour. It has a bad taste.
When you are talking of being married and you are in the house, there is supposed to be some sexual relationship. If you know what you are doing, you really enjoy the relationship but if this little girl is married off at an early age, she will never enjoy this sexual relationship. She will be oppressed for the rest of her life because whenever she thinks about men, she has that hatred. Whenever she thinks of the man coming home, this little girl will be so angry that she vents her anger on playing games with girls or young men of her age. Please, let these little girls grow up. This is the same with men. You will never find a young man marrying because he is not yet mature but when he is mature, he marries. We are taking advantage of these little girls. This is tantamount to raping. Let them grow and make their own choices. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MAKORE: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHIMHINI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 17th August, 2016.
MOTION
FIRST REPORT OF THE THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON
PEACE AND SECURITY ON THE STATE OF THE COUNTRY’S
BORDERS
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the First Report of the Thematic Committee on Peace and Security on the state of the Country’s Borders.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. MAKORE: Thank you Mr. President for giving me the opportunity to debate on this motion which was raised by Hon. Sen. Mumvuri regarding the porous nature of our borders. We had a very interesting time when we visited the border posts such as Beitbridge and Plumtree border posts and had an in loco inspection. Most of our observations were raised in our report.
Overally, we are saying we need to tighten security at our borders because we observed that security was lacking and we did make some submissions. The boundaries are not really fenced off with security fence and the roads are not properly maintained. We know of a road which is ironically called Binya road. It is one of the roads which are used by the illegal cross borders. This is where we get contraband coming into the country. We also have some official imported goods coming in and even the exports and therefore, need to be properly taken care of.
We also heard of some people who illegally cross these borders through the river which is infested with crocodiles. We need to prepare the security of these borders so that people are protected. When we talk about illegal crossing, in Shona we say kupoya and in Ndebele we say ukufohla. We observed that it is of prime importance that these borders be well protected security wise.
As for the workers who are at the border, we noticed that they are also multi-tasking. As a result of multitasking by individuals, there are delays leading to lots of frustration because there is either duplication of service or multitasking by individuals. All I am trying to do is to cover the gap for some of the issues which were not raised during our visits. We are pleading with the Government to work on the security system on our borders and also have the correct manpower operating from the border posts. We know that our country will never expand anyway but the existing borders have to be protected.
We have to look for ways of dealing with or assisting people who are living on the borders of the country especially the Beitbridge border post. There are also people who may need to be moved but where will they go. We also need to have some scanning machines which can be used in the inspection of goods which are either being exported or imported so that they are properly documented. In Plumtree, we realised that it had better security and was very orderly compared to these other borders like Beitbridge.
We know we raise Government revenue of $2 million per day from the taxes. We are not very sure if this is the correct amount that we should be getting because we saw some people who were importing illegally some contraband into the country. Contraband is bleeding the country’s fiscus. We need to close these loopholes so that we will be able to save more money. Instead of collecting $2 million for ZIMRA per day, we may collect more cash. Sometimes you find that there are also corrupt officials who are benefiting from that. We were also briefed by officials manning these border posts that they retain an amount of $100 000 which is used for the upkeep of these premises. We need to thoroughly investigate and see how there could be a return on investment.
Mr. President, I do now want to say much but I would like to thank the mover of this motion, Hon. Sen. Mumvuri for bringing the report to this august Senate.
+HON. SEN. MKWEBU: I would like to thank the Thematic Committee on Peace and Security because it carried out some investigations and noticed that there were things which were happening at the border and as a result, this was brought up in the report which was raised in this Senate.
This report talked about a lot of things which are happening at the border. We realise that ZIMRA is collecting US$2m per day and this is a lot of money especially when it comes to the development of the country because this is the money which is levied from people who are importing goods into the country especially bulk importers. Government has also put up the regulations that whosoever is going out of the country, there is a certain amount of money which is stipulated for those going out of the country for their sustenance whilst they are out of the country.
As tourists, we travel in buses all the time when we go outside the country where we sometimes buy some of the things which are not permitted. For example, people purchase goods worth $10 000 and yet your rebate is about $200. This is impoverishing the country and our coffers will run dry.
I also want to congratulate this Committee for carrying out this mammoth task by opening up our eyes so that we get to be aware of what is going on at our borders. One of the contributors talked about Binya road which are illegal crossing points which are used by people who will be bringing in contraband and at times, this results in people being killed because they will be crossing at illegal crossing points with not proper documentation. I am therefore, appealing to the security forces in this country that they should look for ways and means of shutting down all these illegal crossing points because we have lost a lot of our children when going to South Africa. Every time you are asked about your child, you tell people that my child has gone to South Africa for greener pastures and yet that child will have been killed at these illegal crossing points, like the crocodile infested Limpopo River.
The report also revealed that there are also illegal happenings at these borders such as the illegal externalisation of money. We are saying no to corruption. Whenever you want to bring in your goods, you should declare your goods and pay the stipulated duty on those goods so that our country does not lose revenue. I emphasise once again that we need to tighten security at our borders.
I now turn to the officials who are operating from the border posts. My own thinking is that these officers should be put on a rotational basis. Nobody should stay for a long time at one entry point because that is what leads to corruption for they will get ways and means of enriching themselves. If they are rotated, they will not be any time to indulge in these nefarious activities. I once again appeal to the security forces to look for ways and means of arresting these corrupt people who want to benefit financially at the expense of the country. They are letting the country down. We should stop these leakages. Let us seal and protect our borders so that the country benefits.
At any given time, there are almost 20 buses at the border which will be going out of the country carrying people who will bring in contraband and yet these people will buy goods which are beyond what is limited to them. The most painful thing is that when money is taken out of the country, it remains in South Africa and the country does not benefit. We know that when we are in an economic crisis, everyone of us in the country suffers because of those people who indulge in corrupt activities. I am urging the powers that be, that everybody who is operating from the border should pay the stipulated duties. I am not only talking about Beitbridge but also Plumtree, Chirundu, Victoria Falls and Forbes border posts. Let us tighten security at our border posts.
We also have some illegal crossing points where we have the second hand clothing coming in and we wonder how are they managing to bring in these second hand clothes “mazitye” and yet we want to raise funds for our country which is also trying to shut out these second hand clothes so that we can sustain our local manufacturers who are being choked out of production by these cheap clothing which are coming into the country. The worst part of it is that no taxes or duties are paid on these second hand clothes.
In conclusion, I would like to say everybody who is importing goods into the country should declare their goods and pay the stipulated duty on the goods they are importing. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MARAVA: Thank you Mr. President. I am also a member of this Committee which is chaired by Hon. Sen. Mumvuri. I again emphasise that the situation is untenable at our borders. This is what we observed when we held this outreach programme and we noticed that business was being done in a haphazard manner. We realised that the officials were involved in corrupt activities. This was sure in comparison with the crossing point at Ramakobane. Ramakobane was more organised, developed and advanced because when you compare with what is happening at Beitbridge; Beitbridge crossing point is a torture to the travelers. We believe when women travelers reach their destinations they will be so tired and frustrated because of the problems they go through at the Beitbridge border post.
Part of the reason of this discomfort is the way the officers at the border post operate. At times they cannot operate the scanning machines which are used at the border, which are supposed to ease the burden on these inspectors. The cross border traders have to unload all the goods which they have and this takes time because they will so loaded. When they have unloaded the trailers or the baggage which they have, the ZIMRA officials will take their time to examine these goods.
We now have middlemen who come to take advantage of these women and they offer their services to these ladies. They will be so tired because it takes a minimum of 12 hours for them to go through that business. We are saying we need to look for ways of resuscitating these scanners, repair them and bring them back to business. I know
Zimbabwe is in a cash crisis but we need to look at it to ease the burden. Ramakobane is at the border of Botswana and Zimbabwe, it is well organised and the officials were very professional and the way they operate is satisfactory and professional.
Every cloud has a silver lining and in this case the dark cloud despite the silver lining was the treatment meted out to Zimbabweans who are being deported from Botswana. Some of these people at Romakobane; when we went for this in loco inspection, we met with people who were coming from Botswana. When they came, they allowed these transporters some distance away from the border and they are given inhuman treatment. This is the worst practice of human rights which is meted out to deportees from Botswana, especially the Zimbabweans. We realised that most of the males were literally assaulted on their backs and they had scars. When we asked why they were given this corporal punishment which leaves such scars, the reason was that these scars show that you were an illegal immigrant and you were punished but you have come back for the second time.
We also asked where the beatings took place and we were told that the Chiefs were responsible for this corporal punishment but women were not subjected to this corporal punishment, but were deported together with the babies who were sired by Botswana nationals. The young girls were coming from Buhera, Gutu and all over Zimbabwe. When we asked as to why they were illegally crossing into Botswana, they said they were going to seek for employment and they are running away from problems in Zimbabwe. This really pained me and I said, why is it that the people of Zimbabwe are receiving corporal punishment from the Chiefs in Botswana? Why do not we create a platform for the Chiefs of Zimbabwe and the Chiefs of Botswana so that they hold consultative meetings and compare the way Chiefs in Zimbabwe treat Botswana citizens. We do not subject them to inhuman corporal punishment, we have many people from Botswana who were educated and who do business in Zimbabwe.
We are saying we want them to reciprocate this hand of friendship and we are appealing to the ministries such as Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to hold a meeting between the traditional Chiefs of Zimbabwe and the traditional Chiefs of Botswana because people have always been crossing borders from time immemorial. Therefore let us give Chiefs the time to stay together and explain why they are subjecting people of Zimbabwe to such inhuman punishment.
HON. SEN. MUSAKA: Thank you Mr. President of the Senate for giving me this time to debate on the report by Hon. Sen. Mumvuri and Hon. Sen. Chief Ngungubane. I want to thank them for the report and the even handedness of the report, the positive critique of what takes place at the border especially in particular at Beitbridge, the positiveness of the structure and the good work displayed at Plumtree. Those are the two borders we went to. The report was very well written even handed, I only wish to make a comment on the poor structures which in my view we urge the Government of the ministries concerned to take action.
Right now we have this slogan of “against corruption together”. Any individuals in the ministry who when tasked to do a job and deliberately does not take action when things are wrong - really that can be construed as corruption. What is happening at Beitbridge is just unacceptable. They generate US$2m, I do not think or agree that we do not have the money, something must be done by lead ministries, Home Affairs and Finance and Economic Development to correct the situation.
We need state of the art border at Beitbridge to reduce corruption or the duplication of duties which becomes intentional when people see a situation where there is a loophole, they just take advantage. You cannot have anyone asking for a passport, any policemen - all working together, that is unacceptable Mr. President of the Senate. That should be properly structured and there should be order and we should know exactly who is inspecting who. Yes, they should work together in curbing corruption, but the way it is done at Beitbridge is just not acceptable. A good example of state of the art equipment is the Chirundu border posts. On several occasions I have crossed, it does not take you an hour to cross, that is what is needed at Beitbridge. It should be done the same thing. The money is there. I do not go along to say there is no money. So, in that respect, Mr. President, I think the report was brilliant. It was good, except we just want the lead Ministries to take note and take corrective action.
On human rights, as has been alluded to by some Senators regarding the abuse, the beating of people, it is interesting and also it is a bit disappointing. The border in Plumtree is artificial. People live on both sides really. There is really no such big thing like a river or anything. Most of the people are on both sides of the artificial border. So, I do not understand the culture in Botswana where chiefs take it upon themselves to beat people. I do not understand it. As has been said, I also make the same appeal, Mr. President, that the chiefs should take an active role in this one. Talk to your fellow chiefs that it is unAfrican and it is unSouthern African to start beating somebody’s children. If they make a mistake, you tell us, your children are here, come and collect them, you do not beat them.
So with those few words I thank you Mr. President, I thank the
Chair for the report. I thank you.
*THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Maybe
because I have some privileged information. It is not their culture that they are beating those people. It is their country’s law. It is actually passed by Parliament. It is not their culture but that it is actually the law itself, their own statutory law. A part of their justice system which is part of their general law. I would agree that the chiefs meet, but it is coming from their law which is in an Act of Parliament. It gives them more powers than us. They deal with criminal cases such as livestock theft and they can sentence a person up to seven years. Here in
Zimbabwe, we do not have such powers.
HON. SEN. MVURI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. S. NCUBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 17th August, 2016.
MOTION
FIRST REPORT OF THE THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON GENDER
AND DEVELOPMENT ON THE STATUS OF CHILDREN’S HOMES
Fifth order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the First Report of the Thematic Committee on Gender and Development on the Status of Children’s Homes.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. MOEKETSI: Thank you Mr. President. I would like to thank Senator Makore for introducing this motion on the
Children’s Homes. I am a member of the Committee which visited several of these orphanages, but out of all these places, there was one home which touched me and this is the Chirinda Children’s Home. I was so touched by it and I was very emotional because of what I observed.
This Home has a lot of children. The Home was founded by a certain white lady. I did not really get the whole story of the founding of this home, but what I know is that this lady has since passed on. When we arrived at this place and what we observed, the officials were telling us they had no food for the day to give to the children. There were amongst the children some three infants and the care givers at this home, there were two women. This shows that they were few for the task which is at hand and they gave us some of their grievances such as the fact that there are so many years which have passed and they have not received any contribution from the Social Services.
They are supposed to be paying US$50 for the upkeep of a child, but to date, nothing has been paid and this is really a sorry sight. We even looked at the blankets which are used by these orphans. You could see poverty. Even their sleeping quarters, they were just squalid conditions and you could get the smell of urine showing that there was really a problem and no comfort in this Home.
This really touched me and I proposed that this august House should work together and formulate plans of getting assistance to these orphans and whenever funds or goods have been put together for the benefit of these homes, these should be directed to such homes because really, the Chirinda Orphanage had totally nothing. They informed us that they had three head of cattle and they also had a field, but the land which was distributed to them is very far away from them and they cannot carry out any farming activities because they have really young children in that home who cannot run such a field at such a distance.
Mr. President, when we look at these orphans, I beg that we create a law that these children have access to national documents such as birth certificates because it is the right of every citizen. I am pleading with the State that they be given these birth certificates for their future.
Amongst all these children who are being taken care of at these orphanages, there is this regulation which stipulates that if an orphan reaches the age of 18, they are then evicted from those homes, but where are they sent to? Then we also wonder. There are many predators who took advantage of her and impregnated and deserted her. As a result, the number of orphans are increasing. So, we are pleading with the authorities in our country to come up with a policy that these orphans should not be send away from homes at the age of 18. However, they should be allowed to live in these homes until they can look after themselves, either through marriage or working. This home really touched me more than what I saw from other orphanage homes.
Chirinda Children’s home seems to be operating from a world of its own
which is not friendly and is a problem to the children.
I am saying if the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Services has promised to provide assistance, it should implement that and give assistance to these orphanages. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MAKORE: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MARAVA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 17th August, 2016.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MASUKU, seconded by HON. SEN. MUMVURI, the Senate adjourned at Twenty Eight Minutes to
Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 17th August, 2016
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE in the Chair)
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE SENATE
THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE (HON. DR. SEKERAMAYI):
Madam President, I move that Order of the Day, Number 1 on today’s Order Paper be stood over until the other Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
LEVELS OF CORRUPTION IN THE COUNTRY
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on monitoring the Executive performance in dealing with reported cases of corruption.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. NDLOVU: Thank you Madam President. I am
going to debate on the motion on corruption that was brought in this House by Hon. Sen. B. Sibanda. We are here debating corruption which we say in isiNdebele ukufumbathisa and in Shona uwori, but corruption is rampant in the Public Service - talk of the police, the hospitals and the entry points in our country. Let me say that very few of us can vouch that they are not corrupt and in some instances, you go to an office where you want a service, but because you do not have anything to grease their palm you are not assisted and you go out empty handed.
I will give you two examples of corruption and this is what I really witnessed. I know I am telling the truth on corruption. This happened some long time ago when I was still employed in Gwanda. I was sent to seek for a service here in Harare and we wanted a letter or document pertaining to our operations. I boarded a train in the evening and arrived in Harare in the morning. I was hoping to get that letter, and then return to Gwanda the same day. The train arrived early by half past seven and at around 8 o’clock a.m, I was at the office knocking at the door asking for that letter. I sat in that office until it was half past eleven. They told me that the person who was supposed to write that letter was not there. A certain man came to me and said, “madam, I thought you were coming from Gwanda; if you want to go early you need to pay for some lunch to the service provider.” At the end of the day, I knew that in order to get a service I had to pay some money.
So, I searched in my pocket and raised US$3.00 and just because it was towards lunch, I gave that person the money. He went out it and soon returned and with a letter in his hand. It showed me that the letter had been written but because I had not provided a kick-back, I was going to suffer. It shows that corruption is rampant. There are some people who influence people to be corrupt because we have some people who will come behind and say, “please, I need your services and let me greet your palm for a certain amount.”
I worked for the Gwanda Council. When you were caught red handed by the supervisor who was anti-corrupt, you would be in problems. You had to be very careful when working with him, Hon. Mkhwebu knows about this strict anti-corrupt boss because he was a no nonsense leader.
We are saying corruption is rampant. We have to fight corruption and what we need to do is to look for means and ways of fighting this corruption because the problem at times is that, if you do not have evidence to incriminate a person, you will let that person go free. On the other hand, if you want some service and an officer assists you, despite the fact that you have paid some kick-backs you will not go public about it.
Let me give my second report. Two weeks ago when I was returning to my constituency, we came to a roadblock and these policemen have no shame. They accept bribes in the open. I was travelling along Kezi road. There is a permanent roadblock on the Kezi road. There is an anthill nearby which is very visible when you are going towards my homestead. I was surprised to see the policemen squatting near that anthill. What came into my mind was that they were playing cards and gambling. However, when we got nearer we noticed that they were sharing some money which was on the ground. I only waved to let them know I had seen them. As I looked back through my rearview mirror, they soon stood up and departed.
These are the two stories that I came face to face with corruption. What are we going to do or say? We need some ways and means to inculcate some culture of anti-corruption in our people because it is now a plague. It is showing that it is not going to end soon. It does not mean to say that people indulge in corruption because they are poor or hungry, no. It is the ‘haves’ who indulge in corruption because they want to line up their pockets. I stood up to speak because I had two cases which I witnessed on corruption.
HON. SEN. MAKONE: Madam President, the motion before us
is a very serious one. We really want to dissect this subject and see whether this subject can allow us as Senators to come to one position. When we talk about the land in Zimbabwe, we are talking about the land that belongs to all the people of Zimbabwe that has been handed down to all of us by our forefathers. It is not land that belongs to anyone or any political party or entity. When those of us that thought at first that the land situation had not been handled properly and disagreed with the process finally came round to agreeing that the land reform programme was irreversible, it was done in good faith. In good faith, that those who had been given the land were entitled to it and that due process would be undertaken for them to have it as their land for posterity. It was that good faith that we all thought that all the people that had been given that land would keep it as theirs.
Madam President, what really worries some of us is that when there is a dispute between individuals, there is an effort to dispossess those that had benefitted from the land reform programme. It then makes it appear that the land had been allocated as a way of making people give eternal allegiance to an individual, group of individuals or a party. That takes away the essence of the land reform programme as we had understood it. Anything short of that smacks of corruption. Now, if we agree here as the legislators of this land that the land reform programme is irreversible, it therefore follows that if any member sitting opposite or this side or a chief had benefitted from land programme, that land allocated to them is irreversible no matter what happens or who they have a disagreement with in the future or which party they desert or do not desert. That land is theirs and theirs to keep.
To show genuineness that there is no corruption involved because the Executive at its highest level is involved in this process, we would be much more pacified because this is not something that the Anti Corruption Commission can handle, as this motion would suggest that we report to the Anti Corruption Commission. We want to hear the
Executive say that whosoever was allocated land has ownership of that land from now until the end of posterity or whatever the time is regardless of who they have a fight with.
Madam President, it was with great sadness that I noticed that some of the war veterans who are in a dispute with their party were invaded last week and were being asked to leave the land that they occupy. That is grossly wrong. I do not have land and it is none of my business. It is only my business to the extent that I am a Zimbabwean who believes in the irreversibility of the land reform programme. Whoever has got land today should not be incumbent to anybody because they were given that land. If we do allow that situation to persist, then we are allowing corruption at the highest level and have no business entertaining little people being arrested for anything else because we will have allowed it to happen at the highest level.
I know that those that have land might have fear to debate this land question. I am debating it openly on behalf of those people that have got land that let them have the title deeds or 99 year leases which allow them to be true owners of that land in order to avoid this kind of corruption Madam President – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – I personally would love to have that land, only after people start getting title because I do not want to be anyone’s puppet, to be held on a short leash, to behave as and when I am to behave in a certain manner – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – The land belongs to our forefathers and not to individuals. The people that have got land must be allowed to have title in whatever form forthwith. I thank you Madam President.
HON. SEN. D.T KHUMALO: Thank you Madam President for
giving me this opportunity to also discuss on the issue of corruption. My point is on the issue that we all have to ensure that our country is safe from corruption. I want to give an example of what happened two weeks ago just before Parliament went into a short recess. We had a Bill which was brought by the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, for me the position that the Minister should be the one who dismisses the staff in local authorities was corruption. We are saying the Minister will be corrupt if he dismisses people when he feels like dismissing. The Constitution says the tribunal has to suspend or dismiss the persons employed in councils. Now if the Minister is taking over the role of the Tribunal, then he is going to employ his relatives.
When he feels like dismissing them, he can dismiss them at any time. That is wrong. Our Constitution says the tribunal and it is written in the Constitution. if he cannot respect our Constitution, then what.
HON. SEN. TAWENGWA: On a point of order. Madam
President, if I recall very well, in the Bill itself it states the tribunal and not the Minister.
HON. SEN. T. KHUMALO: Look at the new Bill.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: May I please
guide the House that why do we not address the issue of corruption. Let us stick to the motion.
HON. SEN. T. KHUMALO: I am thinking that if the Constitution says something else and we do otherwise, that is also corruption….
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: It does not help to
debate on a Bill which you have passed in the House. I was hoping that you would point out incidences of corruption because that is what the Hon. Senator wants addressed by this Senate.
HON. SEN. T. KHUMALO: On 21 June, we read in the
newspaper that the Gweru City Council was complaining that the Minister appointed somebody to audit their books and they felt that person was a relative of the Minister. Those are some of the small things we think are small but the outsiders who want to give us money may not view it as small. I also want to debate on the issue of Chiadzwa which we are all familiar with that $15 billion from Chiadzwa were found in the United Kingdom. At the same time the media was awash with the story of the son of a Minister who was found to have US$7m in a bag.
How can we be given money by donors? That may not be true –
[Laughter.]-
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Order! I do not
know how to guide the Hon. Senator. I really wound not want to ask the Hon. Senator to sit down and then stand up when she has reconsidered what to debate. You cannot quote topics that do not have legal proof. We cannot do that. We are honourable people. It is a story in the paper. I do not know. You may continue.
HON. SEN. T. KHUMALO: The issue of corruption is not an
easy subject. We may agree or not agree, we will leave it as it is. The World Bank ranks Zimbabwe at 155 out of 183 most corrupt countries in the world. I am sure you are all aware of this. Whether I am right or wrong, we are known as a corrupt country. Our leadership is corrupt. We all have to fight to reduce corruption amongst ourselves and make our country better so that we can be given money. We are not being given monies because of the poor ratings at the international level. Therefore, I am requesting my fellow countrymen that when we have relatives, friends, party members who are our employees, if we find them as corrupt people, can we correct it because it tarnishes all of us. Zimbabwe is viewed as a corruption country because of those few people. They are making us to be called a corrupt nation.
I hope we are going to work together to reduce corruption in our country so that from now on Zimbabwe improves and can be respected by other countries because at the present moment we are not. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. GAMPU: Thank you Madam President for giving
me this opportunity to make my contribution on this motion on corruption which was raised by Hon. Sen. B. Sibanda. When we talk of corruption we are talking of a cancer in society or in the country. Even the smallest child is also aware of the fact that Zimbabwe is a country that is full of corrupt people. Let me pose the question – why are people corrupt? I will give my view whilst my colleagues have already debated
Let the quote the Bible on corruption. If you read 2 Peter 2:20, it talks about being unreliable and corrupt. When you start reading the Bible from Genesis up to Revelation, we have a total of 13 verses that talk about corruption and it says, corruption is a cancer, corruption is AIDS and corruption is diabetes. It is a modern day disease and as the leaders of the nation, we need to put a stop to this scourge and we need to put a stop to this epidemic. We are asking the Chiefs, Parliamentarians and the Executive to wage a very strong and vicious war against corruption. Pastors, reverends and presidents should also wage an anti-corruption drive, but unfortunately every one of us is fulfilling what is said in the book of Revelation that people will no longer have love for others but there will be people who are selfish, shameless, and fearless who indulge in corrupt activities. We need to have that will, we need to have that sixth sense which will force people to abstain from doing something evil.
When people feel scared of doing something bad, then there will be development in the country because when we are crying it means there is pain, wailing and gnashing of teeth. As leaders, let us not be like Eli the prophet who could not control the attitude and behaviour of his children and this led to his destruction. At our last sitting Hon. Sen. Chief Charumbira made a contribution and said we are going to miss heaven because of corruption. I feel as one of the traditional leaders I should make a contribution on this motion which is aimed at fighting corruption, because it is about the end times message which is mentioned in the Bible. Regardless of where you are, even if you are in the rural areas and you are not paying the levies and taxes - that is corruption. Even if you are driving your posh car and there is something wrong with that car and you corruptly travel around with it, it is corruption.
We need to examine ourselves and like what the Bible says. Whenever you are about to do something bad, you should feel your heart beating and you should feel your senses asking you to stop with immediate effect whatever corrupt activity you might be doing. As a traditional leader and a political leader, I am asking my fellow leaders that you should shun corruption. We should stop corruption and whenever a person is sinning and has no conscience then one will have come to the worst stage of their life and we need to seek for God’s guidance to fight this corruption.
We now need some holy intervention, some Godly intervention because if we are to fight it as human beings, we may not win the war. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. TAWENGWA: We have had members making
contributions and they are saying corruption is happening unabated and at a very high level. You may think that you are watching a movie or some drama, but what we know of dramas and movies is that they come to an end. I know that in this country we are aware of the fact that corruption has reached alarming levels and is now being handled by the office of the President and Cabinet and this is being controlled. I think when we say corruption is uncontrolled; I think that is a misnomer because we are now fighting it. If my memory serves me well, we have even put notices that whistle-blowers should pass on information on corruption. I believe that as Hon. Senators we shun corruption. We wish corruption would come to an end and if we know of any ways which to follow in fighting corruption, please let us put our heads together and demolish corruption.
*HON. SEN. CHABUKA: Thank you Madam President of the
Senate for giving me the opportunity to debate on this motion which was raised by Hon. Sen. Sibanda. It is a very important motion which has a bearing on the progress of our country and we know that we are now experiencing economic doldrums because of corruption. If you may quote one of our television programmes the Mai Chisamba ‘show, she says we have not come to the extreme end of this corruption. We have been talking about corruption but no tangible action has been taken in eradicating this scourge. One of us has said corruption is now being handled in the office of His Excellency, the President and Cabinet, but this has been happening for quite a long time. As the leaders of the people, we are here on a representative role-representing the views of the people in this august Senate as they have said.
We have also been told by Hon. Sen. Makone that people who have been given land through the land distribution exercise are being denied access to that. Let me give an example, a month ago in Manicaland, one person was evicted from this place and was being dismissed by a ranking official and the property of that poor individual was exposed to the vagaries of the weather for two weeks. There are lot people in leadership who have a lot of land, houses and this was taken up to the Cabinet but what we know is that no steps have been taken to eradicate this corruption.
That is why we are debating this problem in this Senate because if corruption emanates from the highest offices; you are role models to those under you, what are you teaching them? They will follow suite and we are saying if anybody has been mentioned by the whistle blower, they should be a follow up so that whoever is found to be on the wrong side of the law should be arrested and convicted. There should be no nepotism. If somebody has a high post such as a Minister and he makes a mistake or indulges in corrupt activities, he is transferred from one ministry to the other.
We are saying if we transfer such a person instead of firing them, how are we going to develop our Zimbabwe? Corruption is a scourge, corruption is HIV and cancer. We are saying these people should be removed from those posts because reports have been put naming somebody that they are corrupt but can you imagine somebody has come and envied your land and they chuck you out, evict you out of your land and the newspapers or the journalists are terrified because they are told if they tell the truth, they are going to suffer the consequences. They are being threatened. Some of them have their homes invaded at night and yet Zimbabwe came through the barrel of a gun so that we could be free.
We have had these people who have been attacked and their land allotted to them is being attached illegally by people who are corrupt and honourables have said the people are corrupt. At the moment, when Zimbabwe is in the economic doldrums, people have problems in accessing wages and yet, there are some people who have monies in excess. They are even exporting this money nicodemously and we need to have tangible evidence that people have made complaints against corruption and to face the truth.
Please, my fellow Hon. Members, let us not politicise some of these issues. People have problems including the unborn child who is suffering from kwashiorkor because the mother cannot access nutritious food. Zimbabwe is a land of milk and honey, but people are suffering because of corruption. Whosoever is involved in corruption and is convicted should be removed from that post, or fired. Let us not support corruption in Zimbabwe. I am saying this motion should not be removed from the Order Paper no matter how much time it stays because we need to debate it until we eradicate corruption.
HON. SEN. B. SIBANDA: Thank you Mr. President. I made a commitment that today I would move for the adoption of my motion and therefore, inspite of the plea given by the Hon. Senator, I am under duty to comply with my promise. In doing so, I would like to define what I perceive and what others have perceived corruption to be. It has been variously described as the use of office for personal gain.
It is not my intention today to go on the offensive for one or two reasons. The major reason being that when I moved this motion, I used the collective ‘we’. I am afraid though that certain individuals have taken advantage of my ‘we’ to indicate that it is a change of direction on my part. The fact is, I used the word ‘we’ in order to endeavour to coax all the Zimbabweans to harness our unique effort in order to achieve a result. So the use of the word ‘we’ should not be mistaken for aquiescencing.
Mr. President, I would start off by thanking all Senators that have contributed to this motion. I am very grateful for your contribution. I am a strong believer that whoever contributes in agreement or in disagreement, adds value to what is on the floor of this House. My special thanks goes to Senator Makore who seconded this motion. As usual, he distinguished himself as a shumba and seconded with vigour that this motion deserves.
Secondly, I would want to give special thanks to Chief
Charumbira. I want to believe that it is time that we lend an ear to what our chiefs think. It is time to place our chiefs in the right platform and when they talk, we must listen. I do not want to repeat what Chief Charumbira said, but on that day while I was out of order, I attempted to say this is chiefly and indeed, it was chiefly and should be respected.
I want to say everybody, I have heard the excuses ‘we do not have this’, ‘corruption is not easy to deal with’. I am urging all of us to turn excuses into determination to deal with corruption. As long as we have excuses about corruption, we are going nowhere. We are facing a challenge where corruption will either consume us or we will consume corruption and I would not want to be one of those consumed by corruption.
Mr. President, I think I am justified and I was justified in quoting Prof. Melle when he says, if you cannot contain corruption you better quit because it is going to consume the entire nation and I have no excuse about that. I know there has been criticism directed at that. I have also heard that corruption is being contained. I respectfully disagree. I respect that opinion. That is the reason why, Mr. President, I have suggested that Parliament be an arbiter in the corruption struggle. Set up an office which will keep statistics so that we do not talk off hand; we talk statistically, we talk educated and some of these arguments will vanish. What I have suggested is, let us have a list of incidents of corruption, let us have a list of those that have been attended to and let us have a list of the results so that there can be no argument.
The sad story is that our nation is sinking while we argue about the obvious.
Mr. President, I take this opportunity without saying a lot, to move for the adoption of this motion on the basis that we, as legislators, take a clear stance. I am calling on us to be counted to the Parliament that was counted in the history of Zimbabwe for taking a clear stance against corruption, changing the trajectory of corruption from the left to the right. The choice is ours whether we take that stance or not and be counted.
The second proposal, Mr. President, is that we should not abdicate on our roles. One of our major functions is to monitor the performance of the Executive. The Executive has the power to execute, has the power to do something about the level of corruption and we must hold them to account and that is what I am asking for; that they be held to account by ourselves. Once again, that adds to what Chief Charumbira called for. Let us not abdicate our roles, let us play our effective roles.
Thirdly, Mr. President, I suggest that let us educate our citizens. There is no bigger foot soldier than the citizens. We are an experienced fighting force in Zimbabwe and you will know that besides the men who carried the guns, there were foot soldiers who monitored the situation. I am suggesting that we educate our foot soldiers and they prosecute the struggle against corruption in as determined a manner as they prosecuted the struggle against colonialism. I therefore move for the adoption of this motion that this House;
NOTING that corruption is now endemic in the land;
ALARMED at the rate at which incidents of corruption are occurring unabated;
CONCERNED at the implications that this trend has on the economic recovery, the international status of the country and its international credit rating;
NOW, THEREFORE, this House calls upon:
- Legislators to take an unequivocal stance against the scourge;
- Legislators to closely monitor the Executive performance in dealing with reported cases for corruption; and
- Citizens to report to law enforcement agents, and the Anti-
Corruption Commission any suspected cases of corruption.
Motion put and adopted.
MOTION
RESUSCITATION OF THE ZAMBEZI WATER PROJECT
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the resuscitation of the Zambezi Water Project.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. B. SIBANDA: Once again thank you Mr. President. The purpose of my standing up is to wind up debate on this motion. In doing so, I sincerely thank all the senators who contributed. I want to underline, you do not have to agree with me for me to appreciate you. Mr. President, after thanking all the Senators in this House across the political divide for a spirited support, I want to deal with three distinct issues that came up in this House. The first distinct issue was a contribution by Hon. Sen. Makone. Throughout the motion, I talked about a region and when I concluded, I defined it as geographical and not tribal. It is sad that certain people read tribalism into my debate. I will deal with that later.
However, what I want to appreciate Hon. Sen. Makone for, is the bird’s eye-view that she gave about the region we were talking about. It is a different perception, not coming from Matebeleland but from a different region which saw the pain that is sometimes felt by the people in Matebeleland, aggravated in certain circumstances by what they perceive as denial of opportunity. Hon. Sen. Makone, I thank you very much for that spirited debate and I mean it sincerely – [HON.
SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – With that observation on Hon. Sen.
Makone, I want to believe that one day, the nation will say, ‘Hon. Sen.
Makone did say…,’ and nobody will say ‘we never heard it.’
The second issue I want to deal with is what I consider to be a genuine concern raised by Hon. Sen. Mashavakure. Hon. Sen.
Mashavakure was concerned about the reticulation of water from Zambezi to the southern and eastern regions. Remember that consistently, when I debated on this motion, I talked about Midlands and Masvingo because I believe they belong to the same geographical region. The ecology and needs for water are the same. Hon. Sen. Mashavakure was concerned on whether we will be able to reticulate that water. I want to assure him that from what I have read, there had been thorough feasibility studies to ensure that the water is transportable to the area concerned.
He was also concerned about the stance that Zambia has taken or may take. I am sure we have got instruments within Government to deal with that. I would not want to vitiate any possible relations between
Zambia and Zimbabwe on the issue of water. However, I am convinced that Zambia has cooperated with difficult times when it comes to Zimbabwe. They may have no reason not to cooperate with Zimbabwe where human life is involved.
The third issue I want to deal with is Hon. Sen. Chipanga’s comments. I honestly want to congratulate Hon. Sen. Chipanga for never finding the most ‘infantisimal’ reason to criticise what I said. I am sorry that he is not here today, but I would have wanted him to hear this.
What I would urge the Hon. Senator to do is to be slightly more factual.
Hon. Sen. Chipanga accused me of using the word ‘region’ numerous times. After I went through my speech, I calculated that in a thousand words, I used that word three times and it translates to 0.03%. If my performance is that good, that is more than a distinction.
I also want to re-emphasise that in talking about the Zambezi Water Project, I have emphasised the geographical entity. I want to state to this Senate that I am very careful about what I write. I am considered a senior citizen and I cannot afford carelessness and I cannot afford tribalism in this nation. In fact for those who know me, they know that Bheki Sibanda is above that – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear] – I am also sad that Hon. Sen. Chipanga associated my comments with the Matebeleland Liberation Front. I am sad, it brings me to tears. The integrity and solidity of this nation is in my heart. I believe in a unitary state and sincerely believe that we are one. I believe that the distinguishing features between the people of the northern and southern region are unperceivable. You cannot distinguish a Shona person from their features, neither can you distinguish a Ndebele person. Hence, I believe that the idea that we are different people is not only nonsensical but mischievious – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear] –
The last thing I probably want to deal with is the use of our nationalist leaders, both Ndabaningi Sithole and Joshua Nkomo, where it is said that they will turn in their graves because I used the words
‘region’ and ‘our region.’ If you go through my speech, there is no
‘our,’ not a single ‘our region.’ I would like to state here that lilliputian politics would not worry Joshua Nkomo. I speak about Joshua Nkomo because I know him more than Ndabaningi Sithole.
However, I am sure the same would apply to Ndabaningi Sithole. I want to state clearly for lack of doubt, that the things that would make Joshua Nkomo turn in his grave would be the thought of Gukurahundi and the tribalism that we try and push in this country. That reminds me of the 1979 document; those of us who know about it should be ashamed of ourselves as Zimbabweans. A document generated in London by the so-called educated of us, propagating tribalism in this nation. It is sad. The state of the economy and corruption would make Joshua Nkomo turn in his grave if he did. Specifically, the level of violence that we have on each other as Zimbabweans would turn Joshua Nkomo in his grave.
Lastly, I believe that the lack of respect for property rights in this land, which is turning us back, would also make Joshua Nkomo turn in his grave, if indeed he does turn anymore. I am also accused of instigating unnecessary motivation on the people of the southern region by saying that they must claim their economic space. Please, English has migrated. All I am saying is, take your share in the economy and I have no apology for that. Sometimes I have said to people of
Matebeleland, ‘you are not active enough, get up and claim your space.’ That is all I am saying. I am saying to them - I repeat, as far as the Matebeleland Water Project is concerned, they must stand up and claim their entitlement, rather than watch US$15 billion evaporate into thin air – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – Once again, I am told that I used wrong words, ‘no pain, no gain.’ The pain I am talking about is the pain of having to stand up and claim your right. I am not talking about any other pain. I believe that if people are not sufficiently motivated, somebody must add the aura to motivate them. That is the ‘no pain, no gain’ I am talking about. Mr. President, I thank you and the entire House for listening. I would like to end this debate by saying that – please I beg you as Hon. Senators see me properly, never mistake me for a regionalist or tribalist. I am old enough in this game, it dates back to the Pearce Commission; it transcends the new thinking. It transcends the 1979 document I am talking about, we were not tribalists; we never will be. When we claim development as a region, we are asking for our share of the cake and nothing more – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Thank you Mr. President. With those words, I move that the motion on the Zambezi Water Project be adopted.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE (HON. SEKERAMAYI): I
move that Order of the Day, Number 1 be now re-instated.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE
PRESIDENT AS CHAIRMAN OF AFRICAN UNION
First Order read: Adjourned debate on motion to congratulate His
Excellency, the President Cde. R. G. Mugabe and the Government of
Zimbabwe on successfully leading the African Union (AU) and
Southern African Development Community (SADC) as Chairperson.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: Thank you Mr.
President. I would like to thank Hon. Sen. Chief Musarurwa for moving this very important motion. Even though this motion is coming to conclusion, I would like to add a few words. If we ever come across the words ‘successfully leading, leadership quality and national pride’, I just want to emphasise on those phrases. People of Zimbabwe, there are some issues we should unite because if something done is good, we should applaud that. Looking at issues like this, we should applaud one another, even if one of us got a medal, we should congratulate them, not on partisan basis. If we manage to get to such level of politics, I think we will move forward as a nation. That is the corruption we are talking about, if something good is done by someone, we should unite and that which is bad we should fight against it together again.
Like on this issue, Zimbabwe was honoured. Even if a
Zimbabwean is in Mexico, they admire you for coming from a country which is headed by President Mugabe. It does not matter which party you belong to because many people benefit because of this country. We are all honoured out there because of the name Zimbabwe and President
Mugabe’s leadership. The honour that we get as a country, we should not align that to our political parties.
I think the issue of factions in our parties is primitive because we tend to promote wrong people to the wrong positions and this does not make our country prosper. I think we should give credit to people who are good at doing something; not that, that person belongs to your party or faction, but for the sake of moving forward. If Senator Marava is doing well, we should applaud him and congratulate him, it does not matter which party he belongs to.
Therefore, we should all be happy that our President was Chair of
AU because it is for the country; all our identity cards are written Zimbabwe. I think we should get to higher level as Senate because we are adults. This should bind us together, not thinking on partisan basis. If we start giving credit where it is due, we know that we are getting somewhere as a nation.
I was talking to Sen. Tawengwa that in this country there are very educated people but why is our country stagnant? This is because we do not give credit to someone who brings up meaningful proposals if they do not belong where we want. If someone does good and deserves
100%, let that person get it if it is correct, without relating it to politics.
On this issue we should unite for Zimbabwe which was honoured and our President gave us pride. Yesterday we were talking about the
Pan-African University; we were given that because our President was Chair. We are now reaping from his chairmanship and we were given that because the issue of minerals is a hot potato, and it should be given to a country which is strong. In this country we fight for our own natural resources; they think that we can have another revolution in terms of minerals. I think this is good work and on top of that he was honoured to be a rapporteur because he is good, they cannot lose him, he is now close to AU.
The next President should emulate this, whether he is going to be
Chair or rapporteur. We now have a benchmark; he is a role model already. We got dividends from his leadership. With these few words, I support this motion that the people of Zimbabwe should give credit where it is due, no matter one is from which political party. Thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF MUSARURWA: Thank you Mr. President.
Let me start by thanking the President of the Chiefs’ Council, Chief Charumbira for his contribution, in which he concluded this motion, I also take the opportunity Mr. President to withdraw this motion, and thank all the contributors so that the House will adopt it. With distinction, he proposed several changes of doing things in the continent and in the SADC region. Our nation earned the pride which we deserve through the distinguished leadership of our President during his tenure of office. During the debates in this House several Senators conveyed their gratitude, and sentiments to His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe and wished the President many more good years of good leadership and wise counsel.
Some of the Senators who debated, including Sen. Mavhunga who seconded the motion Sen. Mumvuri, Sen. Chimbudzi, Sen. Manyeruke , Sen. Mawire, Sen. Machingaifa, Sen. Musaka, Sen. Komichi, Sen.
Timveos, Sen. Chimanikire, Sen. Tavengwa, Sen. Masuku, Sen. Mohadi, Sen. Goto, Sen. Maluleke, Sen. Marava, and other Senators. There may be other Senators who debated, and I did not mentioned their names, it is not that I have just left them. I would like to thank you all for making contributions on this motion and I am begging this House Hon. President that this motion be adopted. I thank you. –[HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.]-
Motion put that this House –
CONGRATULATES His Excellency the President, Cde. Robert Gabriel Mugabe and the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe for successfully leading the African Union as its Chairperson;
WARMLY APPRECIATES his distinguished leadership qualities during his tenure in Office, an achievement that has earned the Nation pride:
NOW, THEREFORE, resolves that this House conveys its gratitude and sentiments to His Excellency and the Nation as a whole and wishes our President many more years of good leadership and wise counsel.
Motion put and adopted.
MOTION
SECOND REPORT OF THE THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON GENDER
AND DEVELOPMENT ON EARLY CHILD MARRIAGES
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Second Report of the Thematic Committee on Gender and Development on Early Child Marriages.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. MAWIRE: Thank you Mr. President for giving me the opportunity to make this contribution. This is a very important motion which was raised in this House and we are trying to put a stop to early marriages because many people debated against this custom of early marriages, especially to the girl child. When we look at this motion what pains me most is that concerning mothers, it touches them on the wrong side. When they give birth to their baby, they look forward to them having a better life, being married off and being wealthy. In most cases what happens in life is contrary to real life situations in these early marriages. We have had debates for a very long time in Zimbabwe when we were fighting these early child marriages which are prevalent in apostolic churches. We also had some cultures in areas like Chipinge where when there is starvation or hunger in the family, they would marry off the girl child. We thank the leadership which was very aware of the prevalence and it was debated and we now realise that the percentage of churches or religions which practice early marriages is now dwindling especially in areas like Chipinge.
Unfortunately, we have people whom we held in high esteem who were role models who are now marrying these young girls, and when you look around, in rural areas especially - you are told that a 10 or 12 year old girl up to 14 or 15 is married to an elderly man. What we know is that this young girl is not yet mature to have conjugal relationships and is not mature to carry a baby. What is worrying is that male Hon.
Members are now deserting this House when we are debating this motion, but I will address the few man who have remained.
We need to carry this message to the leadership of the country that we stop these early marriages because I can equate them to rape, because you are talking to an innocent girl, a little girl who does not know what is happening, and an immature individual. We are saying we need to hold campaigns throughout the country which are led by men, so that they go to Constituencies or provinces or sections of this country where we know that early marriages are prevalent and we speak against it. My fellow Hon. Members, I am pleading with the menfolk to hear and understand that as women when you men marry off these young girls, especially 12 year old girls it really pains us.
When women try to correct that situation, the men will use the male chauvinist saying that, ‘woman, when you came here you had no child therefore, the child is mine’. You will notice that when these people marry off their girl children, they are given money small monies, meaningless for small things. The same, it is a shame when that little girl is raped by an elderly person. These men will try and fight off the persecution of the offender and they would rather let the offender pay some lobola for the offence which has been committed. Not only is this problem a scourge in Zimbabwe, but in Kenya, we were told that we had people who married small girls, and made them up to 5 in number because he will take the first little girl and jump into bed with her, but this young girl has no experience in sexual relationships and the man divorces this young girl and takes the other until they came to the number of five. These are the problems faced when we talk of early marriages. As women, we are pleading with our men folk to fight these early marriages.
*HON. SEN. MATIIRIRA: Thank you Mr. President for giving
me this opportunity to make my contribution. I would like to thank Hon. Sen. Makore, Chairperson of the Gender Committee who raised this motion for us to debate. This is now a scourge or cancer. It is so difficult and very painful that a girl who is under 18 is married off to some unscrupulous man. There are a lot of reasons given for these early marriages. Some of the reasons were that these are child-headed families and as a result, they will be suffering from hunger and other economic problems. Hence, they prefer running away from these problems by getting married to elderly men.
I thought early child marriages would come to an end as a result of the new policy by Government that stipulates that no child should be married at the age of 18. I feel these should be stopped because an under 18 is not yet mature. When we marry off such a young girl, we have killed the future of this individual. When you look at your children in a properly run home, if there is a girl-child, they grow through all the processes of growth. They go through education, vocational training and mentoring and have a better future. We should bear in mind that the children are the future. The children are the future professionals.
When the Minister of Education was talking about professions and universities, he said we need to have such children in these professions. Also, we have under 18 girls being married off and thus, we are destroying the future of this child, the environment where the child lives and the future of Zimbabwe because they are the future brains which we are destroying. Therefore, we need to go to our constituencies and hold campaigns that will protect these children who are married off because this is a very big problem. The child is married off to a very poor family coming from a bad background and the future of that child is destroyed.
Mr. President, I think we should stop this behaviour. Early marriages should be stopped and terminated forthwith. The girls go into these marriages because of poverty and they get into that marriage thinking they are running away from the poverty in their homes, but this is false. I thank you.
HON. SEN. D.T. KHUMALO: I would like to thank Sen. Makore and his seconder for the motion. We have discussed a lot of things which are a disadvantage to a woman who is married before she is
18 years old. I understand there is the SADC model law which I think
Zimbabwe should also accept and adopt so that we can follow what SADC has put for all the countries to follow and emulate. Among these, we have also heard that in Zimbabwe there are early child marriages. I understand that in Bulawayo, 11% of child marriages happen there. That means in different areas, there are different percentages.
Just to give some of the problems which young girls encounter so that at the end they are married early, I will give an example of three provinces that I have worked in. In Matebeleland North, secondary schools as we all know at 13 years, you are through with your Grade Seven and are supposed to go to secondary school. The secondary schools are very far from home and children come back home very late in the evening. When they come back, my experience when I did an evaluation of one of the programmes, these girls said when they come back at night, they find people already waiting for them. They force them by twisting their hands until they agree. They reach home crying and at the end, the girls submit to sleeping with these men.
I hope now, it is an issue for everybody in this country that we are now saying 18 years and above should be the age of marriage. When we discussed with most of the women who were married around Lupane, most of them said that is how they got married because on their way back from school in the evening, their husband is one of those who used to twist their arms and they accepted because they had no alternative. It is known that a woman who is not educated is worse than a man who is not educated because an educated woman will always encourage the children to be better than her. She will always encourage her community to be a better community. So, we are saying - can we all fight for the education of the girl-child.
In the urban areas, people think child marriage is more in rural areas but even in the urban areas. I had an experience of a girl who got pregnant and was supposed to give birth. She was young and the husband did not want to send her to a hospital. He asked the women in the area to assist her but the girl could not deliver because she was young. She was not mature enough to give birth to a child and that girl passed on. When the girl dies, they will not say it is because complications in child birth but they will come up with something else.
I think all of us have a duty, whether it is in the urban or rural areas, girls are being married off when they are young. Even in urban areas we need to campaign. The schools are there and it is not that the schools are far. Some of them, it is because of their church beliefs. Even those people you talk about as mapostori, even in urban areas they are there and they are causing the same harm which is being done in the rural areas. The campaign for the understanding of the need of a girl child to mature should be everywhere in urban and rural areas.
The other disappointing aspect I observed in the urban areas was the issue of two roomed core houses. These two roomed houses comprise of a kitchen and a bedroom. If there are boys in this home, the girls would normally sleep in the same room as their mother and father. When we were doing the evaluation, these girls intimated that you were saying we are exposed to too much television, no we are taught by our parents who sometimes think we are fast asleep when we are not. We know what is happening and we also want to experience what they are experiencing. There is need for Government to upgrade these two roomed houses to bigger houses so that privacy at homes is not compromised. That is what the girls told us that it is not the television that exposes them to early sexual experiences but the situation at their homes. Once these girls experience sex at a tender age then there is a problem.
Again if a woman is not educated poverty is easily passed from one generation to the next. It is very important that we all fight for the girls to get a good education so that they grow up. As legislators, we should fight for BEAM to be funded so that those who cannot afford may be given an opportunity to access good education. Most
HIV/AIDS orphans are the major ones who are not going to school. In Matabeleland region, the brothers of the deceased will always say they do not want to look as if they are failing to provide for the orphans. They do not want to go and ask for money. They want to pretend they can afford. We need to fight this false pretence all of us so that orphans are provided with money, with social welfare or BEAM so that they do not drop out of school.
Finally, I would want to say that when the girls are married early, it is due to the reason that there is need of money in this family. She has no profit in that transaction. So why do we accept girls to be married early? Yes, there is payment of lobola but in my culture, lobola is not paid in full at once. It is paid in installments and she will work towards the payment of that lobola when she is not educated. It is not fair for the young girls who are not educated and employed. If the girl child is educated and pays for her lobola, it does not matter but the uneducated girl will fight to pay lobola for herself. There is need for us to say no to marriages of women who are not educated because they are going to suffer forever. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. JUBA: I would want to make my contribution on this motion especially on the issue discussed by Hon. Sen. Khumalo of two roomed core houses. We have an instance whereby a sister was impregnated by her brother because they were sharing the same room. The grandmother died because she was shocked by such an incident which is taboo.
I remember when we were growing up, we were taught that whenever anybody fondles you, you go and report to your parents. I know that we are in changing times. In my neighbourhood, there were young girls who used to spy on adult men at a particular house and on the fourth time, the girls would get into that home exposing themselves to the abuse by men. I think as parents we have a problem with the way we nurture our children because when we were growing up, our grandmothers would hit us if we played around with boys.
These days we now have kids on our streets who lay in a compromising position in order to attract men and in the end, get unplanned pregnancies and they dump those children on the streets. In the long run, Government has a problem in taking care of these street people. It is so painful to see something like this; we need to take care of our children. We need to be aware of who our children play with and what they do. We have noticed that even our little girls, because of loose morals which are inculcated in them by the environment may also fondle older men and beg for money. In other words, they know that they will be paid.
I am saying that as parents, we need to give guidance and tell our children especially the girl child that this person is a scorpion with a string that causes these problems. When the child has been impregnated and comes home, you ask that child who is responsible for the pregnancy and to tell the truth, she will not be able to tell because she would have been sleeping around with almost all the men. When you take them before a court, they will tell you that the girl was indulging in sex with John and Peter and therefore the court is left mesmerized. We should know that if people are housed in the same place they are definitely attracted to each other and we need to avoid this. At times these little girls we see in the streets are sleeping on the pavements and they are exposing their breasts and private parts and this is the same with the boys. What we need to do is to work hard and work on controlling our children so that they are well cultured.
As a result of the shameless situation which we find ourselves, a nine year old girl will indulge in sexual activities with adult men. When we were growing up, we were told that we should avoid men as much as you can because we were told that when you play with mature men, as soon as they see you they get an erection and when they get that erection they will not have any control of themselves, but you would have been spoiled. Think of the future of the girl child and think of the future of the country. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President of the Senate,
my debate is going to be very short. I just want to thank the Chairman of the Thematic Committee which brought this report in this august Senate. Mr. President, the issue..
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE (HON.
SEN. TAWENGWA): Hon. Sen. Mohadi, I am informed that you contributed on this motion.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I did not.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: It is on
the register.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: It was a motion which was brought by someone but on this motion, I have not debated on it.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: They
will check and I will allow you to debate it tomorrow. Thank you very much.
*HON. SEN. MURWIRA: Thank you Mr. President of the Senate for giving me the opportunity to make my contribution on this motion raised by Hon. Makore regarding early child marriages especially those below the age of 18.
Mr. President Sir, this is a painful situation especially with us mothers when our little girls are married before maturing. In the past this was a custom which was practiced by the apostolic sect. A 12 year old would be married to a 90 year old man in that religious sect, but we thank the Government for enacting legislation which says no under 18 should be married. We are saying if that child is married early because of immaturity, they quickly run to their parent’s home after staying in that immature marriage for a short time. I am pleading with the menfolk in Zimbabwe that they should no lavish themselves on the little girls. I am also pleading with the parents to take care of our girl children.
The most important thing is they have to advance in their education because if they are denied of their education they think they can run off from poverty by being married and have a good life. If you have educated them they will have a sense of selection. An uneducated and a 12 year old, if given some US$10 they think they have been given a large sum of money because they are immature. I am saying as Government, if a man marries a young girl, that person should be convicted and be given a very heavy sentence which will be a deterrent to other men who want to follow suit.
Also as mothers we need to have women in leadership positions but if these young girls are married at such an early age, nobody will take up these high posts in the future. There is need to enact a law which says a man convicted of marrying a young girl should receive a very heavy penalty, incarceration and punishment which will act as a deterrent to other menfolk.
*HON. SEN. MABUGU: Thank you Mr. President of the Senate for giving me this opportunity to make my contribution on early marriages, especially the girl child. This is a very painful exercise because we noticed that there are a lot of reasons which lead to these early marriages. I will mention but just a few, some of them are because of culture. When an aunt or sister dies, the widower if he is a rich one is given a young girl from the deceased’s family to marry so that he will not marry from another family who will enjoy that wealth which had been amassed with the help of the deceased sister or aunt. As a result the child is going to safeguard that marriage.
There is going to be violence in that marriage because the child is still immature and when a male visitor comes to such a home, the husband is so jealous and he will keep on fighting that girl abusing her because he will think the visitor will love that girl. The girl is also exposed to cervical cancer because she is exposed to sexual activities at such an early age, hence she has to be protected. The child has been denied the right to education and is going to be somebody who will live an oppressive life, no future and yet if she has had the chance to go to school, she would have a brighter future and have a better life for herself, family and the nation.
The other reason why these children marry early is because they are orphans and the care givers or guardians will also be poor. They cannot afford to look after the orphans and their own children and as a result they prefer denying the orphans right to education. If that young girl stays at home she feels she can run away from poverty by going to early marriages and by so doing she is destroying her future. We plead with the Government, if there are such orphans who are exposed to such vagaries of poverty, the Government should step in and give them assistance, especially in accessing education.
The third reason for early marriages is that these children experiment themselves from the lessons which they learn in biology. They want to experiment and research, and in the end they practice what they have been studying. This will result in unwanted pregnancy and therefore the girl child has to drop out of school but the boy child will continue with his education. When that young girl gives birth, she has to look after that infant. By the time the child grows up so that the mother can go to school, the parents will have no interest in taking that child back to school or on the other hand, because that child has tasted, she has lived that mature life, she will feel she cannot go back to school because it will be a shame. She will be mocked by other students at school because this would have happened when they are trying to put into practice what they learnt in Biology. At times it may happen that the young man may not be able to continue with his education because of poverty even if when they are together, they cannot continue with education.
I also would like to encourage Government that we hold awareness campaigns, especially amongst the youth in all the areas where we can find them. They receive education for life and we also give education to their parents that they should avoid these early marriages. We need to have counsellors, we need to have motivators, we need to have these educators against these early marriages. I am saying, as members of this august House, the Senate, we need to hold these campaigns when we are holding our meetings because we are influential. We have people who voted us into power, therefore we can disseminate that information and say no to early marriages.
I am pleading with the men that despite the fact that you have a lot of monies, you abuse that money in enticing these little girls so that you abuse them sexually and when you impregnate them, you have destroyed their life and at times you bring them into a polygamous marriage. They become the third wife or at times they are what is colloquially called a small house whereby, that little girl is rented some flatlet where she stays being abused by the elderly man and yet the life has been destroyed.
I thank Hon. Makore for bringing up this motion which is to fight early marriages. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MASUKU: Mr. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MARAVA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 18th August, 2016.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MASUKU, seconded by HON. SEN. MARAVA, the Senate adjourned at Twenty Five minutes past
Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 18th August, 2016
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE
SENATE
CHANGES TO THEMATIC COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: I have to inform
the Senate of changes to Committee membership. Hon. Sen.
Mutsvangwa will serve on the following two Thematic Committees: the One on Peace and Security and the other on Gender and Development.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: I wish to start by
thanking all the Ministers who have seen it duty bound to come to our Senate Chamber. Thank you for coming.
HON. SEN. SHIRI: Thank you Madam President, for the opportunity. My question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Services, Hon. Eng. Matangaidze. Hon. Minister, may you inform this House on the progress the Ministry has made to date on the Disability Policy? I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SERVICES (HON. ENG. MATANGAIDZE): Thank
you Madam President. I would like to thank the Hon. Senator for that very pertinent question. Right now, we are currently engaging the
Disability Associations with the intention of coming up and bringing to Cabinet the principles on the Disabilities Act. We realise that there are a lot of issues in the old Act which are not in sync with the constitutional provisions which we agreed on when we amended the Constitution. So, work is in progress I can even tell you that as late as four weeks ago, the Ministry’ staff were in Bulawayo engaging people living with disabilities. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Thank you Madam President. My
question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce. Minister, the experts are saying the imported used vehicles are causing pollution in Africa because of poor restrictions by the department like yours. I read recently that you had gone to Japan with a delegation to negotiate that used cars do come to Zimbabwe. I would like to know if in a delegation, do you take with you experts who will look into issues that will affect people by the importations?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND
COMMERCE (HON. MABUWA): Thank you Madam President. The
question is very short and question is asking whether we take with us experts, which I would say yes we do. Thank you.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Maybe my question was too short. I wanted to know whether the aspect of pollution, when you go and negotiate for a deal when you know that the used cars are causing pollution in our countries, do you incorporate people that are experts so that you know the problems that are going to be brought by the deal that you are organising?
HON. MABUWA: I will just take the opportunity to clarify a number of things although she did not question them. Firstly, let me say that I am the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, not of Trade. That alone sets a different tone altogether. Industry and commerce means more than just trade. When I led a delegation to Japan, we were going for industry and commerce and not trade. The invitation for this delegation came from the Government of Japan, not only to Zimbabwe but to SADC countries. It has an annual event where Zimbabwe has previously participated and was visibly noticed because we had just followed the footsteps of His Excellency the President who had gone to Japan on a State visit.
The second issue is, all Member States of SADC had been requested to be accompanied by business persons. So, I had not gone to
Japan to look for deals to do with second hand vehicles. It was the whole gamut of both industry and commerce. The delegation comprised of 19 business people from small and medium enterprises as well as big manufacturing concerns. They had gone there to attract what we call Business to Business (B-B) discussions as the governments were exchanging their own in order for SADC to gain entrance into Japan in terms of both investment and the entire gamut of commerce.
Lastly, among the 19, the Business to Business delegation attracted the Japanese to deal in investment promotion, including dealing in commerce and it included those who attracted the Japanese in dealing with vehicles. If you go into detail about this Japanese – Zimbabwe deal on vehicles, it is not as you have put it Hon. Senator, to say that it is dealing in second hand vehicles. Yes, second hand vehicles are part of that deal but if you go deeper into that deal, it involves new vehicles and reconditioned vehicles where our own Zimbabwean technicians will go to Japan to learn how to assemble and recondition these vehicles here in
Zimbabwe, creating jobs.
Going exactly to the units that will come already assembled from Japan, we have a Motor Vehicle Policy within the Ministry. We do not even need to take the experts there to Japan but we need to conscientise the business people with whom we will be taking as they engage. So, everything is above board and they are in compliance with the Motor Vehicle Policy. If perhaps you want me to go into the Motor Vehicle Policy and what it says on emissions and pollutions, then that will take me a lot of time but be rest assured that everything is above board. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MANYERUKE: My question goes to the Minister of Lands and Rural Resettlement. What is Government policy on levies considering that when it started, levies on land resettlement were collected by councils but now you have taken over that revenue from the councils? How will they survive?
*THE MINISTER OF LANDS AND RURAL
RESETTLEMENT (HON. DR. MOMBESHORA): Thank Hon. Sen.
Manyeruke for that question because this is a situation which is vexing a lot of people. When land levy was first introduced, the development levy was paid to local authorities. It was also discovered that the council would levy according to the size of the land and yet these lands were controlled by the Minister of Lands. What we have only changed is that the developmental levy is now taken by the Ministry which used to be taken by the Rural Development Councils. We had two persons who were confusing people as to who is supposed to be levying these taxes.
As a result, it was concluded that since the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement is responsible for distributing and evicting the defaulters, they should be in a position to collect the levies. The levy for A1 is $15 per family which has a field and is divided this way: $10 rentals and $5 development levy. In the A2 we have $5 per year: $3 rental and $2 development levy. As a result, the levies now being collected are going to the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement. When we have collected the funds, we give part of that money to the local authorities so that they can develop their areas.
We know of some local authorities who have said they are not receiving anything from the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement but we were simply following directives from Treasury that these local authorities should open bank accounts where these finances will be deposited. We had actually collected an amount nearing $1 million but we could not forward it to the local authorities because they did not have bank accounts. Now that they have these accounts, we are definitely channeling these funds to them. This was confusing the tenants because at one time we were approached by two if not three people, demanding tax levies from them but now it has been centralised. Thank you.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: On the same issue of levies particularly regarding the A2s, you find that we have an umbrella amount of $5 per hectare. Minister, according to ecological regions, we have people who are in A2s who have 200 ha of land whereas some have got conservancies which are more than 200 000 ha and A2s in region 5 for livestock whereby livestock is calculated at a rate of 1: 28. How do deal with such a situation? I thank you.
HON. DR. MOMBESHORA: Thank you Madam President. Let
me thank Hon. Sen. Mohadi for asking that question because I have been asked this question almost everywhere.
We have these agro ecological regions which were mapped out at the time of colonization, but agriculture has evolved over these years and we actually find that you can be making much more money in those dry regions. I want to refer the Hon. Senator to the area where she comes from which is Beitbridge. We have got farmers who are engaged in wildlife and farmers who are engaged in citrus production, utilising water from Umzingwane River and Limpopo River – intensive agriculture and making millions of dollars.
After extensive discussions, we actually realised that the ratios that we are using today which you referred to of 1 beast to 28 hectares, we are wasting a lot of land. We should actually be reversing it and say 28 beasts per one hectare and it is very possible. There are now technologies where a unit which is about 8 metres by 3½ metres can produce green feed throughout the year on a daily basis to feed 150 beasts. I have gone to South Africa where I have seen these being produced. We want to encourage our farmers to adopt modern methods of farming and we are actually revisiting these maximum farm sizes which we had initially said in some of these semi arid regions they are as much as 2000 hectares as the minimum farm size. We think we can down size these and give others land. That is where we are coming from and we are convinced that with good agricultural principles, you can utilise smaller land to produce quite a lot even in those areas which you are referring to.
When it comes to wildlife – wildlife exists in those areas and most of those farmers have not done much to change that environment. When you look at the cost which they get from those who do hunting – to hunt an elephant you can get a minimum of $72 000. When you look at the number of people who come and what they are charged per day, a minimum is $21 a day. A person would be charged $23 000. When you look at these earnings, it means those people have got the potential of making much more money than those who are doing crop production.
So, no one is disadvantaged. This is what we came up with and that is why we decided to put a blanket cover of $3 per hectare for A2, whether you have got 1000 hectares or not. For those who cannot afford to pay for their huge tracts of land, we are urging you to come to us to surrender the other pieces where you think you cannot manage so that we can give others land for production so that we can increase production.
*HON. SEN. MANYERUKE: My supplementary question is that, since you are going to deposit the money into councils’ accounts countrywide, what about the chiefs who are the owners of the land?
What are you going to do to them?
*HON. DR. MOMBESHORA: What I can say is that, from all the discussions that we have held and what we have talked about, there was no amount allocated to the chiefs. Developmental projects are normally spearheaded by councils and that is why it was directed that these amounts be channeled to councils. At the moment, we are not very sure where chiefs come in when it comes to development of their areas.
If chiefs want to be allocated a certain portion of this amount, we urge them to use the channels which are there to air their grievances. For now the law says that it is the councils that look at developmental issues in rural areas.
*HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: My question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development. What policies have you come up with to curb looting in parastatals? Recently there were reports indicating that millions of dollars were being siphoned from ZESA. I want to find out, what policies have you put in place so that you curb looting of resources?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. SEN. MUZENDA): I would want to thank
the Hon. Senator for the question that she posed. As a Government we have put in place the Anti-Corruption Commission which has been mandated to look into corrupt activities. If a person engages in corrupt activities, there are law courts which handle these matters. You are quite aware that many things that come out of the media are just hearsay but as Government if there is evidence that corruption has taken place there are channels to follow and the law has to deal with that.
*HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: You have said that some of the media reports are not true, but do you have committees that go out in full force to verify these reports?
*HON. SEN. MUZENDA: I think I have answered that question. Truly, if there is proof, yes, people are convicted but as a Ministry we are not the police and we cannot convict people based on rumours. If you are talking about our subsidiaries, they tell us that what is coming out of the media is not true. I thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIPANGA: Thank you Madam President of the
Senate. My question is directed to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon. Dr. Dokora. Minister in recent times, we have heard parents complaining about being forced to buy uniforms with badges; an example is Christe Mambo High School where badges on the blazer, jersey and the other on the shirt for boys. Is it your Ministry’s policy or is this something from local schools? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
EDUCATION (HON. DR. DOKORA): Thank you Madam President
of the Senate and I would like to thank the Hon. Senator for raising that question. I think the question of badges on school blazers is a matter for the schools. Each school wants to pride itself and they sometimes even put a little motto below the badge as a sign of pride in what they do.
Some will even say excellence in all actions or truth, honesty and so on. In terms of policy this is permissible; it is within the ambit of what schools are permitted to do. I thank you.
SEN. HON. CHIPANGA: Hon. Minister, would this then mean
that if a parent due to lack of money or capacity to buy all these items, decides not to buy these badges, will that be an offence leading to the child being punished and if that happens what will be the Ministry’s reaction? I thank you.
HON. DR. DOKORA: I understood the first question. I am trying to internalise the supplementary which appears to have informed the first question. In our country today, we have institutions under the responsible authority of councils which are really another tier of
Government, so we could call them semi-Government - but they are
Government really. We have those that we control directly, the Government schools and then we have Missions Schools under the responsible authority of mission churches; and then we have another category of schools in our country, that of private or trust schools. Some of those trust or private schools are controlled by private companies, it could be mining companies and so on. I am aware that in terms of institutional spread across our population, there are still huge gaps for provisioning of schools institutions which we have spoken to before and the kind of steps we are taking to achieve the balance.
So in a range of 4 or 5 different responsible authority types of schools, parents then elect to say I will send my child to a trust school. If that is a little expensive, they elect to send their child to a Government or a local authority school or a mission school if they have particular preferences in terms of the ethics of bringing up children. They can also send to a school manned by the Roman Catholics or some such church.
In answer to that question in fairness, the range is certainly available for parents to look at their pocket, consider the issues around the upbringing of their child and to try and create a fit for purpose choice. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. B. SIBANDA: My question is directed to the Minister of Industry and Commerce. Minister, I want to know the progress made on the talks between Zimbabwe and South Africa about the import controls. If there are any talks or any progress, may you please report to this Senate on the progress that has been made so far? I thank you.
+THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND
COMMERCE (HON. MABUWA): Thank you Madam President of
the Senate for the question asked by the Senator in regards to the trade relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe. On Zimbabwe and South Africa, you realize that they have relations that are called Bilateral Agreements that were signed in 1964. Yes, we have had problems with the relations that we have when we agreed on the SADC protocol. The SADC Protocol came with advantages and disadvantages that were in contrast to Bi-lateral Agreement.
Although they were not putting aside all the agreements that were made, Zimbabwe and South Africa for example - as Zimbabwe, we consider South Africa as the biggest trading country. We used to sell them our clothing materials that originate from our factories in Zimbabwe. The SADC Trade Protocol has the rule of origin, for example the shirt that the Senator is putting, the Trade Protocol would want to know where you get the buttons and the thread that was used. If the buttons and other materials that were used to come up with that shirt originated from Zimbabwe then the product will be considered as a Zimbabwean product.
We then said if you want to put aside the Bi-lateral Agreement, we would rather put aside everything that has to do with it, rather than picking other important issues or other issues that are highlighted from the Bi-lateral Agreement. As Zimbabwe, we then agreed that we would rather go back to the Bi-lateral Agreement rather than picking some of the issues that are highlighted and leave the other issues. There are certain codes that are used and import costs that are used. There is a list that we were given by South Africa to check on certain issues that were now being too expensive when they are imported from South Africa. We met with South Africa at technical level and at ministerial level every month. This is also a sign that is indicating that we still have good relations. We are also considering the Statutory Instrument No. 64. South Africa has indicated that we need to review on the Statutory Instrument and they were requesting that we review some of the issues that are highlighted from that Statutory Instrument.
They also highlighted that it is difficult for a country to say we originate all the things and we are not going to import. We also asked them to look at our Statutory Instrument and not take some of the things that were highlighted from the Statutory Instrument. We also agreed that after reviewing it as a nation, they should also highlight what they feel they are not comfortable with. The Minister actually travelled to
South Africa and they agreed that the Minister from Zimbabwe will look at the list that was sent by South Africa and also South Africa will look at our Statutory Instrument so that at the end, we can still say South
Africa is our main trading partner. They are also benefiting from us.
I will give an example that when you are going to a grinding mill using a donkey, as long as the donkey is not carrying that sack properly, you realise it will not get to the grinding mill. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. BHEBHE: Thank you Madam President. My
question is directed to the Minister of Transport. Hon. Minister, looking at our road from Bulawayo to Nkayi, only 40km to 45km was rehabilitated and we are approaching the rainy season. I do not know if the Ministry has any preparations towards the rehabilitation of that road.
I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):
Thank you Madam President and through you, I want to thank Senator Bhebhe for that question. Yes, it is true that the road between Bulawayo and Nkayi is in a very bad state. I have travelled along it and we have identified those bad spots on the road. We have started some work on it and still continue to work on it. It is not only that road in the area but there are also other roads.
Our constraints, Madam President, you know the coming in into our coffers of the monies from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, they have not given us any money to attend to our roads so, we are relying mainly on the disbursements from ZINARA. Also the disbursements from ZINARA are overstretched because we are looking at disbursements that are made to Rural District Councils who should actually be responsible for rehabilitating the roads, but because we realise that many roads in that district of Nkayi and many others are in a very bad state, we have decided to give them money to ensure that they attend to certain roads and as a Ministry, we also ask ZINARA to give us some funds which we direct at some of the roads in order to assist in attending to many roads in the area. So, we were actually doing something about it.
I want to promise the Senator that we have not abandoned the project. We will be coming to it. The 40km, yes, but still the Rural District Council right now should also be receiving some funds. If they have acquitted what we have already disbursed to them, we can complement each other through the Ministry, the local authority and also DDF. The bottom answer to your question is that we are aware and we will be attending to the road as we have already started working on it. I thank you.
HON. S. NCUBE: Thank you Madam President. I do not know whether I will pose my question to the right Ministry, the Deputy
Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Services, Minister Matangaidze. Minister, when is Ekusileni Medical Centre going to be opened? I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL SERVICES (HON. ENG. MATANGAIDZE): Thank
you Senator Ncube for that question. Just a brief background so that we are on the same ball path; Ekusileni Medical Centre belongs to NSSA and NSSA falls under my Ministry’s purview. What had happened prior to it being dysfunctional was that we had contracted Phodiso through the Joshua Nqabuko Nkomo Trust to run the hospital. That failed to kick off and so what the Ministry has now done, is repossession of Ekusileni Medical Centre through NSSA.
We have engaged the Ministry of Health and Child Care to look for partners to run that facility. So that process – yes, was protracted initially to get Phodiso to release the keys to NSSA and for NSSA to now engage the Ministry of Health and Child Care to find somebody to operate the hospital. So that is the stage where we are at right now and there should be people with interest in running that facility. We appreciate that it would really serve not just the Bulawayo Community, but the country as well if we get it running. So, that is a priority area. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHIMANIKIRE: My question is directed to the Minister of Lands and Rural Resettlement. We want to know if there were any laws that were put in place or if there were any deadlines that if people who benefited from the land redistribution spend 10 years and do not occupy the land, then it will be repossessed because some have taken the land, but the places are still vacant up to now. Some have relocated and you find that on that land, there are only workers like caretakers that are just looking after the place and are not engaging in viable farming because the owners of the land are not there. So, if we look at those places, you find that in some areas there is no farming activities taking place. My worry is whether there are people who are supervising, people are engaging in farming or whether the people are still interested? Thank you Minister.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Before the
Minister responds maybe we need to remind each other again that we will get more out of the Ministers if we pose questions. I understand why sometimes we need to explain before we pose a question, but then that eats into our question time. So, may I please appeal to Hon.
Senators, as much as possible, to pose the question to the Minister. As you know, you can always bring up a supplementary question if you are not satisfied with the response.
*THE MINISTER OF LANDS AND RURAL
RESETTLEMENT (HON. DR. MOMBESHORA) Thank you
Madam President. I would like to thank Hon. Sen. Chimanikire for her question because we have come across it. We have realised that there are so many farms which are not being used. When land redistribution was done, there was no deadline set that if a person does not engage in farming at the stipulated time – because when we were given the land, we thought everyone had a passion. I think, if I heard your question well, you are asking how we are seeing it as the Ministry, that some farms are not being used and others are being utilised on a small portion.
If you have heard us talking about the land audit, the land audit is there to help us as Government to have an account of how people have been resettled, how many have taken up the offer and how the land is being used. We have figures which we are given by those who go out and supervise. On A1, 98 to 100 percent are using their land productively and in A2, 45 to 50 percent are not being utilised. However, what we are saying is that after the land audit, a lot of questions are going to be asked so that we have an overview of our land redistribution. This will help the Government to plan.
Some of the things that are going to be looked into include how the land is being used, which is the percentage utilisation of the land. The other thing that they are looking at is ‘take up’ because there are people who were given land and just gave up the land yet our records indicate that they are the occupants. So, we want the land audit to help us on
that.
However, there are a lot of problems that hinder people from farming productively. So, we also want to find out the challenges that people are facing - is it money? We know that when we took our land, that is when we were put under sanctions. So, the Government was in a crisis when they wanted to help farmers. Some of these farmers are not doing well, not by choice. We know that the interest charges in our banks today are ranging from 20 to 35 percent and this has made it very difficult for farmers to continue and we cannot go and repossess that land from a person who had tried. We also want to investigate that and find out the challenges.
Before the audit, as a Ministry, we have taken up plans to visit each and every farm which we have redistributed to farmers. Firstly, we are looking at people whom we allocated land to investigate whether they are there. We will not look what they are doing but find out whether they are there. Secondly, we want to ascertain whether the infrastructure that was there like the boreholes are still intact so that we do not compensate things which are not there. The people who removed property should compensate. So, we have started with Mashonaland Central and teams have completed and we are looking at their report which they have submitted so that we plan ahead.
Today, we started training teams which will be going out; 10 teams are going to Mashonaland West whilst 10 teams are going to
Mashonaland East. When they are through, they will bring their reports and we look at them. What we know is that there are people who did not take up the land and we will repossess that land and redistribute it. There are also people who took large acres of land beyond the maximum and we want to go and cut the land so that it is redistributed to other people. So, we have it in mind to make things well, but what hinders our progress is lack of resources to go there. If we had resources, we would have gone there. We are doing it slowly but we will get there.
We will give you a full report. Thank you so much.
*HON. SEN. MARAVA: Thank you Madam President. I wanted
to ask this supplementary because it is very important. Hon. Minister, what are you doing with multiple farm owners? We know that those who have big farms, you are going to cut them, but those who are multiple farm owners, what are you doing? Is there anything tangible that you have done so far?
*HON. DR. MOMBESHORA: Thank you Madam President. I
also want to thank the Hon. Senator for your question. The multiple farm owners, if we are seated, we do not know where they are, but if there are people who have that information, they should give it to us and we will visit them and look in our books and computers. However, I know that those who have multiple farms, when they heard about this audit and that the Government was not happy, most of them went and changed ownership to their children and grand children. This means that you can look at me as Hon. Mombeshora doing my farming activities on
Hon. Chimutengwende’s farm.
However, if you visit the records, you will find that Hon.
Chimutengwende will be the owner of the farm but we will be related. To then go and confront people on such issues is very difficult because the law allows us to look for people who can help us or engage a manager. However, if you have information, provide it to us. What we normally do is that if you supply us with names, some people who have a farm in Mashonaland East, may go and acquire another farm in Matebeleland. So, in the database of Mashonaland East, that person will be recorded as having one farm, but if we are given the identification certificate of that person and we feed it into our computer, it will bring out all the details. Some people lie and what we do these days is that if we come across the identification of that person, we visit the Registrar’s Office and ask for the name of that person. We have realised that the names that are coming out of our records and the names at the
Registrar’s Office are different. So, a person may be occupying the farm but would have used another name to acquire it. However, we are saying that if we find out that you own two farms, we will take one and leave you with another, but it is very difficult to ascertain that and we need your help by supplying us with the information so that we do our job. Thank you.
+HON. CHIEF GAMPU: Thank you Madam President. My
question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. We have seen that there are taxi wars which are very vicious in South Africa and we would not want to witness this in Zimbabwe. However, in Bulawayo, we have Tshova Mubaiwa, Transit and BUPTA, these are associations of commuter taxis but the point is that Tshova Mubaiwa was introduced by the late Vice President Joshua
Nkomo to operate from Coudry Park but the council workers are now at war with them in Coudry Park and Luveve, denying them permits to operate, yet this is the place where they were established following the intervention of the Vice President Nkomo.
The residents of Luveve and Cowdry Park are in love with Tshova Mubaiwa and they like the service but we suspect that there was some form of corruption in Bulawayo. So, how is Government going to intervene and create peace in the commuter taxes in Bulawayo? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):
Thank you Madam President. I want to thank Senator Chief Gampu for that very important question but also very difficult for me to answer but I will try. The Ministry of Transport is responsible only for issuing permits for using the routes that any applicant would have applied for. As regarding transport within the cities like Bulawayo, the responsibility of the administration of transport within that metropolitan area falls under the Ministry of Local Government, therefore your question should be directed to the Minister of Local Government Public Works and National Housing, who administer Municipalities and they are responsible for transport arrangement within the cities.
My role and that of the Ministry is only to issue permits. What happens in the city centres like Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Chinhoyi, Mutare, and Masvingo as far as congestion of Tshova Mubaiwa, Umushika shika and any other mode of transport is the responsibility of the Ministry of Local Government Public Works and National Housing.
I normally do not want to fail to answer induna but if it can be put in writing then the Ministry of Local Government can come and answer. I thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE in terms of Standing Order Number
HON. SEN. NCUBE: On a point of order. I move that time for
Questions Without Notice be extended by Fifteen more minutes.
HON. SENATOR TAWENGWA: I second.
*HON. SEN. MAKORE: Thank you Madam President. My
question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development. These days we are receiving enough electricity, there is no load shedding. So, may you please explain to the august House whether the service we are experiencing is due to the introduction of pre-paid metres or we are generating more electricity through the installation of new machines? I thank you.
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ENERGY AND POWER
DEVELOPMENT (HON. T. MUZENDA): Thank you Madam
President. I thank Hon. Senator Makore for this pertinent question showing gratitude towards the non-existence of load shedding. On the use of prepaid metres – we are very grateful to the introduction of these pre-paid metres because people use the amount which they would have bought for and hence there is no wastage. Not only that, we are importing electricity from ESCOM in South Africa especially in offpeak hours. We are also importing electricity from Cahora Basa in Mozambique and this has helped a lot in alleviating the problem of electricity shortages.
The Hon. Senator talked about the Batoka Gorge, this is a long term plan which is in the pipeline and we hope that when these have been constructed and commissioned we will have enough electricity for domestic use and even export to other countries. We may say we have sufficient electricity but this is due to the fact that our industry is operating at a very low level hence there is little requirement of electricity.
*HON. SENATOR MURWIRA: My question is directed to the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
What is Government policy regarding the illegal settlers in these areas. The rainy season is just around the corner so what are you going to do regarding those people and I am looking at places like Chikomba which had been invaded by these illegal settlers?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT,
PUBLIC WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING (HON.
CHINGOSHO): Thank you Madam President. Thank you very much for this question because this is a national problem because we have had people who are illegally resettling themselves. Unfortunately, in some of these areas, they are settling in what is supposed to be the pastures for the locals. I am sure if you had a look at today’s Herald it is giving a warning to these illegal settlers that the long arm of the law will soon be fighting them off that place.
We have also been advised by the Government that will set up a board which is going to investigate case by case, the problem of these illegal settlers, and they will be taken up to district level. Tomorrow which is Friday the 19th, I will be holding a press conference in which I will be giving warning that dire consequences will be faced by those illegal settlers who are even crowding out the legal settlers who were given land by the Ministry and even settling in the pastures.
We have said we are going to hold an awareness campaign using both electronic and print media for the next two weeks. We are giving these people a warning that they should move out of those places, because if they do not; we are going to evict them, and we are going to use our security personnel in moving them. We want this to be a warning to those who may want to indulge in this in future, because these people are destroying the environment and causing the siltation of our rivers and dams because of these illegal human settlements. Thank you for that question, and I have had a chance of explaining what we are doing as a Ministry.
*HON. SEN. KOMICHI: Thank you Madam President. I am directing my question to the Hon. Vice President. We have noticed that when people are engaged in a demonstration we have the police exercising excessive force in controlling these demonstrators. My question is what is Government policy in dealing with such issues?
*THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF LUSCTICE,
LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): Thank you Madam President for giving me an
opportunity to respond to this question. The role of the police is that they should not assault innocent people that are going about their daily chores without disturbing the peace. We should realise that a country has a police force which is used to maintain peace and order, and a country should also have a military force so that when the policemen feel that they have been overpowered by the people who could be working to disturb the peace - let me hasten to say the policemen of Zimbabwe are strictly forbidden to assault innocent people who are just sitting by going about minding their own business. I am appealing this Hon. Member to give me evidence that there were some innocent people who were assaulted whilst going on about their daily chores. – [HON.
SENATORS: Hear, hear.]-
HON. SEN. CHIMHINI: Thank you Madam President. My
question is directed the Hon. Vice President. What is Government policy regarding the conduct of Ministers towards the Presidency, and I am asking this question in connection with the undressing of a Vice President, by a Minister. What is Government policy on that?
THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF LUSCTICE,
LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): Thank you Madam President. I thank the Hon. Senator for the question. Respect should not begin when you became a
Minister it must begin from home where you are brought up – [HON.
SENATORS: Yes, hear, hear.]- We should not sit down as a Government and say this must be respected and this must not be respected – [HON. SENATORS: Yes.]- Every Zimbabwean citizen from birth must be taught respect. I thank you. – [HON. SENATORS: Hear.
Hear.]-
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
POLICY REGARDING STREET CHILDREN WHO BEG FOR
MONEY ON ROADSIDES
- HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI asked the Minister of Public
Service, Labour and Social Services the Ministry’s Policy regarding children in the streets who beg on road sides with their parents.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR
AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. ENG. MATANGAIDZE): The
Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare considers a child who is living or working on the streets to be in an unsafe environment. The same applies to a child who is begging on the streets is deemed a child in need of care by the Children’s Act (5.06) of Zimbabwe. According to Section 2 (i) the child “who begs or, being a child, engages in street trading contrary to this Act or any other enactment” or 2 (j) “ who is being maintained in circumstances which are detrimental to his or her welfare or interests.”
Government has set up Multi-Sectoral Taskforces for Children on the Streets at Local Authority level. The Task Forces are mandated to monitor the situation of the children on the streets.
The Harare Task force on Children Living and Working on the
Streets has observed a new trend in street begging in that of late, young mothers have been using children to beg at traffic lights and in the middle of busy streets. Some mothers also expose their children to the dangers of the streets as they sell wares on pavements or even run into the streets as they play. Another group is blind persons who use their children as guides as they beg on the street. Such actions by the parents are in contravention of the Children’s Act.
While the push factor into the street for the different groups is to raise money, children are in danger while escorting their parents to the streets. The law is clear that these children should play in the safety of their homes or should be in school.
With respect to children on the streets, the first option is their removal from the streets into places of safety. Between January 2015 and May 2016, The Harare Taskforce worked together to arrest 20 mothers for endangering over 40 children on the streets of Harare. The children were removed to places of safety. While the arrested mothers were given community service in 2015, of the six mothers arrested in
2016, three were found guilty of contravening the Children’s Act and were warned and discharged. The other three denied the charge and are still awaiting their court process.
Once children are safe within family environments, follow up support to link them with relevant support services in order to retain them in the families are provided. Some of the support includes:
- Free education through the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM).
- Free health through the Assisted Medical Treatment Order (AMTO).
- Specialist child protection services such as counseling and psycho-social support, and iv) Parenting skills to allow for children to be managed within the family and community.
The Government has also set up the Street Children Fund financed by both Government and Civil Society to fund organisations that offer care and rehabilitation services to children on the street. The funding facilitates the removal and rehabilitation of children from the streets and reunification with their families or foster care and institutionalisation. Some Civil Society Organisations offer free education to the children, so they do not fall behind with their education. Older children are offered vocational training in welding, carpentry, clothing design so that they are able to earn a decent living for themselves as they get older.
The children on the streets with their parents face various dangers and unmet rights and the Ministry is committed to help parents meet these children’s basic rights through social protection and child protection programmes. I thank you.
MINISTRY’S POLICY ON HOW CHURCHES SHOULD OPERATE
- HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI asked the Minister of Public
Service,
Labour and Social Services to inform the House whether churches understand the Ministry’s policy on how they should operate.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR
AND SOCIAL SERVICES (HON. ENG. MATANGAIDZE): The
Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Services has no act or policy that regulates how churches should operate. In fact, there are arms under the church that can establish Private Voluntary Organisations and can again expand to running children’s homes and old people’s homes that have separate registration processes.
The Ministry implements the Private Voluntary Organisations Act
(Chapter 17:05). Section 2 (1) of the Act defines a Private Voluntary Organisation as anybody or associations of persons, corporate or incorporates or any institution, the objects of which include or are one or more of the following:
- The provision of all or any of the material, mental, physical or social needs of persons or families;
- The rendering of charity to persons or families in distress;
- The prevention of social distress or destitution of persons or families;
- The provision of assistance in, or promotion of activities aimed at uplifting the standard of living of persons or families;
- The provision of funds for legal aid;
- The prevention of cruelty to or the promotion of the welfare of animals;
- Such other objects as may be prescribed;
- The collection of contributions for any of the foregoing; But do not include:
- Any institution or service maintained and controlled by the State or local authority; or Any religious body in respect of activities confined to religious
work; or
iii. Any trust established directly by any enactment or registered with the High Court; or iv. Any educational trust approved by the Minister; or
- Anybody or association of persons, corporate or incorporate, the benefits from which are exclusively for its own members; or vi. Any health institution registered under the Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19), in respect of activities for which it is required to be registered under that Act, or vii. Anybody or association in respect of activities carried on for the benefit of a hospital or nursing home which is approved by the Minister; or viii. Any political organisation in respect of work confined to political activities; or ix. The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society established by the Zimbabwe
Red Cross Society Act (Chapter 17:08) or
- Such other bodies, associations or institutions as may be prescribed.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: I want to know from the Minister whether as Ministry since they do not regulate the conduct of the churches, do they not realise that the churches that do not have buildings churches, that go under the trees, you find that the whole bush has different churches which are splinter groups from the other main ones.
The issue of pollution, because they do not have toilets is affecting other people who have nothing to do with those churches. Do you not feel that you need to regulate where they should conduct their services in order to take care of our environment?
HON. ENG. MATANGAIDZE: The two issues which come up
from the Hon. Senator’s question; a call for the Ministry to regulate freedom of association. That will be difficult from the perspective that the Constitution allows for freedom of association. The second issue you bring up Hon. Senator is on environmental pollution. I think the Ministry of Environment is well positioned to cover that through EMA and the relevant instruments which are there. I think we should go through the relevant Ministry. I thank you.
MEASURES IN PLACE TO INCREASE AWARENESS TO THE
PUBLIC ON THE IMPORTANCE OF OBSERVING ROAD SIGNS
- HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to inform the House on the measures in place to increase awareness to the public on the importance of observing road signs in the country.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):
Madam President, through the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, awareness campaigns are carried out in conjunction with the ZRP Press and Public Relations section. The targeted road users include cyclists and pedestrians with special emphasis on set aside days on the Traffic
Safety Council of Zimbabwe calendar such as Pedestrian Safety Day, Cyclist Safety Day and Public Service Vehicle day.
Madam President, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe has joint programmes with the ZRP Traffic Training School as they educate the law enforcers on traffic laws including signs and signals. Defensive driving courses are also run on a regular basis. This is a driver improvement programme which covers a lot on road signs and signals. A SADC Signage Committee chaired by the Traffic Safety Council of
Zimbabwe is running an educational programme whereby Statutory Instrument 41 of 2016 is being interpreted.
DISABLED PERSONS CROSSING ROADS
- HON. CHIMBUDZI asked the Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to explain how a disabled person can be identified by a driver when crossing the road?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):
Madam President, persons who are visually impaired use the road holding a white cane. Drivers will give precedence to such people as required by international law. The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe has exhibited at Disability Expos where they share safety measures with the disabled. Disabled persons, who may not be as fast as required when using the road, are taught to enhance visibility by wearing reflective materials together with any assistants that may accompany them.
Persons who are visually impaired use the road holding a white cane. Drivers will give precedence to such people as required by international law. The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe has exhibited at Disability Expos where they share safety measures with the disabled. Disabled persons who may not be as fast as required when crossing or using the road are taught to enhance visibility by wearing reflective materials together with any assistance that may accompany them. I thank you.
POSITION REGARDING TEACHERS WHO LEFT FOR THE
DIASPORA BUT HAVE SINCE RETURNED
- HON. SEN. MOHADI asked the Minister of Primary and
Secondary Education, the Ministry’s position on teachers that once left the service for diaspora and have now returned.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. DR. DOKORA): Employment of teachers is
governed by Statutory Instrument 1 of 2000 (Public Service). Generally, persons that leave the service after giving adequate notice are accepted back on return provided they left with a clean record. Priority is given to those with Maths and Sciences and appointment will be subject to the availability of suitable vacancies.
The Public Service Commission issued a circular which bars those who would have resigned more than once from returning to the service and bars those who would have embezzled public funds or would have been involved in improper association with learners.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE SENATE
THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 10 be stood over until Order of the Day, Number 11 has been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
RATIFICATION OF THE PROTOCOL ON THE SADC TRIBUNAL
THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE,
LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): I move the motion standing in my name:
THAT WHEREAS Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any international treaty which has been concluded or executed by, or under the authority of the President shall be subject to approval by Parliament;
AND WHEREAS the Protocol on the SADC Tribunal was adopted by the 34th Ordinary Session of the SADC Summit held in Victoria
Falls, Zimbabwe on 18 August 2014;
AND WHEREAS the entry into force of the said Protocol shall be conditional upon its ratification by the Member States in accordance with their constitutional procedures;
NOW THEREFORE in terms of Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Protocol be and is hereby approved for ratification.
May I Madam President give background to this protocol. This SADC protocol is a result of the SADC Summit of Heads of State having declared the original tribunal of SADC null and void on the basis that the original protocol had allowed jurisdiction of citizens of member states to bring cases before the tribunal even in the cases where domestic remedies had not been exhausted or even where the highest court of a member state had ruled against a matter in its own jurisdiction. This was declared null and void as it impinged on the sovereignty of member states and on the supremacy of local or member states Supreme Courts.
The current protocol that has now been instituted and passed by the SADC Summit only allows breaches or disputes which arise between member states. Those are the disputes which have to be brought before the SADC Tribunal not where citizens breach their own contracts or transactions that such activities cannot come under the jurisdiction of a regional organisation like SADC except where member states themselves have a situation of dispute arising from commercial transactions, political relations or any other disputes which may arise between states then the SADC Tribunal will now have jurisdiction on such matters.
In terms of the protocol, it can only come into effect after at least two-thirds of the member states of SADC will have ratified the protocol or treaty. I am sure that every Senator is aware that we have about 15 member states of SADC who have approved this protocol but each member state has its own procedures to adopt or incorporate the protocol to be operative in their own domestic or municipal jurisdiction. In the case of Zimbabwe, it is necessary that this protocol must be ratified by the Parliament of Zimbabwe, that is, the National Assembly and the Senate.
I, therefore, present that this Senate approves the SADC protocol for ratification by Zimbabwe. I thank you.
HON. SEN. B. SIBANDA: Madam President of the Senate, I do not have debate as such but I would be grateful if the Hon. Vice President could explain to us why it would take two years for this to come before Senate? In general, I have noticed that ratification of protocols take what I see as an inordinately long time before they come to the Houses. I thank you Madam President of the Senate.
THE HON. VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF
JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): Thank you Madam President of the Senate. I am grateful for the question. Generally, we do not need kukandirana nyoka mhenyu but the issue is that
HON. SEN. B. SIBANDA: That Shona missed me Sir.
HON. MNANGAGWA: There is no need for me to give blame to
another Minister, I will take responsibility. What I am saying is that protocols or treaties, when they are concluded, fall under our foreign ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs has processed the protocol, then for purposes of piloting in Parliament it comes to the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary
Affairs. I am doing so because it has now come to the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. I thank you.
Madam President of the Senate, I therefore move:
THAT WHEREAS Section 327 (2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that any international treaty which has been concluded or executed by, or under the authority of the President shall be subject to approval by Parliament;
AND WHEREAS the Protocol on the SADC Tribunal was adopted by the 34th Ordinary Session of the SADC Summit held in Victoria
Falls, Zimbabwe on 18th August, 2014;
AND WHEREAS the entry into force of the said Protocol shall be conditional upon its ratification by the Member States in accordance with their constitutional procedures;
NOW, THEREFORE, in terms of Section 327(2) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, this House resolves that the aforesaid Protocol be and is hereby approved for ratification.
Motion put and adopted.
MOTION
DETERIORATION IN THE ROADS AND RAILWAY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
First Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on alarming incidents of road carnage due to dilapidated infrastructure, obsolete vehicles and human error.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUSAKA: Thank you Madam President of the
Senate. I wish to wind up on my debate on this Motion. Before I do so, I would like to thank all the Senators who contributed even those who had no chance to contribute, this topic was of interest to everybody, right across the divide of the Senate. I thank Hon. Sen. Chipanga, for really giving an insight, depth and detail on what exactly the motion entails, that is anchored on a robust programme for road rehabilitation railway, air and road. To make it clear the roads are there, the airline is there and the railway is there, except modernization, so I thank you Hon. Sen.
Chipanga.
I also thank Hon. Sen. Tawengwa for his insight and depth, I am grateful because of that debate as Hon. Sen. Tawengwa said. I also noticed his observation, the commuter omnibus are no longer allowed to stop at the high school where one girl was killed. I thank Hon. Sen.
Makore, Hon. Sen. Chimhini, Hon. Sen. Mumvuri, Hon. Sen. Maluleke,
Hon. Sen. Mawire, Hon. Sen. Machingaifa, Hon. Sen. Masuku and Hon. Sen. Timveos went further and gave statistics and detail; 456 accidents and of concern she gave in a lot of detail explaining what should be done on human error, inspection of vehicles and so forth.
So really, this was a well debated issue. I also wish to thank Hon.
Sen. Goto, Hon. Sen. Bhobho, Hon. Sen. Makwarimba, Hon. Sen.
Chimbudzi, Hon. Sen. B. Sibanda. Hon. Sen. B. Sibanda also added value to it. There is an economic need on it to improve our roads. Botswana is actually now constructing their road or they have already done so to go to Zambia. So, we should act quickly. I also wish to thank Hon. Sen. Gampu Sithole IV, he even suggested that let us develop the system where drivers are given merits and demerits and then if it is observed that you have exceeded or he is not obeying, he should have his licence cancelled. I thank Hon. Sen. Mohadi and Hon. Sen. Chief Charumbira even went further and actually suggested we are talking and talking and no action is being taken and he even suggested that let us one day sit together and see which Motions have been talked about for several times and not acted upon.
I also wish to thank Hon. Sen. Bhebhe, Hon. Sen. Komichi, Hon. Sen. Khumalo, Hon. Sen. Mashavakure, Hon. Sen. Chief Dandawa. I thank all the Senators who supported my Motion and I am very grateful. With those few remarks and acknowledgement, Mr. President, I move that my motion be adopted that this House:
CONCERNED at the alarming number of road carnage incidents on our roads which are as a result of dilapidated road infrastructure and obsolete motor vehicles coupled with human error due to flagrant breach of road regulations by unlicensed drivers;
FURTHER CONCERNED of the deterioration in the railway system in the country, a situation which is further compounded by the lack of efficient and economic air transportation system in the country;
ACKNOWLEDGING the need to establish a special budget or fund for upgrading an improving the transport system in the country;
NOW, THEREFORE, call upon Government to –
- Embark on a robust modernisation infrastructure programme for roads, air and Railways which is user friendly and accommodative or goods, services and passengers at large, a situation which will eliminate road carnage substantially; and
- Support the development of efficient and economic air transport as a matter of urgency.
Motion put and adopted.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Second order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the
Presidential Speech.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF MUSARURWA: Thank you Mr. President
Sir, I would like to add my voice on this motion which was raised by Hon. Sen. Tavengwa regarding the Presidential Speech.
The President debated a lot of issues, but I am going to zoom in on two of those issues which were raised by His Excellency. The first one is that His Excellency spoke strongly against corruption. It has to stop forthwith and it has to be eradicated and uprooted and whosoever is indulging in this corruption should stop it. His Excellency even said that the country is now in big problems because of corruption. Whereever you go and want to get some services, there is some corruption and this becomes a national problem. If it was my wish, I would ask members of this august House that as the leaders, we should hold our own campaigns in fighting corruption so that we can remove this cancer in the society and the best is, as Hon. Members, let us not be involved or indulge in corruption because it would be difficult for us to point fingers at others when we are involved in corruption, but I suggest that we live a straight forward life so that when people like us, like Hon. Maravanyika, people should be saying there goes an honest man who is against corruption.
The President also talked about agriculture and we have noticed that in the press, both print and electronic, there are a lot of discussions on development and agriculture, especially talking of command agriculture. This can only take up and be successful if the inputs are brought to the farmers on time. We also need to utilise the dams in our localities. These have a lot of water and we need to utilise this water in irrigation programmes.
We have seen that the Government is now putting more emphasis on developing programmes of irrigation and in the command programme. When the farmers have been selected and given the inputs, they should show progress, they should show bumper harvest and what we do not like to see is people in the high places taking all the inputs for themselves and denying those who are at the grassroots. I am pleading with the Hon. Members that they should give guidance to people in their constituencies, especially those who have been resettled that if they are give these inputs, the implements, the fertilizer and the seed, they should use it for the right purposes and bring Zimbabwe to the bread basket status which it was. We also pray for the President, that may the Lord give him eternal life. Thank you.
HON. SEN. TAWENGWA: Thank you Mr. President for allowing me and giving me this opportunity to wind up the debate on the motion in reply to the Presidential Speech presented to Parliament on 16th September 2015. Allow me to convey my gratitude, my thankfulness and recognition to Hon. Masuku for seconding the motion and all Hon. Senators who contributed because it was several Senators who really contributed and if I were to mention name by name, I may eventually omit one or two. So please, forgive me.
I am happy and elated, Mr. President, to note that most, if not all of the contributors were about nation building, raising concerns, raising the red flag when necessary, offering suggestions, applauding Government and demanding action because His Excellency had given us the road map; his vision which was a challenge to us as Legislators and Ministers.
The Hon. Retired General Nyambuya stated and I quote, ‘my prayer is that those who are charged with the task of bringing these Bills before Parliament do so with speed’. I note that most of the Bills have been before us and were passed by this House and of course, concern remains on the realignment of laws to the Constitution.
Most of those who debated raised the issue of corruption which has become pandemic, really cancerous plague, spreading like the water hyacinth weed, they all said. It did not matter from which side. It was the whole House. It was anticorruption. One senator cited the example of the Beitbridge border post which he stated an average of 10 to 30 minutes to cross to the South African side, yet it takes two to eight hours on the Zimbabwean side and I wonder how the athlete Usain Bolt would feel. He would crack his ribs, laughing if he thought that it only takes a few minutes to run that lap and hours on the other side.
The question is, is it the people who are manning these borders who are self serving as they are supposed to be offering an efficient service or this is how bribes arise, hence corruption by creating bottlenecks. You create a bottleneck so that you are approached by somebody and jump a line. That way, you are offering something to get ahead. It is actually the mindset which is now with our people in Zimbabwe. In Shona, they say, wakanda gonzo mudura or gonzo rapinda mudura, the rodent in the granary.
Corruption is hardness of the heart, brutality, weakedness, decomposition, kuora kuyauku and impropriety. The late National Hero, Eddison Zvobgo, once questioned where those people who were building houses which looked like hotels were getting their funding. He was 100% right. Now, it is fashionable that people build ‘mini-
Monomotapas’ and mini- Mushandirapamwes’ and so on. We applaud Government for its concerted efforts to address this scourge and hope that the National Code of Corporate Government Bill and the Anti Corruption Commission will bolster the fight against corruption. We also note that the Office of the President and Cabinet is at the forefront of fighting corruption, which shows the President’s resolve to tackle corruption.
In his concluding remarks, His Excellency stated and I quote Mr.
President, “Let us channel our collective energies towards the development of our country guided by our Economic Blueprint, the ZIM ASSET. This of course demands of us all to always cherish the crown values of peace, I repeat, the crown values, hard work and the unity of purpose, not corruption, hard work and the unity of purpose. Corruption is not hard work” We are Zimbabweans first and foremost and therefore, let us shun tribalism or factionalism. We should address the issues of
Zimbabwe holistically and enjoy the fruits of Zimbabwe as a nation. As
Senators, let us remain focused on the development of the nation, not forgetting that we were elected to serve faithfully and listen to those we represent, for to hear is to obey.
Finally, Mr. President, let me applaud Government for its timely intervention by providing the much required food and supplementary feeding to those areas which were affected by drought to the vulnerable and to schools. I also applaud Government for its various interventions in various sectors of the economy including the recently launched command agriculture, which if properly utilised by beneficiaries, will see us becoming semi-bread-basket of Africa in the near future. However, in the mid-term or long-term, we will once again be the bread basket of Africa.
I also applaud the Government for the continued supply of power by ZESA, for which one member asked why it was happening. This will boost production in industry and by farmers. The establishment of the One Stop Shop Investment Centre should also be applauded for this will encourage the ease of doing business. However, this is just to cite a few of the many things and various issues that Government has attended and is attending to. I would also like to thank the Almighty, the Creator, God, for the peace we currently enjoy in this country. Allow me as well Mr. President, to salute His Excellency the President, Cde. R. G. Mugabe, the Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, for his love of Zimbabweans. As such, he is working tirelessly to empower and ensure the betterment of our lives and living conditions.
Mr. President, allow me once again, to thank Senators for their contributions. With that, I now move for the adoption of this motion. I thank you.
Motion that a respectful address be presented to the President of
Zimbabwe as follows;
May it please you, Your Excellency, the President;
We, the Members of Parliament of Zimbabwe, desire to express our loyalty to Zimbabwe and beg leave to offer our respectful thanks for the speech, which you have been pleased to address to Parliament.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. TAWENGWA: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 2 to 7 be stood over until Order of the Day, Number 8 has been disposed of.
HON. SEN. MUMVURI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT ON THE TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
SEMINAR HELD AT KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the report on the Transformational Leadership Seminar held at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUTSVANGWA: Thank you Madam President. I
would like to take this opportunity to wind up this motion, which created so much robust debate in this august House. Mr. President, from the outset, as the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Women Parliamentary Caucus, I would like to express my sincere gratitude from your offices to allow us to move this motion for the first time in the House.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following Members and many others who expressed advice and gave wonderful comments about this motion. As the Zimbabwe Women Parliamentary Caucus, we will take that advice very seriously. Mr. President, it would be ungrateful for me not to mention the advice and suggestions which have added value to this motion. Hon. Sen. Mohadi emphasised the issue of peace and security and women, so that women are champions of peace. She also condemned gender stereotyping and advocated for equality in terms of equal leadership of men and women. She talked about the challenges faced by women during campaigns, especially the fact that women have lesser resources than their male colleagues.
Hon. Sen. Chifamba emphasised on the issues of the girl child and child marriages and applauded Zimbabwe for adopting the legal age of marriage of 18. There was so much vibrant debate on the dress code and discrimination.
Hon. Sen. Mumvuri emphasised the issue of principle of power, the importance of planning and being organised and also gender fairness in line with modern thinking. We want to thank you Hon. Senator, it is important to look at gender fairness at all times. He applauded women leadership noting that, he even went on to talk about the 90% of spirit mediums in this country that are women. That shows how women are powerful and how good they are as leaders. So, women can be wonderful leaders.
Hon. Senator Mapungwana stressed issues of women empowerment and unity once again. Hon. Senator Chabuka emphasized the issue of women empowerment in leadership positions; she was actually commending these on-going capacity building workshops for women so that they can build confidence all the way through to our constituencies.
Hon. Senator Chief Musarurwa stressed out the importance of women urging them to be united, support each other rather than fighting. Hon. Senator Mawire, I want to thank you. She emphasised the issues of women empowerment that if women are going to be leaders, if women are going to win in elections, they need to be empowered. The issue of gender equality relating to the Budget was another issue she emphasised on. Hon. Senator Mhlotswa emphasised on the issue of cultural diversity. She talked about dressing, decorum and also the need to manage cultural diversity. She also mentioned the issue of regular women caucus meetings and I am glad this is an issue which has been taken up by the administration of Parliament. We hope that sooner or later, a day will be put aside where the women caucus can meet and digest all these issues.
Hon. Chief Chiduku emphasised on the issues of dress code and also talked about why always women parliamentary caucus go on their own and why not include the men and the chiefs. He talked about including men in gender programmes and as women parliamentary caucus, we take that very seriously. Hon. Senator Mashavakure emphasised on the issue of people living with disabilities so that their issues are also well articulated in these kinds of transformational leadership courses and also to include them in all modules. As women parliamentary caucus, we will certainly take that up very seriously.
Hon. Senator D.T Khumalo emphasised the issue of dress code once again, cultural diversity. Hon. Senator Machingaifa, the issue of dress code was again a very important issue. The way we dress as ambassadors of Zimbabwe wherever we go will always bring pride to this country.
Hon. Senator Maluleke emphasised also on the issue of dress code and more on unity among women. Hon. Senator Jadagu empasised the importance of women to love each other, to make sure that we support each other and to make sure that we vote for each other so that we have more women in leadership.
Hon. Sen. Buka emphasised the importance of these capacity building workshops and the importance of communication because as legislators, we represent people. We need to go down with what we learnt in our capacity buildings to make sure that we enhance our women even at grass root level. We need to cascade all that information we learn through workshops.
This trip which we took to Kenya, we took 20 female Members of Parliament and it really gave us an opportunity to learn a lot. We are happy that we were able to share this with Hon. Members in this august
House. It is only proper for me, on behalf of the Zimbabwe Women
Parliamentary Caucus to express our sincere gratitude to the
Government of Zimbabwe, to our Administration of Parliament for their support in making it possible. We need more of these capacity building workshops so that at least we have more women, not just to be seen as a big number in Parliament but we want our women to be heard. Come
2018, we want more women in Parliament.
The recommendation which came throughout from those who contributed was that this kind of workshop, that is transformational leadership workshop, should be extended to all Members of Parliament, male and female. I am glad we have already heard vibes that the Presiding officers and the Administration have taken note, especially after they listened to the interest which was shown in the debate of this report. Mr. President, with that I now move that this report on Transformational leadership be adopted.
Motion that this House takes note of the report on the
Transformational Leadership Seminar held at Kenyatta University from 13 to 19 September 2015, in Nairobi Kenya. Motion put and adopted.
MOTION
ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. MASUKU: I move that the House do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MUMVURI: I second.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT (HON. SEN. CHIEF
CHARUMBIRA): I have to say something about the date. Hon.
Senators, I wish to explain that the Senate is adjourning to the 4th
October, 2016, while the National Assembly will return on the 6th September, 2016. The Mid-term Fiscal policy that is to be presented by the Minister of Finance is only delivered in the National Assembly. It is purely for this purpose that the National Assembly will meet and then immediately adjourn to the 4th of October.
Motion put and agreed to.
The Senate adjourned at Eleven Minutes to Five o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 4th October, 2016.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 28th July, 2016
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER
VISITIORS IN THE SPEAKER’S GALLERY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have to acknowledge the
presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of students and teachers from Matilika, Primary School from Manicaland Province, you are most welcome – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
FIRST READING
LAND COMMISSION BILL [H.B. 2, 2016]
THE MINISTER OF LANDS AND RURAL
RESETTLEMENT (HON. MOMBESHORA) presented the Land
Commission Bill [H.B. 2, 2016].
Bill read the first time.
Bill referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. MATUKE: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 and
2 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. MANGAMI: 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.
HON. MATUKE: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. D. SIBANDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 16th August, 2016.
MOTION
FIRST REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SMALL
AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES AND COOPERATIVE
DEVELOPMENT ON THE OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
AND ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM
ENTERPRISES AND THE INFORMAL SECTOR IN ZIMBABWE
HON. MANGAMI: I move the motion standing in my name that;
This House takes note of the First Report of the Portfolio
Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development on the Operational Environment and Economic
Contributions of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Informal Sector in Zimbabwe.
HON. S. CHIDHAKWA: I second.
HON. MANGAMI: I am going to present the First Report of the
Portfolio Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative
Development on the Operational Environment and Economic Contributions of Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development (SMEs).
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Madam Speaker, a new economic order has emerged in Zimbabwe where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are now major players.
The 2016 National Budget Statement highlights that SMEs account for 60% of the country's labour force and contribute 50% towards the gross domestic product (GDP). In the same vein, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZIMASSET) underscores the important role played by SMEs towards employment creation and poverty reduction. Although this sector has the potential to contribute more towards the GDP, it is saddled with a number of perennial challenges associated with; financing, infrastructure, technology, management, entrepreneurial skills and marketing. The Portfolio Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development resolved to conduct an inquiry pertaining to the operational environment and economic contributions from the SMEs and the informal sector.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
Madam Speaker, your Committee used the following methods to gather information:
- Capacity building workshop with various stakeholders on the theme; Taxation and Accessibility to Financial Resources by the
SMEs and Informal Sector in Zimbabwe ii. Oral evidence from: the Minister and Officials of Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development; the
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and the Zimbabwe
Chamber of SMEs.
3.0 BACKGROUND ON THE EMERGENCE OF SMEs AND
THE INFORMAL SECTOR
Your Committee was given a historical background on the emergence of SMEs in Zimbabwe by officials from the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development. The sector emerged in the mid-1990s following the liberalisation of the economy and the introduction of the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP), which in turn led to a rise in unemployment due to company closures.
More company closures were experienced between 1997 and 2008, after the country went through severe economic pressures, characterised by hyper-inflation, leading to further job losses on the formal market. Furthermore, in the last 3 years, 55 000 people have been retrenched following the closure of about 4 000 companies due to a number of factors, which include the lack of financial resources for Re-tooling or recapitalisation. In addition, universities and tertiary institutions are churning out more than 10 000 graduates each year onto the job market.
The scarcity of jobs on the formal market has led the retrenched and unemployed to start their own enterprises as a safety net. This sector has experienced phenomenal growth, where in 1991, there were approximately 845 000 SMEs and informal traders employing about 1.5 million people and by 2012, there were over 2.8 million SMEs and informal traders employing approximately 5.7 million people, representing around 43% of the national population. (See graph below)
Graph 1: No of SMEs and Employment Levels
cope Survey 2012
SME Surveys 1998 and Finscope Survey 2012
4.0 COMMITTEE FINDINGS
4.1 Legal and Policy Framework
Madam Speaker, an SME is defined in the Small and Medium Enterprises Act [Chapter 24:12], as a legal entity and is categorised based on its annual turnover and gross value in assets. Your Committee was informed that SMEs are found in various sectors of the economy with agriculture accounting for the majority. (as shown on Table 1 below).
Table 1: Sectoral Distribution of SMEs
Sector | Percentage (%) |
Agriculture | 43 |
Wholesale and Retail | 33 |
Manufacturing | 9 |
Other Services | 7 |
Energy and Construction | 3 |
Art and Entertainment | 2 |
Transport | 1 |
Mining and Quarrying | 1 |
Tourism | 1 |
Source: 2012 Finscope Survey
More women own businesses accounting for 53% of the total SMEs. In addition, 71% of SMEs are owned by individual entrepreneurs which at times creates challenges in terms of continuity of the businesses. However, the Committee noted with concern that 85% of the SMEs are informal, hence are operating outside the laws and regulations of the country. There is no doubt that the Treasury and other revenue collecting agencies are being prejudiced by the non-remittances of taxes, levies and other charges from the sector.
Your Committee was briefed by the SME Associations on the reasons for this informality. These factors include: multiplicity of regulatory requirements for starting a business, lack of understanding of the laws governing SMEs, lack of information from Government departments and fear by SMEs that formalisation will lead to higher operational costs. Resistance to formalisation is further worsened by the relentless and forceful manner of revenue collection by the different agencies, such as; ZIMRA and local authorities. Furthermore, the
Committee was informed by the Minister of SMEs and Cooperative
Development that the country does not have a national database on SMEs that are in existence, thus making it difficult for policy makers to develop targeted sectoral policies to encourage formalisation. However, the Minister highlighted that the process of creating a national database on SMEs that are in the country is underway.
Your Committee also noted with concern that the policy and legal framework as it relates to the operations of SMEs is complex, particularly taxation laws. The majority of SMEs cannot afford to hire tax consultants. Most of the laws and policies are written in English, in terms that are not easily understood by an ordinary person. Although the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development has the responsibility to train SMEs on these policies and laws, it is heavily incapacitated due to limited financial support from the Treasury. In the 2016 National Budget allocations, the Ministry features in the bottom ten.
Madam Speaker, despite these challenges, the Committee was informed by the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development, that with the support from the World Bank, it was conducting consultative meetings with SMEs on formalising their operations. It is anticipated that this process will lead to the crafting of a Formalisation Strategy.
The Committee would encourage the Ministry of SMEs and
Cooperative Development to expedite this process for the benefit of the economy.
4.2 Infrastructural Facilities
Madam Speaker, infrastructural services are largely provided and maintained by local authorities. The Committee was informed by the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) that SMEs and the informal sector are like nomads, as they are always shifting and reconfiguring. In the process, it makes it difficult for town planners to design appropriate infrastructure and certain shelters and structures designed for SMEs have been abandoned. On the other hand, UCAZ, together with the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development acknowledged that some SME structures had been abandoned because of inappropriate location and design of the infrastructure due to lack of adequate consultations or that the structures had inadequate facilities. For instance, some SME structures in the manufacturing sector only provide working space without facilities for storage or marketing of the finished product.
To address some of these challenges, your Committee was informed that the City of Harare had entered into public-privatepartnership agreements (PPPs) where decommissioned containers and sheds will be erected to create decent workspaces for SMEs. In the same vein, Old Mutual Private Limited, plans to build state of the art infrastructure in Harare to accommodate 500 SMEs. The Committee would like to encourage all local authorities to venture into similar PPPs to facilitate the growth and development of SMEs. Regional countries, such as South Africa and Mozambique have state of the art SME structures built through PPPs. These structures attract both local and international customers.
The SME Associations informed your Committee that they were being marginalised from acquiring appropriate workspaces with a niche market in major towns in the country. The associations indicated that they would like to be accommodated in the central business district
(CBD) of major cities, in places occupied by businesses, such as OK and Pick and Pay. The Committee believes this issue can be resolved through consultations between the sector and town planners.
4.3 Tax Compliance by SMEs and Informal Traders
Madam Speaker, major tax contributions by the SMEs and informal traders are in the form of value added tax (VAT) and presumptive tax. The Committee was informed by experts from Ernst and Young that tax compliance by SMEs is made difficult by the onerous requirements from ZIMRA. For instance, a bank account is a necessity for an SME to be on the tax register, yet most SMEs do not have confidence in the banking sector. In addition, SME associations highlighted that their members are not aware of any tangible benefits of tax compliance, if anything, it is viewed as a cost burden to be avoided.
The Committee was informed by the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development that it had to intervene in some disputes where ZIMRA was charging exorbitant amounts on SMEs that were seeking to formalise their operations during the tax amnesty period. An illustrative example is an SME operator from Gweru who voluntarily approached
ZIMRA to regularise his position but was levied penalties amounting to US$87 000. This meant that the owner would not have been able to get tax clearance to continue with the business, if the Ministry had not intervened for a reduction. The Committee believes such kind of incidents discourage SMEs from formalising their operations.
Your Committee received a complaint from the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs that presumptive taxes were too high and the association questioned the rationale behind the tax thresholds. For instance, a hair saloon is required to pay US$1500 per quarter as presumptive tax, which according to the SME Association, was unreasonably high given the low profit margins in that particular business. In response, the ZIMRA Commissioner General, Mr. G. Pasi highlighted to the Committee that the levels of presumptive tax appear unreasonably high but had to be understood in the context of the transition from the Zimbabwean dollar to the multi-currency system which was received with mixed reactions by different sectors of the economy. Furthermore, SME associations informed the Committee that since the pronouncement that US$7.6 billion was circulating in the informal sector, ZIMRA had become ruthless in its revenue collection endeavors, creating more animosity between the sector and the agency.
Your Committee was informed by the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development that revenue collection is more difficult because of the physical location of most SMEs and informal traders. About 39% operate from residential premises, 22% on farms, 11% operate from door to door, 9% work in the street or pavement and only 6% operate from a traditional market. The Committee was also informed by ZIMRA that the Government was losing a lot of revenue through smuggling of cheap imports, particularly, fruits and vegetables and bales of secondhand clothing. Most of these commodities find their way onto the local markets, dominated by SMEs and informal traders, such as Mbare Musika.
4.4 Access to Financial Resources by SMEs
4.4.1 Private Sector Initiatives
Madam Speaker, your Committee had an opportunity to interact with the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe (BAZ) and SME Associations on the challenges faced and available opportunities for SMEs in accessing financial resources from the banking sector. Indications were that there are very few opportunities for SMEs and informal traders to access resources from banks. The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development highlighted that, in 2014 loans advanced to SMEs stood at 6% of the total banking loan advances. SMEs fail to access loans from banks due to a myriad of factors that include:
- Negative perceptions on the operations of the sector, with views that some of the enterprises are involved in illegal activities;
- SMEs usually require small loans which incur high transaction costs through processing, making it unsustainable for banks; iii. Banks require recognisable collateral which most SMEs fail to produce; A lot of documentation is required such as proof of residence, business address, updated books of accounts, information which is not always at the disposal of most SMEs;
- Some SMEs are unwilling to give full disclosure of their business operations in fear that the information will be sold to competitors. Consequently, banks are unwilling to provide loans to the businesses that appear hazy; vi. The maturity period for most loans is too short and the interest rates are too high. This does not give SMEs adequate time to make adequate profits to repay the loan; and vii. Banks are not readily available in the rural areas.
Your Committee noted with concern, that SMEs are excluded from the banking sector and this forces the majority of them to borrow from micro-finance institutions which charge higher interest rates than banks.
4.4.2 Funding from Government
Madam Speaker, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development
Corporation (SMEDCO) is the financial arm that provides loans to SMEs on behalf of Government. However, the parastatal is heavily incapacitated. In 2015, SMEDCO received US$150 000 out of its total allocation of US$1.9 million and in 2016, the parastatal has been allocated US$2.4 million but as at March 2016, it had not received any disbursement. In 2012, Parliament ratified a US$3 million loan agreement from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) towards re-capitalisation of SMEDCO's operations. Your Committee was informed that efforts made by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to secure the loan on three occasions had not been successful. One of the challenges encountered in securing the loan was associated with the economic sanctions imposed on the country.
5.0 COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS
5.1 The country does not have a formalisation strategy or clear incentives to motivate SMEs to formalise their operations.
5.2 There is no national database of SMEs that are currently in existence.
5.3 Most SMEs lack information on the policies, regulations and laws that govern and affect their operations.
5.4 The majority of SME structures are located on the periphery of major cities and towns.
5.5 Payment of taxes is not being linked to a realisable benefit, hence the resistance to pay taxes by SMEs.
5.6 There is a perception that tax compliance will lead to further cost burdens on SMEs.
5.7 There is inadequate training for SMEs on key issues that affect their businesses, such as record keeping, management, among others.
5.8 There is inadequate and sometimes poor infrastructure for
SMEs to produce or market their commodities.
5.9 Poor relations exist between SMEs and revenue collecting agencies, such as ZIMRA and local authorities.
5.10 SMEs are not fully recognised by the banking sector.
5.11 The closure of companies, as well as, the low capacity utilisation levels by large companies presents an opportunity for SMEs to fill the supply gap.
5.12 Lack of access to affordable capital is one of the major challenges faced by SMEs in Zimbabwe.
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development should draft a National Formalisation Strategy with clear incentives to motivate SMEs to formalise their operations by December 2016.
6.2 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development should develop a national database of SMEs that are in existence by December
2016.
6.3 The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development should unlock the BADEA loan facility of US$ 3 million which was approved by Parliament to re-capitalise SMEDCO for the provision of adequate financial resources to foster the growth and development of the SMEs sector by December 2016.
6.4 Local authorities should plough back three percent (3%) of revenue collected from the SMEs towards the development of decent workspaces and for the provision of better services to the sector.
6.5 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development, in collaboration with ZIMRA and local authorities should hold countrywide awareness programmes on tax policies, by-laws and relevant regulations at least on a yearly basis.
6.6 ZIMRA and Local Authorities should establish an SME desk in their respective institutions as a strategy of improving relations with the SME sector by October 2016.
6.7 ZIMRA should establish offices in all the districts of the country by December 2017 and should not only be visible in the districts when collecting revenue.
6.8 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development must engage the Bankers Association for it to be flexible on the types of collateral, maturity periods and interest rates on loans to suit the business models of SMEs by September 2016.
6.9 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development should liaise with banks so that they are more visible in rural areas by October 2016, for instance, in the form of mobile banks operating at given intervals or coinciding with key events in rural communities, such as the agricultural marketing seasons.
7.0 CONCLUSION
7.1 The growth and development of the SMEs sector in Zimbabwe is a dynamic process which calls for continuous review of policies and institutional frameworks to ensure optimum benefit for our economy. SMEs are here to stay and Government should find adequate space for them in all new settlements given that about 43% of the country's population is employed in the SMEs sector in the face of the ever shrinking formal sector, fueled by company closures. Other countries, such as Malaysia and India which have fully embraced this new dispensation are thriving economically, so should Zimbabwe.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER
VISITORS IN THE SPEAKER’S GALLERY
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have to acknowledge the
presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of students and teachers from Ndondo
High School from Masvingo Province. You are most welcome. – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
HON. S. CHIDHAKWA: I rise also to add my voice to this very important sector of our economy of the small to medium enterprises. It is common knowledge that our industries have closed due to several reasons, chief among them bad policies by the Government hence the creation of the SMEs which now constitute 75% of the working population in the country.
The SMEs are contributing immensely to the unemployment rate in the country because there is no industry to talk of. It must be noted that it is not everybody who is now an informal trader by design. Some are forced to be informal traders because of the harsh economic conditions in the country. There are no jobs. There are some graduates who could be employed in formal employment but they have no choice and end up being informal traders.
Inasmuch as they are contributing to the unemployment rate in the country, they are not contributing any meaningful contribution to the fiscus because of the reasons such as the conditions which are put forward by ZIMRA which are so complex that it is very difficult for most of our SMEs to understand how ZIMRA system is operating. There is need for ZIMRA to simplify their method of collecting taxes.
The other reason is that the SMEs are very nomadic and are not stationed in one place. Today, they are operating at this corner and tomorrow they are operating on the other corner which is very difficult for the revenue collection officers to track them. One other reason why these informal traders are so nomadic is that they do not have enough infrastructures. The local authorities are not putting adequate infrastructure for all the SMEs to operate from. If there are, some are built in very unfavourable areas where they cannot access the market and as a result, they are shunning to operate from those areas. Those are some of the challenges that these SMEs are facing hence they are failing to contribute meaningfully to the fiscus.
However, if these people are properly organized, the country can benefit much by way of taxes from these SMEs since there is no industry to talk of. These people are facing so many challenges. Some of the challenges have been mentioned in the report and it is very difficult for the SMEs to access any funding from the financial institutions because the conditions are that they have to provide title deeds which they do not have and like I said, most of them are operating from leasing structures from the council. They do not have their own properties which they will have title deeds to surrender to the banks. Also, there is a need for a paradigm shift from the local authorities to allocate those who are capable to put on their own structures to operate from so that at the end of the day, they will be able to get some title deeds which they will intend to use to access funds from the banks.
Madam Speaker, other challenge which these people are facing is security. From where they are operating, at any given time, they are raided by the police. It is either the municipal police or the ZRP and their wares are confiscated. The mystery there is once these wares are taken, they are not accounted for. Sometimes we hear that they are donated at rallies and so on. Hence, this is hindering the SMES to grow. We must also understand that these people are operating with very little or very small capital. So, once they lose that capital, it is very difficult for them to rebuild so that they can continue. Again, it is our suggestion that once these wares are confiscated, they must be returned to the owners. Who is benefitting from these things?
The other challenge which the SMEs are facing is corruption. If we are really serious and want to grow the SMEs as our only option left in the country since the industries are closed, we have to deal with the issues of corruption. Most of these Government institutions are actually favouring big established companies in awarding them tenders because they are getting some kick backs from those companies, in the process, they are depriving the SMEs.
You would find that those big companies are being supplied by people who are operating from the SMEs those products which they will be using on those tenders which they will have secured from the Government. So, it is a matter of saying the Government has not put in place some methods which will enable the SMEs to be able to also win some of the tenders if we want to grow these people. There is no way the SMEs are going to grow when we are denying them the opportunities to participate in bigger contracts.
The infrastructure, Madam Speaker – most of the infrastructure which these people are operating from are substandard. In some instances there is no water, there are not enough toilets. How would we expect people to be serious business people when they are operating from such conditions? During the rainy season, some of the infrastructure does not have enough shelter to protect their wares. We had an opportunity of visiting some of the places. It is deplorable.
There are no roads to access where they are operating from.
Also in some of these places, there are people who are called touts. I do not know, probably some other Hon. Members who are operating some taxis here might know this word. These are the people who were told they are running - like the fronts of the people who are operating business. In actual fact, these people are working for other people who are in authority, who are in power. They are collecting money and remitting that money to some other people.
To our surprise, the council authorities seem not to have the power to evict these people. They are not operating at night, they are operating during the day time and it is known they are operating illegally, but no one is making an effort to try and remove them. So instead, these are the people who are benefiting from where they did not sow because they are actually charging more money than the operator and they are getting much more profit. They are not paying any rent, they do not pay any wages, but the person who is making these products is the one who is suffering. He is not making a meaningful margin in terms of profit. So, it is another concern that we are appealing to the powers that be, to look into this issue seriously if we would want to protect the SMEs.
I talked, Madam Speaker, earlier on on infrastructure. Although the municipality has entered into some PPs with the private sector, you also find the people who will benefit from those structures at the end of the day, are not exactly SMEs. They are what they are calling space barons. There are other big people who are in authority, who are in power, who run in front and grab those shelters and then in turn, they lease to the SMEs. This is the corruption that I have been referring to.
So, it is another concern that if this is not corrected, even if the local authorities are saying that the SMEs are given those shelters on temporary basis, in other words, it is a place where they must operate maybe for a period of three or so years. From there, they must graduate to be able to go into the formal sector, but it will not be possible because they will be paying very difficult rates. They will be paying to the space barons and they will be paying to the local authorities and the profit that they will remain with will be very little. So, that has to be corrected.
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, the Government has got to move in to protect the SMEs in terms of where they must be operating from, in terms of the corruption, the hurdles that they are facing in accessing the products, the hurdles that they are facing maybe in accessing the tenders which are offered by the Government institutions for them to be able to grow. This is my recommendation. Thank you Madam Speaker. I rest my case.
*HON. MANGWENDE: Thank you Madam Speaker. I am
grateful to Hon. Mangami and Hon. Chidhakwa for raising this motion on SMEs. As some of the people who reside in the city of Harare, we are benefiting a lot from the SMEs. We have been indigenised through them. We have SMEs complexes at Mupedzanhamo, Siyaso other market places in Harare. These market places have led to the economic growth of Harare. We are appealing to the City of Harare to fully shoulder its responsibility because in some of these areas where SMEs are operating from there are no toilets. The SMEs are an essential part of our economic development and therefore, the local authorities, not only in Harare but in other areas give priority to these SMEs.
If you move around in different areas, the furniture which you see is manufactured here in Harare. The President, His Excellency, Cde R. G. Mugabe is also aware of the existence of the Glen View Furniture
Complex which has a lot of expertise and well manufactured products. We wish that the City Councils or local authorities would take care of these places and keep them clean and maintain the standards of hygiene. SMEs are taking care of the people who were retrenched. We have 53% of women who are getting a lot of assistance from participating in these SMEs and they are able to take care of their families, sending children to school and feeding them. A lot of people are benefiting from these SMEs because of unemployment in the country. I thank you.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I want to add my voice to the report from our Committee on SMEs that was presented here by Hon. Mangami and seconded by Hon. Chidhakwa. I want to say that report was pregnant with a lot of information that if the Executive, Government and quasi Government departments followed and if the society of Zimbabwe followed, we would be able to make sure that our economy gets boosted using the informal sector as a springboard for our economic emancipation.
Madam Speaker, I need to hasten to say the SME where the artisanal miners are embedded is very key and the policies that were requested for establishment in this House by this Committee should be followed to the letter and they should also involve policies that make sure that our gold sector, headed in the informal sector by artisanal miners is purely and completely emancipated and optimally resourced so that we can as a nation be emancipated in our economic operations. Gold is the only tradable commodity as we speak. We have no currency of our own in Zimbabwe. If we utilize that gold which is coming out to the tune of US$684m per annum as alluded to in this monetary statement by the RBZ Governor Mr. Mangudya.
If we make sure that we support that SME, that sector which is informal, in order to make sure we formalize it for the good of the economy, we are doing ourselves a good service in Zimbabwe. I will move away from the issue to do with the only tradable commodity which is gold.
Madam Speaker, if we are to resuscitate the industry in Zimbabwe; we must utilise the SMEs, the informal sector as the springboard for the resuscitation of this industry. Our industry currently is operating below 40%. I should hasten to say this is the formal way of doing things that was ingrained in our minds and hearts by those that had the power before the black majority came to rule in this country; before total emancipation of the black formerly marginalized majority. The issue to do with the big industries is what we know, is what we were taught to know, is what we grew up knowing but now the industry is skewed towards that informal sector which is under the Small to Medium
Enterprises. It is now time to capacitate those SMEs, to capacitate them firstly in terms of policy and secondly in terms of resources so that we can use them as a springboard to resuscitate our industry.
With regards to the resuscitation of our agricultural sector, we should not look any further than the informal sector. He who is selling the tomatoes both in the rural areas and in our towns, we need to see how we can promote their operation by beneficiating what it is that they are creating or what it is that they are producing, in particular, tomatoes. I will give you an example in Chegutu West constituency in particular and Zimbabwe in general, they used to be a place called Bon Zim or Cane Pack which used to can tomatoes.
Madam Speaker, that place is closed and what it is that we are supposed to be doing is to make sure that we group all those tomatoes in the informal sector and re-open these canning factories. So, it is revitalization of our agricultural sector to return Zimbabwe to its bread basket status from a basket case.
The third one will be the low interest loans to our SMEs and our businesses. Let us make sure that we utilise what we have to get what we want. The issues that are historic, archaic and moribund or banks that have to continue to operate in a manner that only speaks to the formal sector that is rather – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. DZIVA): Order Hon.
Members. I have appealed for this; you must lower your voices and when you want to fidget and laugh you go to the lobby please.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I congratulate you for asking them to fidget silently. The issues to do with the banks, they should be an SME desk in every bank to promote SME utilising low interest rate loans so that we realise that our economy can only come up if we support the SME sector. The issue that was alluded to by Hon.
Chidhakwa that speaks to revitalization of the economy by engaging our SMEs in the infrastructural development and public works programmes of this nation. This should not be underestimated; it should not be undermined because our economy is skewed to the tune of 80% towards the informal sector. Let us now formalise the informal sector, thereby also elongating or expanding the tax base for our economy so that we can optimally and efficiently support the Minister of Finance and
Economic Development or Treasury and get back to winning ways.
They should be engaged in multinational infrastructural development projects. I speak as the Chairperson of Transport and
Infrastructure Committee. As we engage in the Beitbridge-Chirundu
Highway, the SMEs should not be undermined. When I speak of the
SMEs, I refer to those that own one or two tippers Madam Speaker
Ma’am. They should be engaged and the Government, multinationals and the main contractors should make sure that they use the SMEs as subcontracted companies.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, we should also support our SMEs by creating a department in the SME sector that speaks to private sector research development and in particular those that are in the rural areas so that they know how they can conduct their businesses through ICT and modern day technology.
I need to speak of the revitalisation of entities such as ZISCO Steel and David Whitehead. The Minister of Finance has already spoken about the support that he is giving to the cotton industry sector where he is giving three seasons full of support for free in order to revitalise the textile industry headed by David Whitehead. This industry cannot be resuscitated Madam Speaker Ma’am, if we ignore the SME sector who are currently engaged in agricultural development of our cotton.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, the issue of resuscitation of ZISCO Steel, utilising our SMEs can also revitalise our National Railways of
Zimbabwe (NRZ) that used to transport 19 million tonnes at its peak, but is currently transporting 3 million tonnes. If we revitalise ZISCO Steel using both our chrome and red-cliff, red-cliff in the context of its meaning, we are now skewing up the economy towards the formal sector. So the informal and the SMEs sectors can be utilised to revitalise these former giants of our economy.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, the issue to do with black empowerment.
The reclamation of our identity and dignity through racial equality cannot be overemphasised, it cannot be spoken about if we continue to leave our SMEs in the fringes of the economy. The issue to do with black empowerment and the empowerment programmes spearheaded by His Excellency, the President, Cde. Robert Gabriel Mugabe, should not be underestimated. They should be complemented because if we do not complement his efforts in terms of black empowerment on land ownership, entrepreneurs and business people, our industry will still remain at 40%.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, when you talk of support to the SMEs, before independence, 35% of our black children had access to education. Now we have 91% of children who have access to education. That can all come to naught if we do not support our SMEs because our fathers and mothers are now selling tomatoes, newspapers and air time vouchers in order to get their children to school. So let us support them in their areas of operation so that we go back to our winning ways.
Before independence, we had 4% of our children accessing secondary education and now we have 65%. What we need to applaud is the support that is being given to the informal sector and the SMEs. If we do not support the SMEs, all this is going to come to naught. The STEM programme is going to come to naught and we are not going to have our children having access…
Hon. S. Chidhakwa having erroneously switched on the microphone.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Chidhakwa, why
are you using that microphone?
HON. S. CHIDHAKWA: There was an obstruction Madam
Speaker.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. As I
conclude, the issue to do with lack of access to education by our children has seen the Government of Zimbabwe introducing the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM). However, because we have challenges in our economy, the Government is unable to play its part of the bargain in terms of capacitating that programme. The part is being capacitated by the SMEs, lest we forget. It is capacitated by those mothers and fathers who are selling at the market. They are involved in low cost housing in the locations.
As we debate this, we should know that a lot of programmes can come to naught if we do not have deliberate policies to empower the SMEs. The Affirmative Action policies have also seen a growing number of empowerment in the SMEs sector. I also need to let you know that Affirmative Action has also seen a number of women
Parliamentarians coming to Parliament. We have now grown up to 35% Madam Speaker and above the SADC barometer. This is because we have acceded to affirmative action as a nation. So, let us make sure that we continue this affirmative action…
Hon. Nduna having been addressing the Gallery.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Nduna, address the
Chair.
HON. NDUNA: Madam Speaker, it is not that I have been ignoring you, sometimes I get carried away, but going forward, I want to only concentrate on you Madam Chair, you alone. I touched on the Affirmative Action that has seen us grow to the tune of 35% of women representation in this Parliament as enshrined in our Constitution.
We have a lot of things in our Constitution that we are currently unable as a nation to adhere to. A country is measured by the way it upholds its Constitution. The Minister of Finance has come here several times on the issue to do with devolution of power; we cannot build and empower those councils because we have no capacity because we are financially crippled.
However, what I want to say is that; if we cannot adhere to our own Constitution, we still have the right to change it until such a time when we have the resources to empower those sectors Madam Speaker
Ma’am. As I conclude, the issue to do with empowerment of the SMEs also speaks to the increased access to the health care. If we empower those people, they will be able to pay for their own health upkeep. We have done well as a nation in that regard, so let us not draw back our efforts by not empowering and resourcing the SMEs. I thank you
Madam Speaker Ma’am.
*HON. MASHAYAMOMBE: Thank you Madam Speaker. I rise
to support the report on SMEs. Here in Harare, SMEs are helping our economy to grow in Harare because of the good work that they are doing. Firstly, I want to talk about financing SMEs, yes the Government is giving them some loans through SEDCO but the funds are very little. We are appealing to the Government to empower SEDCO by funding them so that our SMEs in Harare find somewhere to get loans from.
Most of the people who are engaged in SMEs do not have collateral security to borrow money from banks. So, SEDCO has got flexible terms which will enable SMEs to get funds. These SMEs also needs machinery to use in order to improve their business. We also appeal to the Zimbabwean based banks that they should put better terms that will help the SMEs to borrow money from them. Most of these banks support only big companies since they have collateral security.
I would also want to plead with the Government to support the SMEs by allocating them better places to work from. If you look at the new complex along Simon Mazorodze, it is a very good and convenient for business. So, we could have many business complexes like that one, many of these SMEs will have somewhere to work from. In Harare, it is difficult to get a good place to do your small business; if you walk along Robert Mugabe and Cameron Street, they are very congested because that is where people are selling their wares. We want the City of Harare to relocate these people to good places where they can work from without disturbing those going to and from work.
Some of the rentals that are being charged to these SMEs are very exorbitant, so most of them cannot continue doing their activities because most of their profits are chewed by rentals. So, if they are allocated reasonable places to rent, I am sure they will get better profit and buy machines to enhance their business.
SMEs in Harare are the ones holding our economy, so they should really pay their taxes. The Government has to put in place laws that enforce SMEs to pay taxes since they have become so many in Harare doing business. If you go to Siyaso, Mupedzanhamo, even in Area Eight in Glenview, you find out that there are expensive vehicles parked there yet they are not paying any taxes when they are getting a lot of money compared to those who are in the formal sector. So, I think there should be laws in place so that everyone should pay tax in Zimbabwe in order for our Civil Servants to get paid.
I think we should desist from calling these SMEs, they should grow and participate in the area of production because if we only have SMEs who are vending, our economy will not grow. So, the
Government and local authorities should put laws that support SMEs to grow. If a person was doing a backyard business, after two or three years, they should be able to own their own companies. These will help even those who want to do apprenticeship and those who are learning from them, will have something to aspire. So, our laws should encourage our people to do businesses.
Madam Speaker, our country will only go forward if all of us are doing something gainfully. When it comes to the issue of entrepreneurship, it is very important in a nation, people should learn about how to run business. People need to know how to conduct business, even as Members of Parliament, we should have our own business so that when we come here, we should be able to know how to run a business. This will help us even when debating issues like these; at least we will be using personal examples like Hon. Dorcas Sibanda who is engaged in quail farming. We should keep supporting such things, even the people that we represent, will learn from us…
HON. D. SIBANDA: On a point of order! Madam Speaker, what the Hon. Member is saying, is being captured in the Hansard, so I would like him to withdraw that statement because I have never sold zviuta.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I would like to advise you
Members of Parliament that you should always behave when you are in the House. The language that you use, the comments that you pass can also end up destroying your integrity. I am the Chair, and have also heard Hon. D. Sibanda saying that there are other people that are doing zviuta. Hon. Mashayamombe responded yet you are not allowed to respond to Members that are seated and she is also not allowed to pass any comments. So, I would like you Hon. Members to behave in the House and avoid such embarrassment. So, Hon. Mashayamombe can you withdraw that she does zviuta business?
*HON. MASHAYAMOMBE: Thank you Madam Speaker. I
withdraw the words that I have spoken of the quail business which I said Hon. Dorcas is engaged in. Thank you.
However, I was referring to us as Members of Parliament that it is very important for us to be entrepreneurs because this will help us, even to know the environment out there. We start as SMEs and then grow into big companies. SMEs provide a lot of employment in Zimbabwe, so if all of us as MPs support SMEs, it will be good because most of our relatives are engaged in SMEs business. I thank you Madam Speaker.
*HON. CHITURA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I thank the Hon.
Members who presented this motion, Hon. Munengami seconded by Hon. Chidhakwa. The debate on SMEs is a very important one because even in rural areas, people are indulging in SMEs. If you are living a docile life you are frowned upon by the people. They believe as a small scale farmer you should be selling tomatoes, potatoes; but what hurts most is that when these people come from the rural areas, they come to sell their produce in the cities. Local authorities and security officers are at war with these people and they confiscate their goods yet the peasant farmer will be trying to irk out a living for the benefit of his family.
At the moment, we have some peasant farmers who have now engaged in harvesting thatch grass and sell for a living. We have the middle man who intercepts these people and take advantage of the ignorance of them; they benefit more than the farmers. As a result, I am calling for education on running small businesses so that people are not taken advantage of by the small scale farmers. I am now asking and pleading with Government to put aside some funds to assist the SMEs so that they may engage in small businesses to irk out a living for the benefit of their families and the nation. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
HON. RUNGANI: Madam Speaker, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. KWARAMBA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 16th August, 2016.
MOTION
FIRST REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON
MEDIA, INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES
ON ZIMBABWE DIGITAL BROADCASTING MIGRATION
PROJECT
HON. DHEWA: I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the First Report of the Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services on Zimbabwe Digital
Broadcasting Migration Project.
HON. MUKWENA: I second.
HON. DHEWA:
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Broadcasting as an industry and as a practice is an integral mechanism for the promotion of freedom of expression and access to information by members of the public. The broadcasting industry plays a crucial role in economic development through creation of employment opportunities. The broadcasting industry is critical in developing artistic talent and showcasing a nation’s culture and traditions to the world. In an effort to improve the broadcasting environment, the Government is implementing the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project (ZDBMP), aimed at replacing the current analogue television broadcasting system to the new digital broadcasting platform in line with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) requirements. During the Official Opening of the 3rd Session of the 8th Parliament, the President, His Excellency, Cde R. G Mugabe indicated that Government has embarked on a US$125 million digitalization programme. In addition, the 2016 National Budget Statement emphasised the importance of the project by noting that the Broadcasting Authority of
Zimbabwe (BAZ) had earmarked US$132 million from the Broadcasting
Fund for this purpose. Pursuant to its oversight function, the Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services resolved to conduct an inquiry into the progress made towards the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project. This report also follows the
Committee's First Report on “Alignment of media laws and progress made towards fulfillment of digitalization” which was produced in the 1st Session of the 8th Parliament.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
The Committee was guided by the following objectives; viii. To track and monitor progress towards fulfillment of the
Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project; ix. To evaluate value for money with regard to the work on the ground;
- Identify challenges and prospects on both legislation and policy and; xi. Offer recommendations for improvements.
3.0 METHODOLOGY
The Committee employed the following strategies in its inquiry;
3.1 Oral evidence sessions.
The Committee conducted an oral evidence session with the
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Mr. G. Charamba. The Committee was updated on the progress made regarding television digitalization programme as well as the Ministry's efforts on aligning media laws with the
Constitution. The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting
Services establish a Steering Committee comprises of Transmedia,
Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) and Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) with BAZ acting as the head of the project, to manage the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project. The Committee also received oral presentation from the Steering Committee and was updated on the work on the ground regarding the engineering aspect of the digitalization programme. In addition, the Committee received written submissions from the
Permanent Secretary.
3.2 Study Tours
In a bid to assess the nation's preparedness and in an effort to appreciate and understand the television digitalization programme, the Committee conducted a familiarization tour of ZBC studios and transmitters. The visit was conducted from the 11th - 17th of April 2016. The visit proved to be of value as the Committee received hands on information.
4.0 COMMITTEE'S FINDINGS.
4.1 The Permanent Secretary for Information, Media and
Broadcasting Services. Mr. G. Charamba.
4.1.1 In his presentation before the Committee, Mr. Charamba highlighted that the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting was alive to the need to align media laws with the Constitution.
Currently, the Ministry administers two statutes; the Broadcasting
Services Act and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The two pieces of legislation need to be reviewed due to new and emerging matters such as; the new Constitution, development in the broadcasting and print sectors since the promulgation of the laws, the macro-technological developments since 2000, the general expectations of the populace and the goals of the country.
4.1.2 He articulated that the Ministry used to be occupied with the engineering aspect of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Digital Migration Project. However, the country was slowly passing the engineering aspect and concerns are now on content production. Zimbabwe has chosen the (High Definition) HD as compared to the SD, hence 12 channels will be available after completion of the project. A SADC meeting in Windhoek, Namibia on digitalisation raised the issue of content production as a major challenge. Zimbabwe produced and shared its content production strategy which was adopted by the region. A content strategy should be versatile enough to fill all the platforms.
4.1.3 The Permanent Secretary explained that in the era of digitalization, the broadcasting sector needs the “Content Law” which in jurisdiction is called the “Film Act” or “World Vision Act”. The law would deal with matters of content, build institutions, deal with interface between content producers and content users, provides for conflict resolutions, deal with rights and obligations, royalty, intellectual properties and other related rights. Zimbabwe therefore, should be a content producer as well as protects the content and be able to market and create profits on the global scale.
4.1.4 It was also reported that the Ministry had already started to engage content producers throughout the country in anticipation of the completion of the digitalization programme.
4.1.5 After completion of the Information and Media Panel of Inquiry (IMPI) process, the Permanent Secretary indicated that the Ministry was working tirelessly to host a multi-stakeholders conference, to deliberate on the IMPI outcomes and recommendations. The conference resolutions would then be developed into policy and legislation.
4.2 UPDATE OF THE DIGITALISATION PROGRAMME.
4.2.1 The Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project is funded by the Government of Zimbabwe to the tune of about $172, 950
- This is broken down as follows;
ITEM | COSTS |
1. Equipment | 2. US$94 000 000 |
3. Services | 4. US$31 000 000 |
5. Civil Works +Set Top Boxes | 6. US$47 950 068 |
Total | 7. US$172 950 068 |
4.2.2 Fund Utilization: Payments to the Contractor.
4.2.2.1 Government contracted Huawei International to carry out the digitalization project at a cost of US$125 000 000 broken down as follows: US$94 000 000 for equipment; and US$31 000 000 for services. From these figures, disbursements to date are US$22 655
420.86 for equipment and services, including 10% advance payment. Equipment worth about US$17.3 million has been received. The equipment includes the following: Head- end equipment; Satellite
Uplink equipment; power systems for Head End, Satellite Uplink; Pockets Hill and transmitter sites; transmitter equipment and antenna systems for 8 sites; transmitter satellite receiver equipment; Regulatory Content Monitoring equipment; 6 new tower material; Pockets Hill equipment for 2 studios; Master Control Room and Play-out Systems; and 500 test Set Top Boxes. Equipment worth about US$16 million is ready for shipment pending pre – shipment payment. However, outstanding payments to Huawei to date is about US$19 million for both equipment and services.
4.2.3 Civil Works.
4.2.3.1 Payments relating to civil works amounted to US$5 144 474.37. These civil works include development of access roads to new transmitter sites. It was reported that construction of Chimanimani equipment room and electrification has been completed. In addition, 7 out of 8 transmitter room expansions have been completed at the following sites: Mutare, Nyanga, Kamativi, Kenmaur, Rutenga, Mount Darwin and Karoi. All 6 existing transmitter site antenna and de- installation are completed for Kamativi, Kenmaur, Mutare, Masvingo,
Harare and Bulawayo. Repair of 7 transmitter towers were completed for
Pocket Hills, Bulawayo, Kadoma, Masvingo, Chimanimani,
Mutorashanga and Gokwe. Tower inspection is currently being carried out to check completeness of repair work.
4.2.4 Progress on New Transmitter Sites Civil Works (access roads and tower foundation).
4.2.4.1 The Committee was well informed that 13 out of 15 civil works on new transmitter sites civil works (access road) were completed. Tower foundation works commenced on 16 transmitter sites. Four of the sites (Kotwa, Binga, Hwange and Bindura) have tower foundations ready for tower construction.
Head- end and satellite Uplink terminal civil works.
4.2.4.2 Satellite Uplink civil works was reported to have been completed. Furthermore, the Head- end equipment room renovations was also completed. Satellite capacity for initial signal distribution was secured from satellite provider Eutelsat and US$893 592 initial annual licence fees had been paid.
4.2.4.3 Equipment installation.
The Head- end equipment had been installed at Pockets Hill. The satellite Uplink equipment installation has also been completed. Power system installation for Head-end and satellite uplink completed.
Installation of two digital television studios, Master Control Room , Play- out system completed at Pockets Hill done as well as installation of the first batch of five digital transmitter sites, namely Kamativi, Kenmaur, Mutare, Nyanga and Susamoya has been completed (transmitter equipment, antenna systems, power systems, cooling systems and satellite receiver equipment has been installed). Installation of the second batch of 7 digital transmitters has commenced with the Harare site already completed, for the remaining 6 sites (Bulawayo, Kadoma, Mutorashanga, Gokwe, and Chimanimani) equipment delivery has been stalled by outstanding payments to the contractor.
4.2.5 Engineer Training.
Thirty three graduate engineers commenced attachment on the ZDBMP from June 2015, bringing to a total of 46 engineers on the digitalization project. Orientation lessons, lectures on satellite systems, installation attachments and formal training on equipment operation and maintenance has been and is being provided to the graduate engineers.
4.2.6 Content Production (supply of content to the digital platform).
4.2.6.1. It was reported that once the digitalization programme is fully completed, the demand for local content would be enormous. With six channels available, ZBC alone will require 144 hours per day, which translates to 1008 hours per week, 4032 hours per month and 48384 hours per year. In order to stipulate and supply content to the digital platform, the Ministry has embarked on a vigorous outreach campaign to rope in independent content producers. In order to assist these independent producers, the Ministry is in the process of renovating production studios at Production Services and equipping them with state of the art equipment. In addition, production equipment will be availed to the producers not only here in Harare, but also in the other provincial capitals.
4.2.6.2 A Content Commissioning Committee has been created to assess content production proposals and requirements for access to production equipment and facilities by content creators. The Committee has already worked on the applicable frameworks for access to equipment and the criteria for assessing proposals. The Committee has started its work in assessing over seventy proposals that have been submitted so far, with priority being placed on content that is easy to produce. So far three production teams are in the field producing content.
4.2.7 Outstanding payment of about $19 million for the acquisition of Set Top Boxes and other equipment has stalled the progress.
4.3 DIGITALISATION TOUR: Pocket Hills.
4.3.1 The Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services conducted a familiarization tour in a bid to assess the nation's preparedness towards fulfillment of the television digitization programme. The Committee had a chance to tour the ZBC, Pockets Hill where civil works have been completed as well as modernization of the studios. Five cameras, high efficiency LED lights which are remote controlled for brightness and controlled manually for movement had been installed in the studios. All the studios were reported to be ready for use.
4.3.2 Master Control Room, Satellite Uplink, The Head- End and Power Rooms.
The Committee also has an opportunity to visit the Master Control Room. The Master Control Room receives signals for internal and external studios. The play out system has six high definition televisions that are used for monitoring, play out and signaling. The power room consists of back up batteries and the Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) which lasts for more than 24 hours. The Head End section consists of a 250 KVA power system generator which carries 2000 litres of petrol. It is an Automatic Voltage System (AVS) and has Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS). The Satellite Uplink system is installed and operational.
4.3.3 Kotwa Transmitter Site, Mudzi.
4.3.4.1 The Committee visited Kotwa transmitter site which is still under construction although the foundation and the first diamond had been completed. Civil works had also been completed by the District Development Fund who was contracted to do the roads. The Committee was informed that Kotwa is one of the twenty-four new sites. Kotwa provides coverage to Mudzi, an area that never received TV or radio signals. In addition to Mudzi, the coverage is expected to go as far as
Pungwe, Kotwa, Nyamapanda and Chikoze areas. The Committee was also informed that all the new sites are areas which never had any signal before. Kotwa site is still under construction and the villagers relied on broadcasting services from Mozambique.
4.3.4.2 The challenges raised by the Steering Committee included the problem of transportation of heavy materials due to the terrain of the area as well as lack of space to store materials. Materials to fully complete the tower were reported to be held in Germany due to delayed payments.
4.3.4 Cecil Kopje Transmitter Site, Mutare.
On the 12th of April 2016, the Committee visited Cecil Kopje transmitter site in Mutare. Before the site visit, Transmedia hosted the
Committee to a demonstration of digital broadcasting at Amber Hotel. The Committee managed to watch the new ZBC channels that are ready to broadcast on a digital platform. In essence, Mutare community is ready to receive digital broadcasting. The demonstration showed that there is high quality signal as it stood at above 60%. The picture quality was perfect as it was at 100%. Members were informed that Cecil Kopje tower is completed with full installation of antennas.
The Committee was also informed that research was being done by the local engineers, in a bid to design low cost home aerial. It also emerged during discussions that flat screens are analogue sets hence they also need Set Top Boxes. The Committee then proceeded to the Cecil Kopje site where members were informed that Cecil Kopje tower was completed with full installation of antenna. Installed on the place is the downlink dish and antenna panels, and the tower is 120m height. The site also has an appropriate warehouse, fully equipped and security provided.
4.3.5 Mashava Transmitter Sitem Mashava.
From Mutare, the Committee proceeded to Mashava. It emerged that Mashava is one of the twenty-four new sites, and one of the fifteen currently under work in progress. The Mashava tower will be expected to cover areas such as Chivi, Masvingo, Shurugwi, Mashava, a 40 to 60km radius coverage. At the time of the visit, the constructor was still excavating and putting in steel reinforcements. Authorization was granted to power the concrete and construction was expected to start after 1 and half month. Civil works had also been completed by the
DDF.
4.3.6 Zvishavane Transmitter Site, Zvishavane.
The Committee proceeded to the Zvishavane site which is at the same stage as with Mashava. Zvishavane site covers areas such as Filabusi, Mashava, and Shurugwi. Construction of the foundation had been completed and inspected. Therefore, the Contractor was expected to resume construction of the tower after 1 and half month.
4.3.7 Montrose Studio, Bulawayo.
The Committee also toured the Montrose Studios in Bulawayo, which is the regional station that mainly caters for the Matebeleland
Province. It was reported that Montrose studios beginning Sunday the 17th of April 2016, would broadcast Indaba from Montrose. There are two new radio studios at Montrose. The Montrose transmitter tower has been repaired and was ready for the installation of antennas. The Committee further toured the control room and were informed that the floors need to be raised so as to install cables underneath. The two main television studio rooms were still under refurbishment.
The studios were simply being restructured to suit the digital studio. The equipment room was completed and ready to house equipment, however the said equipment is the one still being held in Germany. The Committee further toured radio stations that have been meticulous refurbished. The new radio station (Radio 4) will broadcast all the 16 languages, including Khoi San, Tswana and Ndau just to mention a few in line with the requirements of the Constitution. One studio was designed to be a multi-purpose and can be used for both radio and TV.
4.3.8 Kenmour Transmitter Site, Kenmour.
Kenmour Transmitter Site is one of the newly constructed sites and covers a formerly disadvantaged area of Lupane, as television has never been transmitted in the area. Before the Committee toured the transmission site, it was subjected to a demonstration whereby the engineers proved beyond doubt that the area is ready to receive ZBC on digital format. Kenmour is one of the 6 completed towers and can safely be reported to be digital now. During the discussions, it was suggested that a TV set and a STB be donated to the Kenmour centre and that the first set of STB be sold there so that the community has a feel of television for the first time in a long time. The Kenmour site is also identical to the other sites, that is, it has a powerhouse, transmitter and a satellite dish. Kenmour has a 60km radius and is 145m tall as it is on flat land.
4.3.10 Kamativi Transmitter Site, Kamativi.
The Committee then toured the Kamativi site where construction was completed. The Kamativi site is an existing site. The tower is 155 m high, free standing and cover areas such as Hwange, Dete, Fatima High, Binga and Manjolo a radius of 50-60km. The Kenmour site is also identical to the other sites, that is, it has a powerhouse, transmitter and a satellite dish.
4.3.11 Binga Transmitter Site, Binga.
The Committee's last point of call was Binga, the construction of the tower was still underway however, almost completed. The Binga area used to receive transmission from Kamativi. The construction process started in October with the excavation work. They chose a rocky site as it is more stable. The tower is 120m high and it took 21 working days to erect the tower. What is left now are the electronics and for civil engineers to do some checks and balances. Full completion of the tower would also be derailed due to the equipment still being held in
Germany.
5.0 COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS.
5.1 After considerations of both the oral evidence sessions and fact finding mission, the Committee made the following observations;
- Erratic or non disbursement of funds, especially the much awaited US$19 million, will stall progress and further delay the completion of the project. The Committee questions the commitment by the Ministry of Finance and Economic
Development to fund the programme.
- The Committee welcomes the subsidy of Set Top Boxes (STB) prices from US$43 to US$25, by the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services. However, the Committee notes that the price is still high and beyond the reach of most citizens.
- There is need for the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project Steering Committee to do more on awareness, to educate the citizens on the project and equipment they need to buy.
- Despite tremendous efforts on the ground to complete the project, the Committee notes that the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services has not yet questioned the continual importation of non digital television sets. This will result in Zimbabwe being the dumping ground of non digitally compliant television sets.
- The Committee noted that there are places ready to receive digital transmitter sites, such as Mutare, Kamative, Harare among others, these should be prioritized in terms of distribution of STB.
- The introduction of subscription fees present a challenge considering that most residents were used to receive ZBC signals for free for a long time. This has an effect to the citizens right to access information as enshrined in the Constitution,
Section 62.
- The Committee welcomes the training of engineers as a positive development. During tours, the graduates exhibited full understanding and appreciation of their duties and responsibilities.
- The Committee observed that the digitalization programme was once reported to be self financing through the selling of the digital dividend to the tune of US$200 million. This is far much more than the budgeted US$172 million. The Committee raised concerns that the digital dividend was bought by Telone. However, there is no explanation on the use of the money which was meant for the project.
- Injuries and one death were reported during construction of transmitter towers due to failure by contractors to adhere to safety standards.
6.0 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS.
The following are the Committee's recommendations; iii. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development should disburse US$19 million by mid August 2016, to allow for equipment held in Germany to be released and allow for progress on the ground. The project may soon be a white elephant programme, if Treasury does not give enough attention to the project.
- In addition, by end of August 2016, a disbursement plan should be negotiated and established between the Ministries of Finance and Information so as to ensure that the programme is not stalled.
- Set Top Boxes should be further subsidized to US$10 and should be sold by Transmedia at specific identified buying points in the districts to ensure availability of the equipment to the rural areas.
- Subscription fees should be US$3 per month in accordance with the KPMG Report recommendations.
- The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services should explain to the National Assembly why the money raised through digital dividend was not channelled towards the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project, a month after presentation of this report.
- The Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project Steering Committee should conduct awareness campaigns, to educate the citizens on the project and equipment that they need to buy. In addition, they should run demonstrations at various district centres by end of August.
- The Zimbabwe Digital Migration Project Steering Committee should engage Members of Parliament as a strategy to facilitate public awareness, through provision of educational materials among others.
- Transmedia should make efforts to ensure that STB are assembled locally as well as television sets that are digitally compatible.
- Areas that transmitters are ready should be prioritized for STB distribution. In addition, the Steering Committee should run demonstrations at business centres throughout the country.
- The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting
Services should gazette regulations restricting further importation on television sets that are non compatible. In addition, importation of digitally compatible television sets should be encouraged through a reduction of a duty. The 2017 National Budget should cover the above matter.
- Content producers should be allowed deferment of duty on imported operational materials or equipment as a strategy to encourage more content production.
- The Committee recommends that a programme should be developed to be able to retain the trained engineers and avoid human skills flight.
7.0 Conclusion.
Tremendous progress on the ground has been done, as quite a number of transmitter sites are almost completed. The Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project is an important national programme which will revolutionarize the broadcasting sector and bring a lot of development through employment creation. Non payment for the equipment held in Germany will further stall progress that have been witnessed. The Ministry of Finance should prioritize the funding of the project. I thank you.
THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE,
LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MUNANGAGWA): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 16th August, 2016.
TABLING OF THE 2015ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL
PROSECUTING AUTHORITY OF ZIMBABWE
THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE,
LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFIARS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): I, as the Vice President and Minister of Justice,
Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, pursuant to section 262 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, hereby lay upon the table the Annual Report for the National Prosecuting Authority for the year ending 31 December,
- I thank you.
On the motion of THE HON. VICE PRESIDENT AND
MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY
AFFAIRS (HON. MNANGAGWA), the National Assembly adjourned at Twenty Three Minutes past Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 16th
August, 2016.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 28th July, 2016
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER
VISITIORS IN THE SPEAKER’S GALLERY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have to acknowledge the
presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of students and teachers from Matilika, Primary School from Manicaland Province, you are most welcome – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
FIRST READING
LAND COMMISSION BILL [H.B. 2, 2016]
THE MINISTER OF LANDS AND RURAL
RESETTLEMENT (HON. MOMBESHORA) presented the Land
Commission Bill [H.B. 2, 2016].
Bill read the first time.
Bill referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. MATUKE: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 and
2 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. MANGAMI: 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.
HON. MATUKE: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. D. SIBANDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 16th August, 2016.
MOTION
FIRST REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SMALL
AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES AND COOPERATIVE
DEVELOPMENT ON THE OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
AND ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM
ENTERPRISES AND THE INFORMAL SECTOR IN ZIMBABWE
HON. MANGAMI: I move the motion standing in my name that;
This House takes note of the First Report of the Portfolio
Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development on the Operational Environment and Economic
Contributions of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Informal Sector in Zimbabwe.
HON. S. CHIDHAKWA: I second.
HON. MANGAMI: I am going to present the First Report of the
Portfolio Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative
Development on the Operational Environment and Economic Contributions of Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development (SMEs).
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Madam Speaker, a new economic order has emerged in Zimbabwe where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are now major players.
The 2016 National Budget Statement highlights that SMEs account for 60% of the country's labour force and contribute 50% towards the gross domestic product (GDP). In the same vein, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZIMASSET) underscores the important role played by SMEs towards employment creation and poverty reduction. Although this sector has the potential to contribute more towards the GDP, it is saddled with a number of perennial challenges associated with; financing, infrastructure, technology, management, entrepreneurial skills and marketing. The Portfolio Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development resolved to conduct an inquiry pertaining to the operational environment and economic contributions from the SMEs and the informal sector.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
Madam Speaker, your Committee used the following methods to gather information:
- Capacity building workshop with various stakeholders on the theme; Taxation and Accessibility to Financial Resources by the
SMEs and Informal Sector in Zimbabwe ii. Oral evidence from: the Minister and Officials of Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development; the
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and the Zimbabwe
Chamber of SMEs.
3.0 BACKGROUND ON THE EMERGENCE OF SMEs AND
THE INFORMAL SECTOR
Your Committee was given a historical background on the emergence of SMEs in Zimbabwe by officials from the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development. The sector emerged in the mid-1990s following the liberalisation of the economy and the introduction of the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP), which in turn led to a rise in unemployment due to company closures.
More company closures were experienced between 1997 and 2008, after the country went through severe economic pressures, characterised by hyper-inflation, leading to further job losses on the formal market. Furthermore, in the last 3 years, 55 000 people have been retrenched following the closure of about 4 000 companies due to a number of factors, which include the lack of financial resources for Re-tooling or recapitalisation. In addition, universities and tertiary institutions are churning out more than 10 000 graduates each year onto the job market.
The scarcity of jobs on the formal market has led the retrenched and unemployed to start their own enterprises as a safety net. This sector has experienced phenomenal growth, where in 1991, there were approximately 845 000 SMEs and informal traders employing about 1.5 million people and by 2012, there were over 2.8 million SMEs and informal traders employing approximately 5.7 million people, representing around 43% of the national population. (See graph below)
Graph 1: No of SMEs and Employment Levels
cope Survey 2012
SME Surveys 1998 and Finscope Survey 2012
4.0 COMMITTEE FINDINGS
4.1 Legal and Policy Framework
Madam Speaker, an SME is defined in the Small and Medium Enterprises Act [Chapter 24:12], as a legal entity and is categorised based on its annual turnover and gross value in assets. Your Committee was informed that SMEs are found in various sectors of the economy with agriculture accounting for the majority. (as shown on Table 1 below).
Table 1: Sectoral Distribution of SMEs
Sector | Percentage (%) |
Agriculture | 43 |
Wholesale and Retail | 33 |
Manufacturing | 9 |
Other Services | 7 |
Energy and Construction | 3 |
Art and Entertainment | 2 |
Transport | 1 |
Mining and Quarrying | 1 |
Tourism | 1 |
Source: 2012 Finscope Survey
More women own businesses accounting for 53% of the total SMEs. In addition, 71% of SMEs are owned by individual entrepreneurs which at times creates challenges in terms of continuity of the businesses. However, the Committee noted with concern that 85% of the SMEs are informal, hence are operating outside the laws and regulations of the country. There is no doubt that the Treasury and other revenue collecting agencies are being prejudiced by the non-remittances of taxes, levies and other charges from the sector.
Your Committee was briefed by the SME Associations on the reasons for this informality. These factors include: multiplicity of regulatory requirements for starting a business, lack of understanding of the laws governing SMEs, lack of information from Government departments and fear by SMEs that formalisation will lead to higher operational costs. Resistance to formalisation is further worsened by the relentless and forceful manner of revenue collection by the different agencies, such as; ZIMRA and local authorities. Furthermore, the
Committee was informed by the Minister of SMEs and Cooperative
Development that the country does not have a national database on SMEs that are in existence, thus making it difficult for policy makers to develop targeted sectoral policies to encourage formalisation. However, the Minister highlighted that the process of creating a national database on SMEs that are in the country is underway.
Your Committee also noted with concern that the policy and legal framework as it relates to the operations of SMEs is complex, particularly taxation laws. The majority of SMEs cannot afford to hire tax consultants. Most of the laws and policies are written in English, in terms that are not easily understood by an ordinary person. Although the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development has the responsibility to train SMEs on these policies and laws, it is heavily incapacitated due to limited financial support from the Treasury. In the 2016 National Budget allocations, the Ministry features in the bottom ten.
Madam Speaker, despite these challenges, the Committee was informed by the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development, that with the support from the World Bank, it was conducting consultative meetings with SMEs on formalising their operations. It is anticipated that this process will lead to the crafting of a Formalisation Strategy.
The Committee would encourage the Ministry of SMEs and
Cooperative Development to expedite this process for the benefit of the economy.
4.2 Infrastructural Facilities
Madam Speaker, infrastructural services are largely provided and maintained by local authorities. The Committee was informed by the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) that SMEs and the informal sector are like nomads, as they are always shifting and reconfiguring. In the process, it makes it difficult for town planners to design appropriate infrastructure and certain shelters and structures designed for SMEs have been abandoned. On the other hand, UCAZ, together with the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development acknowledged that some SME structures had been abandoned because of inappropriate location and design of the infrastructure due to lack of adequate consultations or that the structures had inadequate facilities. For instance, some SME structures in the manufacturing sector only provide working space without facilities for storage or marketing of the finished product.
To address some of these challenges, your Committee was informed that the City of Harare had entered into public-privatepartnership agreements (PPPs) where decommissioned containers and sheds will be erected to create decent workspaces for SMEs. In the same vein, Old Mutual Private Limited, plans to build state of the art infrastructure in Harare to accommodate 500 SMEs. The Committee would like to encourage all local authorities to venture into similar PPPs to facilitate the growth and development of SMEs. Regional countries, such as South Africa and Mozambique have state of the art SME structures built through PPPs. These structures attract both local and international customers.
The SME Associations informed your Committee that they were being marginalised from acquiring appropriate workspaces with a niche market in major towns in the country. The associations indicated that they would like to be accommodated in the central business district
(CBD) of major cities, in places occupied by businesses, such as OK and Pick and Pay. The Committee believes this issue can be resolved through consultations between the sector and town planners.
4.3 Tax Compliance by SMEs and Informal Traders
Madam Speaker, major tax contributions by the SMEs and informal traders are in the form of value added tax (VAT) and presumptive tax. The Committee was informed by experts from Ernst and Young that tax compliance by SMEs is made difficult by the onerous requirements from ZIMRA. For instance, a bank account is a necessity for an SME to be on the tax register, yet most SMEs do not have confidence in the banking sector. In addition, SME associations highlighted that their members are not aware of any tangible benefits of tax compliance, if anything, it is viewed as a cost burden to be avoided.
The Committee was informed by the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development that it had to intervene in some disputes where ZIMRA was charging exorbitant amounts on SMEs that were seeking to formalise their operations during the tax amnesty period. An illustrative example is an SME operator from Gweru who voluntarily approached
ZIMRA to regularise his position but was levied penalties amounting to US$87 000. This meant that the owner would not have been able to get tax clearance to continue with the business, if the Ministry had not intervened for a reduction. The Committee believes such kind of incidents discourage SMEs from formalising their operations.
Your Committee received a complaint from the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs that presumptive taxes were too high and the association questioned the rationale behind the tax thresholds. For instance, a hair saloon is required to pay US$1500 per quarter as presumptive tax, which according to the SME Association, was unreasonably high given the low profit margins in that particular business. In response, the ZIMRA Commissioner General, Mr. G. Pasi highlighted to the Committee that the levels of presumptive tax appear unreasonably high but had to be understood in the context of the transition from the Zimbabwean dollar to the multi-currency system which was received with mixed reactions by different sectors of the economy. Furthermore, SME associations informed the Committee that since the pronouncement that US$7.6 billion was circulating in the informal sector, ZIMRA had become ruthless in its revenue collection endeavors, creating more animosity between the sector and the agency.
Your Committee was informed by the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development that revenue collection is more difficult because of the physical location of most SMEs and informal traders. About 39% operate from residential premises, 22% on farms, 11% operate from door to door, 9% work in the street or pavement and only 6% operate from a traditional market. The Committee was also informed by ZIMRA that the Government was losing a lot of revenue through smuggling of cheap imports, particularly, fruits and vegetables and bales of secondhand clothing. Most of these commodities find their way onto the local markets, dominated by SMEs and informal traders, such as Mbare Musika.
4.4 Access to Financial Resources by SMEs
4.4.1 Private Sector Initiatives
Madam Speaker, your Committee had an opportunity to interact with the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe (BAZ) and SME Associations on the challenges faced and available opportunities for SMEs in accessing financial resources from the banking sector. Indications were that there are very few opportunities for SMEs and informal traders to access resources from banks. The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development highlighted that, in 2014 loans advanced to SMEs stood at 6% of the total banking loan advances. SMEs fail to access loans from banks due to a myriad of factors that include:
- Negative perceptions on the operations of the sector, with views that some of the enterprises are involved in illegal activities;
- SMEs usually require small loans which incur high transaction costs through processing, making it unsustainable for banks; iii. Banks require recognisable collateral which most SMEs fail to produce; A lot of documentation is required such as proof of residence, business address, updated books of accounts, information which is not always at the disposal of most SMEs;
- Some SMEs are unwilling to give full disclosure of their business operations in fear that the information will be sold to competitors. Consequently, banks are unwilling to provide loans to the businesses that appear hazy; vi. The maturity period for most loans is too short and the interest rates are too high. This does not give SMEs adequate time to make adequate profits to repay the loan; and vii. Banks are not readily available in the rural areas.
Your Committee noted with concern, that SMEs are excluded from the banking sector and this forces the majority of them to borrow from micro-finance institutions which charge higher interest rates than banks.
4.4.2 Funding from Government
Madam Speaker, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development
Corporation (SMEDCO) is the financial arm that provides loans to SMEs on behalf of Government. However, the parastatal is heavily incapacitated. In 2015, SMEDCO received US$150 000 out of its total allocation of US$1.9 million and in 2016, the parastatal has been allocated US$2.4 million but as at March 2016, it had not received any disbursement. In 2012, Parliament ratified a US$3 million loan agreement from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) towards re-capitalisation of SMEDCO's operations. Your Committee was informed that efforts made by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to secure the loan on three occasions had not been successful. One of the challenges encountered in securing the loan was associated with the economic sanctions imposed on the country.
5.0 COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS
5.1 The country does not have a formalisation strategy or clear incentives to motivate SMEs to formalise their operations.
5.2 There is no national database of SMEs that are currently in existence.
5.3 Most SMEs lack information on the policies, regulations and laws that govern and affect their operations.
5.4 The majority of SME structures are located on the periphery of major cities and towns.
5.5 Payment of taxes is not being linked to a realisable benefit, hence the resistance to pay taxes by SMEs.
5.6 There is a perception that tax compliance will lead to further cost burdens on SMEs.
5.7 There is inadequate training for SMEs on key issues that affect their businesses, such as record keeping, management, among others.
5.8 There is inadequate and sometimes poor infrastructure for
SMEs to produce or market their commodities.
5.9 Poor relations exist between SMEs and revenue collecting agencies, such as ZIMRA and local authorities.
5.10 SMEs are not fully recognised by the banking sector.
5.11 The closure of companies, as well as, the low capacity utilisation levels by large companies presents an opportunity for SMEs to fill the supply gap.
5.12 Lack of access to affordable capital is one of the major challenges faced by SMEs in Zimbabwe.
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development should draft a National Formalisation Strategy with clear incentives to motivate SMEs to formalise their operations by December 2016.
6.2 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development should develop a national database of SMEs that are in existence by December
2016.
6.3 The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development should unlock the BADEA loan facility of US$ 3 million which was approved by Parliament to re-capitalise SMEDCO for the provision of adequate financial resources to foster the growth and development of the SMEs sector by December 2016.
6.4 Local authorities should plough back three percent (3%) of revenue collected from the SMEs towards the development of decent workspaces and for the provision of better services to the sector.
6.5 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development, in collaboration with ZIMRA and local authorities should hold countrywide awareness programmes on tax policies, by-laws and relevant regulations at least on a yearly basis.
6.6 ZIMRA and Local Authorities should establish an SME desk in their respective institutions as a strategy of improving relations with the SME sector by October 2016.
6.7 ZIMRA should establish offices in all the districts of the country by December 2017 and should not only be visible in the districts when collecting revenue.
6.8 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development must engage the Bankers Association for it to be flexible on the types of collateral, maturity periods and interest rates on loans to suit the business models of SMEs by September 2016.
6.9 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development should liaise with banks so that they are more visible in rural areas by October 2016, for instance, in the form of mobile banks operating at given intervals or coinciding with key events in rural communities, such as the agricultural marketing seasons.
7.0 CONCLUSION
7.1 The growth and development of the SMEs sector in Zimbabwe is a dynamic process which calls for continuous review of policies and institutional frameworks to ensure optimum benefit for our economy. SMEs are here to stay and Government should find adequate space for them in all new settlements given that about 43% of the country's population is employed in the SMEs sector in the face of the ever shrinking formal sector, fueled by company closures. Other countries, such as Malaysia and India which have fully embraced this new dispensation are thriving economically, so should Zimbabwe.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER
VISITORS IN THE SPEAKER’S GALLERY
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have to acknowledge the
presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of students and teachers from Ndondo
High School from Masvingo Province. You are most welcome. – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
HON. S. CHIDHAKWA: I rise also to add my voice to this very important sector of our economy of the small to medium enterprises. It is common knowledge that our industries have closed due to several reasons, chief among them bad policies by the Government hence the creation of the SMEs which now constitute 75% of the working population in the country.
The SMEs are contributing immensely to the unemployment rate in the country because there is no industry to talk of. It must be noted that it is not everybody who is now an informal trader by design. Some are forced to be informal traders because of the harsh economic conditions in the country. There are no jobs. There are some graduates who could be employed in formal employment but they have no choice and end up being informal traders.
Inasmuch as they are contributing to the unemployment rate in the country, they are not contributing any meaningful contribution to the fiscus because of the reasons such as the conditions which are put forward by ZIMRA which are so complex that it is very difficult for most of our SMEs to understand how ZIMRA system is operating. There is need for ZIMRA to simplify their method of collecting taxes.
The other reason is that the SMEs are very nomadic and are not stationed in one place. Today, they are operating at this corner and tomorrow they are operating on the other corner which is very difficult for the revenue collection officers to track them. One other reason why these informal traders are so nomadic is that they do not have enough infrastructures. The local authorities are not putting adequate infrastructure for all the SMEs to operate from. If there are, some are built in very unfavourable areas where they cannot access the market and as a result, they are shunning to operate from those areas. Those are some of the challenges that these SMEs are facing hence they are failing to contribute meaningfully to the fiscus.
However, if these people are properly organized, the country can benefit much by way of taxes from these SMEs since there is no industry to talk of. These people are facing so many challenges. Some of the challenges have been mentioned in the report and it is very difficult for the SMEs to access any funding from the financial institutions because the conditions are that they have to provide title deeds which they do not have and like I said, most of them are operating from leasing structures from the council. They do not have their own properties which they will have title deeds to surrender to the banks. Also, there is a need for a paradigm shift from the local authorities to allocate those who are capable to put on their own structures to operate from so that at the end of the day, they will be able to get some title deeds which they will intend to use to access funds from the banks.
Madam Speaker, other challenge which these people are facing is security. From where they are operating, at any given time, they are raided by the police. It is either the municipal police or the ZRP and their wares are confiscated. The mystery there is once these wares are taken, they are not accounted for. Sometimes we hear that they are donated at rallies and so on. Hence, this is hindering the SMES to grow. We must also understand that these people are operating with very little or very small capital. So, once they lose that capital, it is very difficult for them to rebuild so that they can continue. Again, it is our suggestion that once these wares are confiscated, they must be returned to the owners. Who is benefitting from these things?
The other challenge which the SMEs are facing is corruption. If we are really serious and want to grow the SMEs as our only option left in the country since the industries are closed, we have to deal with the issues of corruption. Most of these Government institutions are actually favouring big established companies in awarding them tenders because they are getting some kick backs from those companies, in the process, they are depriving the SMEs.
You would find that those big companies are being supplied by people who are operating from the SMEs those products which they will be using on those tenders which they will have secured from the Government. So, it is a matter of saying the Government has not put in place some methods which will enable the SMEs to be able to also win some of the tenders if we want to grow these people. There is no way the SMEs are going to grow when we are denying them the opportunities to participate in bigger contracts.
The infrastructure, Madam Speaker – most of the infrastructure which these people are operating from are substandard. In some instances there is no water, there are not enough toilets. How would we expect people to be serious business people when they are operating from such conditions? During the rainy season, some of the infrastructure does not have enough shelter to protect their wares. We had an opportunity of visiting some of the places. It is deplorable.
There are no roads to access where they are operating from.
Also in some of these places, there are people who are called touts. I do not know, probably some other Hon. Members who are operating some taxis here might know this word. These are the people who were told they are running - like the fronts of the people who are operating business. In actual fact, these people are working for other people who are in authority, who are in power. They are collecting money and remitting that money to some other people.
To our surprise, the council authorities seem not to have the power to evict these people. They are not operating at night, they are operating during the day time and it is known they are operating illegally, but no one is making an effort to try and remove them. So instead, these are the people who are benefiting from where they did not sow because they are actually charging more money than the operator and they are getting much more profit. They are not paying any rent, they do not pay any wages, but the person who is making these products is the one who is suffering. He is not making a meaningful margin in terms of profit. So, it is another concern that we are appealing to the powers that be, to look into this issue seriously if we would want to protect the SMEs.
I talked, Madam Speaker, earlier on on infrastructure. Although the municipality has entered into some PPs with the private sector, you also find the people who will benefit from those structures at the end of the day, are not exactly SMEs. They are what they are calling space barons. There are other big people who are in authority, who are in power, who run in front and grab those shelters and then in turn, they lease to the SMEs. This is the corruption that I have been referring to.
So, it is another concern that if this is not corrected, even if the local authorities are saying that the SMEs are given those shelters on temporary basis, in other words, it is a place where they must operate maybe for a period of three or so years. From there, they must graduate to be able to go into the formal sector, but it will not be possible because they will be paying very difficult rates. They will be paying to the space barons and they will be paying to the local authorities and the profit that they will remain with will be very little. So, that has to be corrected.
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, the Government has got to move in to protect the SMEs in terms of where they must be operating from, in terms of the corruption, the hurdles that they are facing in accessing the products, the hurdles that they are facing maybe in accessing the tenders which are offered by the Government institutions for them to be able to grow. This is my recommendation. Thank you Madam Speaker. I rest my case.
*HON. MANGWENDE: Thank you Madam Speaker. I am
grateful to Hon. Mangami and Hon. Chidhakwa for raising this motion on SMEs. As some of the people who reside in the city of Harare, we are benefiting a lot from the SMEs. We have been indigenised through them. We have SMEs complexes at Mupedzanhamo, Siyaso other market places in Harare. These market places have led to the economic growth of Harare. We are appealing to the City of Harare to fully shoulder its responsibility because in some of these areas where SMEs are operating from there are no toilets. The SMEs are an essential part of our economic development and therefore, the local authorities, not only in Harare but in other areas give priority to these SMEs.
If you move around in different areas, the furniture which you see is manufactured here in Harare. The President, His Excellency, Cde R. G. Mugabe is also aware of the existence of the Glen View Furniture
Complex which has a lot of expertise and well manufactured products. We wish that the City Councils or local authorities would take care of these places and keep them clean and maintain the standards of hygiene. SMEs are taking care of the people who were retrenched. We have 53% of women who are getting a lot of assistance from participating in these SMEs and they are able to take care of their families, sending children to school and feeding them. A lot of people are benefiting from these SMEs because of unemployment in the country. I thank you.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I want to add my voice to the report from our Committee on SMEs that was presented here by Hon. Mangami and seconded by Hon. Chidhakwa. I want to say that report was pregnant with a lot of information that if the Executive, Government and quasi Government departments followed and if the society of Zimbabwe followed, we would be able to make sure that our economy gets boosted using the informal sector as a springboard for our economic emancipation.
Madam Speaker, I need to hasten to say the SME where the artisanal miners are embedded is very key and the policies that were requested for establishment in this House by this Committee should be followed to the letter and they should also involve policies that make sure that our gold sector, headed in the informal sector by artisanal miners is purely and completely emancipated and optimally resourced so that we can as a nation be emancipated in our economic operations. Gold is the only tradable commodity as we speak. We have no currency of our own in Zimbabwe. If we utilize that gold which is coming out to the tune of US$684m per annum as alluded to in this monetary statement by the RBZ Governor Mr. Mangudya.
If we make sure that we support that SME, that sector which is informal, in order to make sure we formalize it for the good of the economy, we are doing ourselves a good service in Zimbabwe. I will move away from the issue to do with the only tradable commodity which is gold.
Madam Speaker, if we are to resuscitate the industry in Zimbabwe; we must utilise the SMEs, the informal sector as the springboard for the resuscitation of this industry. Our industry currently is operating below 40%. I should hasten to say this is the formal way of doing things that was ingrained in our minds and hearts by those that had the power before the black majority came to rule in this country; before total emancipation of the black formerly marginalized majority. The issue to do with the big industries is what we know, is what we were taught to know, is what we grew up knowing but now the industry is skewed towards that informal sector which is under the Small to Medium
Enterprises. It is now time to capacitate those SMEs, to capacitate them firstly in terms of policy and secondly in terms of resources so that we can use them as a springboard to resuscitate our industry.
With regards to the resuscitation of our agricultural sector, we should not look any further than the informal sector. He who is selling the tomatoes both in the rural areas and in our towns, we need to see how we can promote their operation by beneficiating what it is that they are creating or what it is that they are producing, in particular, tomatoes. I will give you an example in Chegutu West constituency in particular and Zimbabwe in general, they used to be a place called Bon Zim or Cane Pack which used to can tomatoes.
Madam Speaker, that place is closed and what it is that we are supposed to be doing is to make sure that we group all those tomatoes in the informal sector and re-open these canning factories. So, it is revitalization of our agricultural sector to return Zimbabwe to its bread basket status from a basket case.
The third one will be the low interest loans to our SMEs and our businesses. Let us make sure that we utilise what we have to get what we want. The issues that are historic, archaic and moribund or banks that have to continue to operate in a manner that only speaks to the formal sector that is rather – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. DZIVA): Order Hon.
Members. I have appealed for this; you must lower your voices and when you want to fidget and laugh you go to the lobby please.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I congratulate you for asking them to fidget silently. The issues to do with the banks, they should be an SME desk in every bank to promote SME utilising low interest rate loans so that we realise that our economy can only come up if we support the SME sector. The issue that was alluded to by Hon.
Chidhakwa that speaks to revitalization of the economy by engaging our SMEs in the infrastructural development and public works programmes of this nation. This should not be underestimated; it should not be undermined because our economy is skewed to the tune of 80% towards the informal sector. Let us now formalise the informal sector, thereby also elongating or expanding the tax base for our economy so that we can optimally and efficiently support the Minister of Finance and
Economic Development or Treasury and get back to winning ways.
They should be engaged in multinational infrastructural development projects. I speak as the Chairperson of Transport and
Infrastructure Committee. As we engage in the Beitbridge-Chirundu
Highway, the SMEs should not be undermined. When I speak of the
SMEs, I refer to those that own one or two tippers Madam Speaker
Ma’am. They should be engaged and the Government, multinationals and the main contractors should make sure that they use the SMEs as subcontracted companies.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, we should also support our SMEs by creating a department in the SME sector that speaks to private sector research development and in particular those that are in the rural areas so that they know how they can conduct their businesses through ICT and modern day technology.
I need to speak of the revitalisation of entities such as ZISCO Steel and David Whitehead. The Minister of Finance has already spoken about the support that he is giving to the cotton industry sector where he is giving three seasons full of support for free in order to revitalise the textile industry headed by David Whitehead. This industry cannot be resuscitated Madam Speaker Ma’am, if we ignore the SME sector who are currently engaged in agricultural development of our cotton.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, the issue of resuscitation of ZISCO Steel, utilising our SMEs can also revitalise our National Railways of
Zimbabwe (NRZ) that used to transport 19 million tonnes at its peak, but is currently transporting 3 million tonnes. If we revitalise ZISCO Steel using both our chrome and red-cliff, red-cliff in the context of its meaning, we are now skewing up the economy towards the formal sector. So the informal and the SMEs sectors can be utilised to revitalise these former giants of our economy.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, the issue to do with black empowerment.
The reclamation of our identity and dignity through racial equality cannot be overemphasised, it cannot be spoken about if we continue to leave our SMEs in the fringes of the economy. The issue to do with black empowerment and the empowerment programmes spearheaded by His Excellency, the President, Cde. Robert Gabriel Mugabe, should not be underestimated. They should be complemented because if we do not complement his efforts in terms of black empowerment on land ownership, entrepreneurs and business people, our industry will still remain at 40%.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, when you talk of support to the SMEs, before independence, 35% of our black children had access to education. Now we have 91% of children who have access to education. That can all come to naught if we do not support our SMEs because our fathers and mothers are now selling tomatoes, newspapers and air time vouchers in order to get their children to school. So let us support them in their areas of operation so that we go back to our winning ways.
Before independence, we had 4% of our children accessing secondary education and now we have 65%. What we need to applaud is the support that is being given to the informal sector and the SMEs. If we do not support the SMEs, all this is going to come to naught. The STEM programme is going to come to naught and we are not going to have our children having access…
Hon. S. Chidhakwa having erroneously switched on the microphone.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Chidhakwa, why
are you using that microphone?
HON. S. CHIDHAKWA: There was an obstruction Madam
Speaker.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. As I
conclude, the issue to do with lack of access to education by our children has seen the Government of Zimbabwe introducing the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM). However, because we have challenges in our economy, the Government is unable to play its part of the bargain in terms of capacitating that programme. The part is being capacitated by the SMEs, lest we forget. It is capacitated by those mothers and fathers who are selling at the market. They are involved in low cost housing in the locations.
As we debate this, we should know that a lot of programmes can come to naught if we do not have deliberate policies to empower the SMEs. The Affirmative Action policies have also seen a growing number of empowerment in the SMEs sector. I also need to let you know that Affirmative Action has also seen a number of women
Parliamentarians coming to Parliament. We have now grown up to 35% Madam Speaker and above the SADC barometer. This is because we have acceded to affirmative action as a nation. So, let us make sure that we continue this affirmative action…
Hon. Nduna having been addressing the Gallery.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Nduna, address the
Chair.
HON. NDUNA: Madam Speaker, it is not that I have been ignoring you, sometimes I get carried away, but going forward, I want to only concentrate on you Madam Chair, you alone. I touched on the Affirmative Action that has seen us grow to the tune of 35% of women representation in this Parliament as enshrined in our Constitution.
We have a lot of things in our Constitution that we are currently unable as a nation to adhere to. A country is measured by the way it upholds its Constitution. The Minister of Finance has come here several times on the issue to do with devolution of power; we cannot build and empower those councils because we have no capacity because we are financially crippled.
However, what I want to say is that; if we cannot adhere to our own Constitution, we still have the right to change it until such a time when we have the resources to empower those sectors Madam Speaker
Ma’am. As I conclude, the issue to do with empowerment of the SMEs also speaks to the increased access to the health care. If we empower those people, they will be able to pay for their own health upkeep. We have done well as a nation in that regard, so let us not draw back our efforts by not empowering and resourcing the SMEs. I thank you
Madam Speaker Ma’am.
*HON. MASHAYAMOMBE: Thank you Madam Speaker. I rise
to support the report on SMEs. Here in Harare, SMEs are helping our economy to grow in Harare because of the good work that they are doing. Firstly, I want to talk about financing SMEs, yes the Government is giving them some loans through SEDCO but the funds are very little. We are appealing to the Government to empower SEDCO by funding them so that our SMEs in Harare find somewhere to get loans from.
Most of the people who are engaged in SMEs do not have collateral security to borrow money from banks. So, SEDCO has got flexible terms which will enable SMEs to get funds. These SMEs also needs machinery to use in order to improve their business. We also appeal to the Zimbabwean based banks that they should put better terms that will help the SMEs to borrow money from them. Most of these banks support only big companies since they have collateral security.
I would also want to plead with the Government to support the SMEs by allocating them better places to work from. If you look at the new complex along Simon Mazorodze, it is a very good and convenient for business. So, we could have many business complexes like that one, many of these SMEs will have somewhere to work from. In Harare, it is difficult to get a good place to do your small business; if you walk along Robert Mugabe and Cameron Street, they are very congested because that is where people are selling their wares. We want the City of Harare to relocate these people to good places where they can work from without disturbing those going to and from work.
Some of the rentals that are being charged to these SMEs are very exorbitant, so most of them cannot continue doing their activities because most of their profits are chewed by rentals. So, if they are allocated reasonable places to rent, I am sure they will get better profit and buy machines to enhance their business.
SMEs in Harare are the ones holding our economy, so they should really pay their taxes. The Government has to put in place laws that enforce SMEs to pay taxes since they have become so many in Harare doing business. If you go to Siyaso, Mupedzanhamo, even in Area Eight in Glenview, you find out that there are expensive vehicles parked there yet they are not paying any taxes when they are getting a lot of money compared to those who are in the formal sector. So, I think there should be laws in place so that everyone should pay tax in Zimbabwe in order for our Civil Servants to get paid.
I think we should desist from calling these SMEs, they should grow and participate in the area of production because if we only have SMEs who are vending, our economy will not grow. So, the
Government and local authorities should put laws that support SMEs to grow. If a person was doing a backyard business, after two or three years, they should be able to own their own companies. These will help even those who want to do apprenticeship and those who are learning from them, will have something to aspire. So, our laws should encourage our people to do businesses.
Madam Speaker, our country will only go forward if all of us are doing something gainfully. When it comes to the issue of entrepreneurship, it is very important in a nation, people should learn about how to run business. People need to know how to conduct business, even as Members of Parliament, we should have our own business so that when we come here, we should be able to know how to run a business. This will help us even when debating issues like these; at least we will be using personal examples like Hon. Dorcas Sibanda who is engaged in quail farming. We should keep supporting such things, even the people that we represent, will learn from us…
HON. D. SIBANDA: On a point of order! Madam Speaker, what the Hon. Member is saying, is being captured in the Hansard, so I would like him to withdraw that statement because I have never sold zviuta.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I would like to advise you
Members of Parliament that you should always behave when you are in the House. The language that you use, the comments that you pass can also end up destroying your integrity. I am the Chair, and have also heard Hon. D. Sibanda saying that there are other people that are doing zviuta. Hon. Mashayamombe responded yet you are not allowed to respond to Members that are seated and she is also not allowed to pass any comments. So, I would like you Hon. Members to behave in the House and avoid such embarrassment. So, Hon. Mashayamombe can you withdraw that she does zviuta business?
*HON. MASHAYAMOMBE: Thank you Madam Speaker. I
withdraw the words that I have spoken of the quail business which I said Hon. Dorcas is engaged in. Thank you.
However, I was referring to us as Members of Parliament that it is very important for us to be entrepreneurs because this will help us, even to know the environment out there. We start as SMEs and then grow into big companies. SMEs provide a lot of employment in Zimbabwe, so if all of us as MPs support SMEs, it will be good because most of our relatives are engaged in SMEs business. I thank you Madam Speaker.
*HON. CHITURA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I thank the Hon.
Members who presented this motion, Hon. Munengami seconded by Hon. Chidhakwa. The debate on SMEs is a very important one because even in rural areas, people are indulging in SMEs. If you are living a docile life you are frowned upon by the people. They believe as a small scale farmer you should be selling tomatoes, potatoes; but what hurts most is that when these people come from the rural areas, they come to sell their produce in the cities. Local authorities and security officers are at war with these people and they confiscate their goods yet the peasant farmer will be trying to irk out a living for the benefit of his family.
At the moment, we have some peasant farmers who have now engaged in harvesting thatch grass and sell for a living. We have the middle man who intercepts these people and take advantage of the ignorance of them; they benefit more than the farmers. As a result, I am calling for education on running small businesses so that people are not taken advantage of by the small scale farmers. I am now asking and pleading with Government to put aside some funds to assist the SMEs so that they may engage in small businesses to irk out a living for the benefit of their families and the nation. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
HON. RUNGANI: Madam Speaker, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. KWARAMBA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 16th August, 2016.
MOTION
FIRST REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON
MEDIA, INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES
ON ZIMBABWE DIGITAL BROADCASTING MIGRATION
PROJECT
HON. DHEWA: I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the First Report of the Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services on Zimbabwe Digital
Broadcasting Migration Project.
HON. MUKWENA: I second.
HON. DHEWA:
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Broadcasting as an industry and as a practice is an integral mechanism for the promotion of freedom of expression and access to information by members of the public. The broadcasting industry plays a crucial role in economic development through creation of employment opportunities. The broadcasting industry is critical in developing artistic talent and showcasing a nation’s culture and traditions to the world. In an effort to improve the broadcasting environment, the Government is implementing the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project (ZDBMP), aimed at replacing the current analogue television broadcasting system to the new digital broadcasting platform in line with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) requirements. During the Official Opening of the 3rd Session of the 8th Parliament, the President, His Excellency, Cde R. G Mugabe indicated that Government has embarked on a US$125 million digitalization programme. In addition, the 2016 National Budget Statement emphasised the importance of the project by noting that the Broadcasting Authority of
Zimbabwe (BAZ) had earmarked US$132 million from the Broadcasting
Fund for this purpose. Pursuant to its oversight function, the Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services resolved to conduct an inquiry into the progress made towards the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project. This report also follows the
Committee's First Report on “Alignment of media laws and progress made towards fulfillment of digitalization” which was produced in the 1st Session of the 8th Parliament.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
The Committee was guided by the following objectives; viii. To track and monitor progress towards fulfillment of the
Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project; ix. To evaluate value for money with regard to the work on the ground;
- Identify challenges and prospects on both legislation and policy and; xi. Offer recommendations for improvements.
3.0 METHODOLOGY
The Committee employed the following strategies in its inquiry;
3.1 Oral evidence sessions.
The Committee conducted an oral evidence session with the
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Mr. G. Charamba. The Committee was updated on the progress made regarding television digitalization programme as well as the Ministry's efforts on aligning media laws with the
Constitution. The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting
Services establish a Steering Committee comprises of Transmedia,
Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) and Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) with BAZ acting as the head of the project, to manage the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project. The Committee also received oral presentation from the Steering Committee and was updated on the work on the ground regarding the engineering aspect of the digitalization programme. In addition, the Committee received written submissions from the
Permanent Secretary.
3.2 Study Tours
In a bid to assess the nation's preparedness and in an effort to appreciate and understand the television digitalization programme, the Committee conducted a familiarization tour of ZBC studios and transmitters. The visit was conducted from the 11th - 17th of April 2016. The visit proved to be of value as the Committee received hands on information.
4.0 COMMITTEE'S FINDINGS.
4.1 The Permanent Secretary for Information, Media and
Broadcasting Services. Mr. G. Charamba.
4.1.1 In his presentation before the Committee, Mr. Charamba highlighted that the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting was alive to the need to align media laws with the Constitution.
Currently, the Ministry administers two statutes; the Broadcasting
Services Act and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The two pieces of legislation need to be reviewed due to new and emerging matters such as; the new Constitution, development in the broadcasting and print sectors since the promulgation of the laws, the macro-technological developments since 2000, the general expectations of the populace and the goals of the country.
4.1.2 He articulated that the Ministry used to be occupied with the engineering aspect of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Digital Migration Project. However, the country was slowly passing the engineering aspect and concerns are now on content production. Zimbabwe has chosen the (High Definition) HD as compared to the SD, hence 12 channels will be available after completion of the project. A SADC meeting in Windhoek, Namibia on digitalisation raised the issue of content production as a major challenge. Zimbabwe produced and shared its content production strategy which was adopted by the region. A content strategy should be versatile enough to fill all the platforms.
4.1.3 The Permanent Secretary explained that in the era of digitalization, the broadcasting sector needs the “Content Law” which in jurisdiction is called the “Film Act” or “World Vision Act”. The law would deal with matters of content, build institutions, deal with interface between content producers and content users, provides for conflict resolutions, deal with rights and obligations, royalty, intellectual properties and other related rights. Zimbabwe therefore, should be a content producer as well as protects the content and be able to market and create profits on the global scale.
4.1.4 It was also reported that the Ministry had already started to engage content producers throughout the country in anticipation of the completion of the digitalization programme.
4.1.5 After completion of the Information and Media Panel of Inquiry (IMPI) process, the Permanent Secretary indicated that the Ministry was working tirelessly to host a multi-stakeholders conference, to deliberate on the IMPI outcomes and recommendations. The conference resolutions would then be developed into policy and legislation.
4.2 UPDATE OF THE DIGITALISATION PROGRAMME.
4.2.1 The Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project is funded by the Government of Zimbabwe to the tune of about $172, 950
- This is broken down as follows;
ITEM | COSTS |
1. Equipment | 2. US$94 000 000 |
3. Services | 4. US$31 000 000 |
5. Civil Works +Set Top Boxes | 6. US$47 950 068 |
Total | 7. US$172 950 068 |
4.2.2 Fund Utilization: Payments to the Contractor.
4.2.2.1 Government contracted Huawei International to carry out the digitalization project at a cost of US$125 000 000 broken down as follows: US$94 000 000 for equipment; and US$31 000 000 for services. From these figures, disbursements to date are US$22 655
420.86 for equipment and services, including 10% advance payment. Equipment worth about US$17.3 million has been received. The equipment includes the following: Head- end equipment; Satellite
Uplink equipment; power systems for Head End, Satellite Uplink; Pockets Hill and transmitter sites; transmitter equipment and antenna systems for 8 sites; transmitter satellite receiver equipment; Regulatory Content Monitoring equipment; 6 new tower material; Pockets Hill equipment for 2 studios; Master Control Room and Play-out Systems; and 500 test Set Top Boxes. Equipment worth about US$16 million is ready for shipment pending pre – shipment payment. However, outstanding payments to Huawei to date is about US$19 million for both equipment and services.
4.2.3 Civil Works.
4.2.3.1 Payments relating to civil works amounted to US$5 144 474.37. These civil works include development of access roads to new transmitter sites. It was reported that construction of Chimanimani equipment room and electrification has been completed. In addition, 7 out of 8 transmitter room expansions have been completed at the following sites: Mutare, Nyanga, Kamativi, Kenmaur, Rutenga, Mount Darwin and Karoi. All 6 existing transmitter site antenna and de- installation are completed for Kamativi, Kenmaur, Mutare, Masvingo,
Harare and Bulawayo. Repair of 7 transmitter towers were completed for
Pocket Hills, Bulawayo, Kadoma, Masvingo, Chimanimani,
Mutorashanga and Gokwe. Tower inspection is currently being carried out to check completeness of repair work.
4.2.4 Progress on New Transmitter Sites Civil Works (access roads and tower foundation).
4.2.4.1 The Committee was well informed that 13 out of 15 civil works on new transmitter sites civil works (access road) were completed. Tower foundation works commenced on 16 transmitter sites. Four of the sites (Kotwa, Binga, Hwange and Bindura) have tower foundations ready for tower construction.
Head- end and satellite Uplink terminal civil works.
4.2.4.2 Satellite Uplink civil works was reported to have been completed. Furthermore, the Head- end equipment room renovations was also completed. Satellite capacity for initial signal distribution was secured from satellite provider Eutelsat and US$893 592 initial annual licence fees had been paid.
4.2.4.3 Equipment installation.
The Head- end equipment had been installed at Pockets Hill. The satellite Uplink equipment installation has also been completed. Power system installation for Head-end and satellite uplink completed.
Installation of two digital television studios, Master Control Room , Play- out system completed at Pockets Hill done as well as installation of the first batch of five digital transmitter sites, namely Kamativi, Kenmaur, Mutare, Nyanga and Susamoya has been completed (transmitter equipment, antenna systems, power systems, cooling systems and satellite receiver equipment has been installed). Installation of the second batch of 7 digital transmitters has commenced with the Harare site already completed, for the remaining 6 sites (Bulawayo, Kadoma, Mutorashanga, Gokwe, and Chimanimani) equipment delivery has been stalled by outstanding payments to the contractor.
4.2.5 Engineer Training.
Thirty three graduate engineers commenced attachment on the ZDBMP from June 2015, bringing to a total of 46 engineers on the digitalization project. Orientation lessons, lectures on satellite systems, installation attachments and formal training on equipment operation and maintenance has been and is being provided to the graduate engineers.
4.2.6 Content Production (supply of content to the digital platform).
4.2.6.1. It was reported that once the digitalization programme is fully completed, the demand for local content would be enormous. With six channels available, ZBC alone will require 144 hours per day, which translates to 1008 hours per week, 4032 hours per month and 48384 hours per year. In order to stipulate and supply content to the digital platform, the Ministry has embarked on a vigorous outreach campaign to rope in independent content producers. In order to assist these independent producers, the Ministry is in the process of renovating production studios at Production Services and equipping them with state of the art equipment. In addition, production equipment will be availed to the producers not only here in Harare, but also in the other provincial capitals.
4.2.6.2 A Content Commissioning Committee has been created to assess content production proposals and requirements for access to production equipment and facilities by content creators. The Committee has already worked on the applicable frameworks for access to equipment and the criteria for assessing proposals. The Committee has started its work in assessing over seventy proposals that have been submitted so far, with priority being placed on content that is easy to produce. So far three production teams are in the field producing content.
4.2.7 Outstanding payment of about $19 million for the acquisition of Set Top Boxes and other equipment has stalled the progress.
4.3 DIGITALISATION TOUR: Pocket Hills.
4.3.1 The Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services conducted a familiarization tour in a bid to assess the nation's preparedness towards fulfillment of the television digitization programme. The Committee had a chance to tour the ZBC, Pockets Hill where civil works have been completed as well as modernization of the studios. Five cameras, high efficiency LED lights which are remote controlled for brightness and controlled manually for movement had been installed in the studios. All the studios were reported to be ready for use.
4.3.2 Master Control Room, Satellite Uplink, The Head- End and Power Rooms.
The Committee also has an opportunity to visit the Master Control Room. The Master Control Room receives signals for internal and external studios. The play out system has six high definition televisions that are used for monitoring, play out and signaling. The power room consists of back up batteries and the Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) which lasts for more than 24 hours. The Head End section consists of a 250 KVA power system generator which carries 2000 litres of petrol. It is an Automatic Voltage System (AVS) and has Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS). The Satellite Uplink system is installed and operational.
4.3.3 Kotwa Transmitter Site, Mudzi.
4.3.4.1 The Committee visited Kotwa transmitter site which is still under construction although the foundation and the first diamond had been completed. Civil works had also been completed by the District Development Fund who was contracted to do the roads. The Committee was informed that Kotwa is one of the twenty-four new sites. Kotwa provides coverage to Mudzi, an area that never received TV or radio signals. In addition to Mudzi, the coverage is expected to go as far as
Pungwe, Kotwa, Nyamapanda and Chikoze areas. The Committee was also informed that all the new sites are areas which never had any signal before. Kotwa site is still under construction and the villagers relied on broadcasting services from Mozambique.
4.3.4.2 The challenges raised by the Steering Committee included the problem of transportation of heavy materials due to the terrain of the area as well as lack of space to store materials. Materials to fully complete the tower were reported to be held in Germany due to delayed payments.
4.3.4 Cecil Kopje Transmitter Site, Mutare.
On the 12th of April 2016, the Committee visited Cecil Kopje transmitter site in Mutare. Before the site visit, Transmedia hosted the
Committee to a demonstration of digital broadcasting at Amber Hotel. The Committee managed to watch the new ZBC channels that are ready to broadcast on a digital platform. In essence, Mutare community is ready to receive digital broadcasting. The demonstration showed that there is high quality signal as it stood at above 60%. The picture quality was perfect as it was at 100%. Members were informed that Cecil Kopje tower is completed with full installation of antennas.
The Committee was also informed that research was being done by the local engineers, in a bid to design low cost home aerial. It also emerged during discussions that flat screens are analogue sets hence they also need Set Top Boxes. The Committee then proceeded to the Cecil Kopje site where members were informed that Cecil Kopje tower was completed with full installation of antenna. Installed on the place is the downlink dish and antenna panels, and the tower is 120m height. The site also has an appropriate warehouse, fully equipped and security provided.
4.3.5 Mashava Transmitter Sitem Mashava.
From Mutare, the Committee proceeded to Mashava. It emerged that Mashava is one of the twenty-four new sites, and one of the fifteen currently under work in progress. The Mashava tower will be expected to cover areas such as Chivi, Masvingo, Shurugwi, Mashava, a 40 to 60km radius coverage. At the time of the visit, the constructor was still excavating and putting in steel reinforcements. Authorization was granted to power the concrete and construction was expected to start after 1 and half month. Civil works had also been completed by the
DDF.
4.3.6 Zvishavane Transmitter Site, Zvishavane.
The Committee proceeded to the Zvishavane site which is at the same stage as with Mashava. Zvishavane site covers areas such as Filabusi, Mashava, and Shurugwi. Construction of the foundation had been completed and inspected. Therefore, the Contractor was expected to resume construction of the tower after 1 and half month.
4.3.7 Montrose Studio, Bulawayo.
The Committee also toured the Montrose Studios in Bulawayo, which is the regional station that mainly caters for the Matebeleland
Province. It was reported that Montrose studios beginning Sunday the 17th of April 2016, would broadcast Indaba from Montrose. There are two new radio studios at Montrose. The Montrose transmitter tower has been repaired and was ready for the installation of antennas. The Committee further toured the control room and were informed that the floors need to be raised so as to install cables underneath. The two main television studio rooms were still under refurbishment.
The studios were simply being restructured to suit the digital studio. The equipment room was completed and ready to house equipment, however the said equipment is the one still being held in Germany. The Committee further toured radio stations that have been meticulous refurbished. The new radio station (Radio 4) will broadcast all the 16 languages, including Khoi San, Tswana and Ndau just to mention a few in line with the requirements of the Constitution. One studio was designed to be a multi-purpose and can be used for both radio and TV.
4.3.8 Kenmour Transmitter Site, Kenmour.
Kenmour Transmitter Site is one of the newly constructed sites and covers a formerly disadvantaged area of Lupane, as television has never been transmitted in the area. Before the Committee toured the transmission site, it was subjected to a demonstration whereby the engineers proved beyond doubt that the area is ready to receive ZBC on digital format. Kenmour is one of the 6 completed towers and can safely be reported to be digital now. During the discussions, it was suggested that a TV set and a STB be donated to the Kenmour centre and that the first set of STB be sold there so that the community has a feel of television for the first time in a long time. The Kenmour site is also identical to the other sites, that is, it has a powerhouse, transmitter and a satellite dish. Kenmour has a 60km radius and is 145m tall as it is on flat land.
4.3.10 Kamativi Transmitter Site, Kamativi.
The Committee then toured the Kamativi site where construction was completed. The Kamativi site is an existing site. The tower is 155 m high, free standing and cover areas such as Hwange, Dete, Fatima High, Binga and Manjolo a radius of 50-60km. The Kenmour site is also identical to the other sites, that is, it has a powerhouse, transmitter and a satellite dish.
4.3.11 Binga Transmitter Site, Binga.
The Committee's last point of call was Binga, the construction of the tower was still underway however, almost completed. The Binga area used to receive transmission from Kamativi. The construction process started in October with the excavation work. They chose a rocky site as it is more stable. The tower is 120m high and it took 21 working days to erect the tower. What is left now are the electronics and for civil engineers to do some checks and balances. Full completion of the tower would also be derailed due to the equipment still being held in
Germany.
5.0 COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS.
5.1 After considerations of both the oral evidence sessions and fact finding mission, the Committee made the following observations;
- Erratic or non disbursement of funds, especially the much awaited US$19 million, will stall progress and further delay the completion of the project. The Committee questions the commitment by the Ministry of Finance and Economic
Development to fund the programme.
- The Committee welcomes the subsidy of Set Top Boxes (STB) prices from US$43 to US$25, by the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services. However, the Committee notes that the price is still high and beyond the reach of most citizens.
- There is need for the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project Steering Committee to do more on awareness, to educate the citizens on the project and equipment they need to buy.
- Despite tremendous efforts on the ground to complete the project, the Committee notes that the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services has not yet questioned the continual importation of non digital television sets. This will result in Zimbabwe being the dumping ground of non digitally compliant television sets.
- The Committee noted that there are places ready to receive digital transmitter sites, such as Mutare, Kamative, Harare among others, these should be prioritized in terms of distribution of STB.
- The introduction of subscription fees present a challenge considering that most residents were used to receive ZBC signals for free for a long time. This has an effect to the citizens right to access information as enshrined in the Constitution,
Section 62.
- The Committee welcomes the training of engineers as a positive development. During tours, the graduates exhibited full understanding and appreciation of their duties and responsibilities.
- The Committee observed that the digitalization programme was once reported to be self financing through the selling of the digital dividend to the tune of US$200 million. This is far much more than the budgeted US$172 million. The Committee raised concerns that the digital dividend was bought by Telone. However, there is no explanation on the use of the money which was meant for the project.
- Injuries and one death were reported during construction of transmitter towers due to failure by contractors to adhere to safety standards.
6.0 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS.
The following are the Committee's recommendations; iii. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development should disburse US$19 million by mid August 2016, to allow for equipment held in Germany to be released and allow for progress on the ground. The project may soon be a white elephant programme, if Treasury does not give enough attention to the project.
- In addition, by end of August 2016, a disbursement plan should be negotiated and established between the Ministries of Finance and Information so as to ensure that the programme is not stalled.
- Set Top Boxes should be further subsidized to US$10 and should be sold by Transmedia at specific identified buying points in the districts to ensure availability of the equipment to the rural areas.
- Subscription fees should be US$3 per month in accordance with the KPMG Report recommendations.
- The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services should explain to the National Assembly why the money raised through digital dividend was not channelled towards the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project, a month after presentation of this report.
- The Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project Steering Committee should conduct awareness campaigns, to educate the citizens on the project and equipment that they need to buy. In addition, they should run demonstrations at various district centres by end of August.
- The Zimbabwe Digital Migration Project Steering Committee should engage Members of Parliament as a strategy to facilitate public awareness, through provision of educational materials among others.
- Transmedia should make efforts to ensure that STB are assembled locally as well as television sets that are digitally compatible.
- Areas that transmitters are ready should be prioritized for STB distribution. In addition, the Steering Committee should run demonstrations at business centres throughout the country.
- The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting
Services should gazette regulations restricting further importation on television sets that are non compatible. In addition, importation of digitally compatible television sets should be encouraged through a reduction of a duty. The 2017 National Budget should cover the above matter.
- Content producers should be allowed deferment of duty on imported operational materials or equipment as a strategy to encourage more content production.
- The Committee recommends that a programme should be developed to be able to retain the trained engineers and avoid human skills flight.
7.0 Conclusion.
Tremendous progress on the ground has been done, as quite a number of transmitter sites are almost completed. The Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project is an important national programme which will revolutionarize the broadcasting sector and bring a lot of development through employment creation. Non payment for the equipment held in Germany will further stall progress that have been witnessed. The Ministry of Finance should prioritize the funding of the project. I thank you.
THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE,
LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MUNANGAGWA): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 16th August, 2016.
TABLING OF THE 2015ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL
PROSECUTING AUTHORITY OF ZIMBABWE
THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE,
LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFIARS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): I, as the Vice President and Minister of Justice,
Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, pursuant to section 262 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, hereby lay upon the table the Annual Report for the National Prosecuting Authority for the year ending 31 December,
- I thank you.
On the motion of THE HON. VICE PRESIDENT AND
MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY
AFFAIRS (HON. MNANGAGWA), the National Assembly adjourned at Twenty Three Minutes past Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 16th
August, 2016.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 28th July, 2016
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER
VISITIORS IN THE SPEAKER’S GALLERY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have to acknowledge the
presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of students and teachers from Matilika, Primary School from Manicaland Province, you are most welcome – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
FIRST READING
LAND COMMISSION BILL [H.B. 2, 2016]
THE MINISTER OF LANDS AND RURAL
RESETTLEMENT (HON. MOMBESHORA) presented the Land
Commission Bill [H.B. 2, 2016].
Bill read the first time.
Bill referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. MATUKE: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 and
2 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. MANGAMI: 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.
HON. MATUKE: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. D. SIBANDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 16th August, 2016.
MOTION
FIRST REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SMALL
AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES AND COOPERATIVE
DEVELOPMENT ON THE OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
AND ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM
ENTERPRISES AND THE INFORMAL SECTOR IN ZIMBABWE
HON. MANGAMI: I move the motion standing in my name that;
This House takes note of the First Report of the Portfolio
Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development on the Operational Environment and Economic
Contributions of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Informal Sector in Zimbabwe.
HON. S. CHIDHAKWA: I second.
HON. MANGAMI: I am going to present the First Report of the
Portfolio Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative
Development on the Operational Environment and Economic Contributions of Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development (SMEs).
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Madam Speaker, a new economic order has emerged in Zimbabwe where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are now major players.
The 2016 National Budget Statement highlights that SMEs account for 60% of the country's labour force and contribute 50% towards the gross domestic product (GDP). In the same vein, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZIMASSET) underscores the important role played by SMEs towards employment creation and poverty reduction. Although this sector has the potential to contribute more towards the GDP, it is saddled with a number of perennial challenges associated with; financing, infrastructure, technology, management, entrepreneurial skills and marketing. The Portfolio Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development resolved to conduct an inquiry pertaining to the operational environment and economic contributions from the SMEs and the informal sector.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
Madam Speaker, your Committee used the following methods to gather information:
- Capacity building workshop with various stakeholders on the theme; Taxation and Accessibility to Financial Resources by the
SMEs and Informal Sector in Zimbabwe ii. Oral evidence from: the Minister and Officials of Small and Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development; the
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and the Zimbabwe
Chamber of SMEs.
3.0 BACKGROUND ON THE EMERGENCE OF SMEs AND
THE INFORMAL SECTOR
Your Committee was given a historical background on the emergence of SMEs in Zimbabwe by officials from the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development. The sector emerged in the mid-1990s following the liberalisation of the economy and the introduction of the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP), which in turn led to a rise in unemployment due to company closures.
More company closures were experienced between 1997 and 2008, after the country went through severe economic pressures, characterised by hyper-inflation, leading to further job losses on the formal market. Furthermore, in the last 3 years, 55 000 people have been retrenched following the closure of about 4 000 companies due to a number of factors, which include the lack of financial resources for Re-tooling or recapitalisation. In addition, universities and tertiary institutions are churning out more than 10 000 graduates each year onto the job market.
The scarcity of jobs on the formal market has led the retrenched and unemployed to start their own enterprises as a safety net. This sector has experienced phenomenal growth, where in 1991, there were approximately 845 000 SMEs and informal traders employing about 1.5 million people and by 2012, there were over 2.8 million SMEs and informal traders employing approximately 5.7 million people, representing around 43% of the national population. (See graph below)
Graph 1: No of SMEs and Employment Levels
cope Survey 2012
SME Surveys 1998 and Finscope Survey 2012
4.0 COMMITTEE FINDINGS
4.1 Legal and Policy Framework
Madam Speaker, an SME is defined in the Small and Medium Enterprises Act [Chapter 24:12], as a legal entity and is categorised based on its annual turnover and gross value in assets. Your Committee was informed that SMEs are found in various sectors of the economy with agriculture accounting for the majority. (as shown on Table 1 below).
Table 1: Sectoral Distribution of SMEs
Sector | Percentage (%) |
Agriculture | 43 |
Wholesale and Retail | 33 |
Manufacturing | 9 |
Other Services | 7 |
Energy and Construction | 3 |
Art and Entertainment | 2 |
Transport | 1 |
Mining and Quarrying | 1 |
Tourism | 1 |
Source: 2012 Finscope Survey
More women own businesses accounting for 53% of the total SMEs. In addition, 71% of SMEs are owned by individual entrepreneurs which at times creates challenges in terms of continuity of the businesses. However, the Committee noted with concern that 85% of the SMEs are informal, hence are operating outside the laws and regulations of the country. There is no doubt that the Treasury and other revenue collecting agencies are being prejudiced by the non-remittances of taxes, levies and other charges from the sector.
Your Committee was briefed by the SME Associations on the reasons for this informality. These factors include: multiplicity of regulatory requirements for starting a business, lack of understanding of the laws governing SMEs, lack of information from Government departments and fear by SMEs that formalisation will lead to higher operational costs. Resistance to formalisation is further worsened by the relentless and forceful manner of revenue collection by the different agencies, such as; ZIMRA and local authorities. Furthermore, the
Committee was informed by the Minister of SMEs and Cooperative
Development that the country does not have a national database on SMEs that are in existence, thus making it difficult for policy makers to develop targeted sectoral policies to encourage formalisation. However, the Minister highlighted that the process of creating a national database on SMEs that are in the country is underway.
Your Committee also noted with concern that the policy and legal framework as it relates to the operations of SMEs is complex, particularly taxation laws. The majority of SMEs cannot afford to hire tax consultants. Most of the laws and policies are written in English, in terms that are not easily understood by an ordinary person. Although the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development has the responsibility to train SMEs on these policies and laws, it is heavily incapacitated due to limited financial support from the Treasury. In the 2016 National Budget allocations, the Ministry features in the bottom ten.
Madam Speaker, despite these challenges, the Committee was informed by the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development, that with the support from the World Bank, it was conducting consultative meetings with SMEs on formalising their operations. It is anticipated that this process will lead to the crafting of a Formalisation Strategy.
The Committee would encourage the Ministry of SMEs and
Cooperative Development to expedite this process for the benefit of the economy.
4.2 Infrastructural Facilities
Madam Speaker, infrastructural services are largely provided and maintained by local authorities. The Committee was informed by the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) that SMEs and the informal sector are like nomads, as they are always shifting and reconfiguring. In the process, it makes it difficult for town planners to design appropriate infrastructure and certain shelters and structures designed for SMEs have been abandoned. On the other hand, UCAZ, together with the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development acknowledged that some SME structures had been abandoned because of inappropriate location and design of the infrastructure due to lack of adequate consultations or that the structures had inadequate facilities. For instance, some SME structures in the manufacturing sector only provide working space without facilities for storage or marketing of the finished product.
To address some of these challenges, your Committee was informed that the City of Harare had entered into public-privatepartnership agreements (PPPs) where decommissioned containers and sheds will be erected to create decent workspaces for SMEs. In the same vein, Old Mutual Private Limited, plans to build state of the art infrastructure in Harare to accommodate 500 SMEs. The Committee would like to encourage all local authorities to venture into similar PPPs to facilitate the growth and development of SMEs. Regional countries, such as South Africa and Mozambique have state of the art SME structures built through PPPs. These structures attract both local and international customers.
The SME Associations informed your Committee that they were being marginalised from acquiring appropriate workspaces with a niche market in major towns in the country. The associations indicated that they would like to be accommodated in the central business district
(CBD) of major cities, in places occupied by businesses, such as OK and Pick and Pay. The Committee believes this issue can be resolved through consultations between the sector and town planners.
4.3 Tax Compliance by SMEs and Informal Traders
Madam Speaker, major tax contributions by the SMEs and informal traders are in the form of value added tax (VAT) and presumptive tax. The Committee was informed by experts from Ernst and Young that tax compliance by SMEs is made difficult by the onerous requirements from ZIMRA. For instance, a bank account is a necessity for an SME to be on the tax register, yet most SMEs do not have confidence in the banking sector. In addition, SME associations highlighted that their members are not aware of any tangible benefits of tax compliance, if anything, it is viewed as a cost burden to be avoided.
The Committee was informed by the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development that it had to intervene in some disputes where ZIMRA was charging exorbitant amounts on SMEs that were seeking to formalise their operations during the tax amnesty period. An illustrative example is an SME operator from Gweru who voluntarily approached
ZIMRA to regularise his position but was levied penalties amounting to US$87 000. This meant that the owner would not have been able to get tax clearance to continue with the business, if the Ministry had not intervened for a reduction. The Committee believes such kind of incidents discourage SMEs from formalising their operations.
Your Committee received a complaint from the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs that presumptive taxes were too high and the association questioned the rationale behind the tax thresholds. For instance, a hair saloon is required to pay US$1500 per quarter as presumptive tax, which according to the SME Association, was unreasonably high given the low profit margins in that particular business. In response, the ZIMRA Commissioner General, Mr. G. Pasi highlighted to the Committee that the levels of presumptive tax appear unreasonably high but had to be understood in the context of the transition from the Zimbabwean dollar to the multi-currency system which was received with mixed reactions by different sectors of the economy. Furthermore, SME associations informed the Committee that since the pronouncement that US$7.6 billion was circulating in the informal sector, ZIMRA had become ruthless in its revenue collection endeavors, creating more animosity between the sector and the agency.
Your Committee was informed by the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development that revenue collection is more difficult because of the physical location of most SMEs and informal traders. About 39% operate from residential premises, 22% on farms, 11% operate from door to door, 9% work in the street or pavement and only 6% operate from a traditional market. The Committee was also informed by ZIMRA that the Government was losing a lot of revenue through smuggling of cheap imports, particularly, fruits and vegetables and bales of secondhand clothing. Most of these commodities find their way onto the local markets, dominated by SMEs and informal traders, such as Mbare Musika.
4.4 Access to Financial Resources by SMEs
4.4.1 Private Sector Initiatives
Madam Speaker, your Committee had an opportunity to interact with the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe (BAZ) and SME Associations on the challenges faced and available opportunities for SMEs in accessing financial resources from the banking sector. Indications were that there are very few opportunities for SMEs and informal traders to access resources from banks. The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development highlighted that, in 2014 loans advanced to SMEs stood at 6% of the total banking loan advances. SMEs fail to access loans from banks due to a myriad of factors that include:
- Negative perceptions on the operations of the sector, with views that some of the enterprises are involved in illegal activities;
- SMEs usually require small loans which incur high transaction costs through processing, making it unsustainable for banks; iii. Banks require recognisable collateral which most SMEs fail to produce; A lot of documentation is required such as proof of residence, business address, updated books of accounts, information which is not always at the disposal of most SMEs;
- Some SMEs are unwilling to give full disclosure of their business operations in fear that the information will be sold to competitors. Consequently, banks are unwilling to provide loans to the businesses that appear hazy; vi. The maturity period for most loans is too short and the interest rates are too high. This does not give SMEs adequate time to make adequate profits to repay the loan; and vii. Banks are not readily available in the rural areas.
Your Committee noted with concern, that SMEs are excluded from the banking sector and this forces the majority of them to borrow from micro-finance institutions which charge higher interest rates than banks.
4.4.2 Funding from Government
Madam Speaker, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development
Corporation (SMEDCO) is the financial arm that provides loans to SMEs on behalf of Government. However, the parastatal is heavily incapacitated. In 2015, SMEDCO received US$150 000 out of its total allocation of US$1.9 million and in 2016, the parastatal has been allocated US$2.4 million but as at March 2016, it had not received any disbursement. In 2012, Parliament ratified a US$3 million loan agreement from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) towards re-capitalisation of SMEDCO's operations. Your Committee was informed that efforts made by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to secure the loan on three occasions had not been successful. One of the challenges encountered in securing the loan was associated with the economic sanctions imposed on the country.
5.0 COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS
5.1 The country does not have a formalisation strategy or clear incentives to motivate SMEs to formalise their operations.
5.2 There is no national database of SMEs that are currently in existence.
5.3 Most SMEs lack information on the policies, regulations and laws that govern and affect their operations.
5.4 The majority of SME structures are located on the periphery of major cities and towns.
5.5 Payment of taxes is not being linked to a realisable benefit, hence the resistance to pay taxes by SMEs.
5.6 There is a perception that tax compliance will lead to further cost burdens on SMEs.
5.7 There is inadequate training for SMEs on key issues that affect their businesses, such as record keeping, management, among others.
5.8 There is inadequate and sometimes poor infrastructure for
SMEs to produce or market their commodities.
5.9 Poor relations exist between SMEs and revenue collecting agencies, such as ZIMRA and local authorities.
5.10 SMEs are not fully recognised by the banking sector.
5.11 The closure of companies, as well as, the low capacity utilisation levels by large companies presents an opportunity for SMEs to fill the supply gap.
5.12 Lack of access to affordable capital is one of the major challenges faced by SMEs in Zimbabwe.
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development should draft a National Formalisation Strategy with clear incentives to motivate SMEs to formalise their operations by December 2016.
6.2 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development should develop a national database of SMEs that are in existence by December
2016.
6.3 The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development should unlock the BADEA loan facility of US$ 3 million which was approved by Parliament to re-capitalise SMEDCO for the provision of adequate financial resources to foster the growth and development of the SMEs sector by December 2016.
6.4 Local authorities should plough back three percent (3%) of revenue collected from the SMEs towards the development of decent workspaces and for the provision of better services to the sector.
6.5 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development, in collaboration with ZIMRA and local authorities should hold countrywide awareness programmes on tax policies, by-laws and relevant regulations at least on a yearly basis.
6.6 ZIMRA and Local Authorities should establish an SME desk in their respective institutions as a strategy of improving relations with the SME sector by October 2016.
6.7 ZIMRA should establish offices in all the districts of the country by December 2017 and should not only be visible in the districts when collecting revenue.
6.8 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development must engage the Bankers Association for it to be flexible on the types of collateral, maturity periods and interest rates on loans to suit the business models of SMEs by September 2016.
6.9 The Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development should liaise with banks so that they are more visible in rural areas by October 2016, for instance, in the form of mobile banks operating at given intervals or coinciding with key events in rural communities, such as the agricultural marketing seasons.
7.0 CONCLUSION
7.1 The growth and development of the SMEs sector in Zimbabwe is a dynamic process which calls for continuous review of policies and institutional frameworks to ensure optimum benefit for our economy. SMEs are here to stay and Government should find adequate space for them in all new settlements given that about 43% of the country's population is employed in the SMEs sector in the face of the ever shrinking formal sector, fueled by company closures. Other countries, such as Malaysia and India which have fully embraced this new dispensation are thriving economically, so should Zimbabwe.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER
VISITORS IN THE SPEAKER’S GALLERY
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have to acknowledge the
presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of students and teachers from Ndondo
High School from Masvingo Province. You are most welcome. – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
HON. S. CHIDHAKWA: I rise also to add my voice to this very important sector of our economy of the small to medium enterprises. It is common knowledge that our industries have closed due to several reasons, chief among them bad policies by the Government hence the creation of the SMEs which now constitute 75% of the working population in the country.
The SMEs are contributing immensely to the unemployment rate in the country because there is no industry to talk of. It must be noted that it is not everybody who is now an informal trader by design. Some are forced to be informal traders because of the harsh economic conditions in the country. There are no jobs. There are some graduates who could be employed in formal employment but they have no choice and end up being informal traders.
Inasmuch as they are contributing to the unemployment rate in the country, they are not contributing any meaningful contribution to the fiscus because of the reasons such as the conditions which are put forward by ZIMRA which are so complex that it is very difficult for most of our SMEs to understand how ZIMRA system is operating. There is need for ZIMRA to simplify their method of collecting taxes.
The other reason is that the SMEs are very nomadic and are not stationed in one place. Today, they are operating at this corner and tomorrow they are operating on the other corner which is very difficult for the revenue collection officers to track them. One other reason why these informal traders are so nomadic is that they do not have enough infrastructures. The local authorities are not putting adequate infrastructure for all the SMEs to operate from. If there are, some are built in very unfavourable areas where they cannot access the market and as a result, they are shunning to operate from those areas. Those are some of the challenges that these SMEs are facing hence they are failing to contribute meaningfully to the fiscus.
However, if these people are properly organized, the country can benefit much by way of taxes from these SMEs since there is no industry to talk of. These people are facing so many challenges. Some of the challenges have been mentioned in the report and it is very difficult for the SMEs to access any funding from the financial institutions because the conditions are that they have to provide title deeds which they do not have and like I said, most of them are operating from leasing structures from the council. They do not have their own properties which they will have title deeds to surrender to the banks. Also, there is a need for a paradigm shift from the local authorities to allocate those who are capable to put on their own structures to operate from so that at the end of the day, they will be able to get some title deeds which they will intend to use to access funds from the banks.
Madam Speaker, other challenge which these people are facing is security. From where they are operating, at any given time, they are raided by the police. It is either the municipal police or the ZRP and their wares are confiscated. The mystery there is once these wares are taken, they are not accounted for. Sometimes we hear that they are donated at rallies and so on. Hence, this is hindering the SMES to grow. We must also understand that these people are operating with very little or very small capital. So, once they lose that capital, it is very difficult for them to rebuild so that they can continue. Again, it is our suggestion that once these wares are confiscated, they must be returned to the owners. Who is benefitting from these things?
The other challenge which the SMEs are facing is corruption. If we are really serious and want to grow the SMEs as our only option left in the country since the industries are closed, we have to deal with the issues of corruption. Most of these Government institutions are actually favouring big established companies in awarding them tenders because they are getting some kick backs from those companies, in the process, they are depriving the SMEs.
You would find that those big companies are being supplied by people who are operating from the SMEs those products which they will be using on those tenders which they will have secured from the Government. So, it is a matter of saying the Government has not put in place some methods which will enable the SMEs to be able to also win some of the tenders if we want to grow these people. There is no way the SMEs are going to grow when we are denying them the opportunities to participate in bigger contracts.
The infrastructure, Madam Speaker – most of the infrastructure which these people are operating from are substandard. In some instances there is no water, there are not enough toilets. How would we expect people to be serious business people when they are operating from such conditions? During the rainy season, some of the infrastructure does not have enough shelter to protect their wares. We had an opportunity of visiting some of the places. It is deplorable.
There are no roads to access where they are operating from.
Also in some of these places, there are people who are called touts. I do not know, probably some other Hon. Members who are operating some taxis here might know this word. These are the people who were told they are running - like the fronts of the people who are operating business. In actual fact, these people are working for other people who are in authority, who are in power. They are collecting money and remitting that money to some other people.
To our surprise, the council authorities seem not to have the power to evict these people. They are not operating at night, they are operating during the day time and it is known they are operating illegally, but no one is making an effort to try and remove them. So instead, these are the people who are benefiting from where they did not sow because they are actually charging more money than the operator and they are getting much more profit. They are not paying any rent, they do not pay any wages, but the person who is making these products is the one who is suffering. He is not making a meaningful margin in terms of profit. So, it is another concern that we are appealing to the powers that be, to look into this issue seriously if we would want to protect the SMEs.
I talked, Madam Speaker, earlier on on infrastructure. Although the municipality has entered into some PPs with the private sector, you also find the people who will benefit from those structures at the end of the day, are not exactly SMEs. They are what they are calling space barons. There are other big people who are in authority, who are in power, who run in front and grab those shelters and then in turn, they lease to the SMEs. This is the corruption that I have been referring to.
So, it is another concern that if this is not corrected, even if the local authorities are saying that the SMEs are given those shelters on temporary basis, in other words, it is a place where they must operate maybe for a period of three or so years. From there, they must graduate to be able to go into the formal sector, but it will not be possible because they will be paying very difficult rates. They will be paying to the space barons and they will be paying to the local authorities and the profit that they will remain with will be very little. So, that has to be corrected.
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, the Government has got to move in to protect the SMEs in terms of where they must be operating from, in terms of the corruption, the hurdles that they are facing in accessing the products, the hurdles that they are facing maybe in accessing the tenders which are offered by the Government institutions for them to be able to grow. This is my recommendation. Thank you Madam Speaker. I rest my case.
*HON. MANGWENDE: Thank you Madam Speaker. I am
grateful to Hon. Mangami and Hon. Chidhakwa for raising this motion on SMEs. As some of the people who reside in the city of Harare, we are benefiting a lot from the SMEs. We have been indigenised through them. We have SMEs complexes at Mupedzanhamo, Siyaso other market places in Harare. These market places have led to the economic growth of Harare. We are appealing to the City of Harare to fully shoulder its responsibility because in some of these areas where SMEs are operating from there are no toilets. The SMEs are an essential part of our economic development and therefore, the local authorities, not only in Harare but in other areas give priority to these SMEs.
If you move around in different areas, the furniture which you see is manufactured here in Harare. The President, His Excellency, Cde R. G. Mugabe is also aware of the existence of the Glen View Furniture
Complex which has a lot of expertise and well manufactured products. We wish that the City Councils or local authorities would take care of these places and keep them clean and maintain the standards of hygiene. SMEs are taking care of the people who were retrenched. We have 53% of women who are getting a lot of assistance from participating in these SMEs and they are able to take care of their families, sending children to school and feeding them. A lot of people are benefiting from these SMEs because of unemployment in the country. I thank you.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I want to add my voice to the report from our Committee on SMEs that was presented here by Hon. Mangami and seconded by Hon. Chidhakwa. I want to say that report was pregnant with a lot of information that if the Executive, Government and quasi Government departments followed and if the society of Zimbabwe followed, we would be able to make sure that our economy gets boosted using the informal sector as a springboard for our economic emancipation.
Madam Speaker, I need to hasten to say the SME where the artisanal miners are embedded is very key and the policies that were requested for establishment in this House by this Committee should be followed to the letter and they should also involve policies that make sure that our gold sector, headed in the informal sector by artisanal miners is purely and completely emancipated and optimally resourced so that we can as a nation be emancipated in our economic operations. Gold is the only tradable commodity as we speak. We have no currency of our own in Zimbabwe. If we utilize that gold which is coming out to the tune of US$684m per annum as alluded to in this monetary statement by the RBZ Governor Mr. Mangudya.
If we make sure that we support that SME, that sector which is informal, in order to make sure we formalize it for the good of the economy, we are doing ourselves a good service in Zimbabwe. I will move away from the issue to do with the only tradable commodity which is gold.
Madam Speaker, if we are to resuscitate the industry in Zimbabwe; we must utilise the SMEs, the informal sector as the springboard for the resuscitation of this industry. Our industry currently is operating below 40%. I should hasten to say this is the formal way of doing things that was ingrained in our minds and hearts by those that had the power before the black majority came to rule in this country; before total emancipation of the black formerly marginalized majority. The issue to do with the big industries is what we know, is what we were taught to know, is what we grew up knowing but now the industry is skewed towards that informal sector which is under the Small to Medium
Enterprises. It is now time to capacitate those SMEs, to capacitate them firstly in terms of policy and secondly in terms of resources so that we can use them as a springboard to resuscitate our industry.
With regards to the resuscitation of our agricultural sector, we should not look any further than the informal sector. He who is selling the tomatoes both in the rural areas and in our towns, we need to see how we can promote their operation by beneficiating what it is that they are creating or what it is that they are producing, in particular, tomatoes. I will give you an example in Chegutu West constituency in particular and Zimbabwe in general, they used to be a place called Bon Zim or Cane Pack which used to can tomatoes.
Madam Speaker, that place is closed and what it is that we are supposed to be doing is to make sure that we group all those tomatoes in the informal sector and re-open these canning factories. So, it is revitalization of our agricultural sector to return Zimbabwe to its bread basket status from a basket case.
The third one will be the low interest loans to our SMEs and our businesses. Let us make sure that we utilise what we have to get what we want. The issues that are historic, archaic and moribund or banks that have to continue to operate in a manner that only speaks to the formal sector that is rather – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. DZIVA): Order Hon.
Members. I have appealed for this; you must lower your voices and when you want to fidget and laugh you go to the lobby please.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I congratulate you for asking them to fidget silently. The issues to do with the banks, they should be an SME desk in every bank to promote SME utilising low interest rate loans so that we realise that our economy can only come up if we support the SME sector. The issue that was alluded to by Hon.
Chidhakwa that speaks to revitalization of the economy by engaging our SMEs in the infrastructural development and public works programmes of this nation. This should not be underestimated; it should not be undermined because our economy is skewed to the tune of 80% towards the informal sector. Let us now formalise the informal sector, thereby also elongating or expanding the tax base for our economy so that we can optimally and efficiently support the Minister of Finance and
Economic Development or Treasury and get back to winning ways.
They should be engaged in multinational infrastructural development projects. I speak as the Chairperson of Transport and
Infrastructure Committee. As we engage in the Beitbridge-Chirundu
Highway, the SMEs should not be undermined. When I speak of the
SMEs, I refer to those that own one or two tippers Madam Speaker
Ma’am. They should be engaged and the Government, multinationals and the main contractors should make sure that they use the SMEs as subcontracted companies.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, we should also support our SMEs by creating a department in the SME sector that speaks to private sector research development and in particular those that are in the rural areas so that they know how they can conduct their businesses through ICT and modern day technology.
I need to speak of the revitalisation of entities such as ZISCO Steel and David Whitehead. The Minister of Finance has already spoken about the support that he is giving to the cotton industry sector where he is giving three seasons full of support for free in order to revitalise the textile industry headed by David Whitehead. This industry cannot be resuscitated Madam Speaker Ma’am, if we ignore the SME sector who are currently engaged in agricultural development of our cotton.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, the issue of resuscitation of ZISCO Steel, utilising our SMEs can also revitalise our National Railways of
Zimbabwe (NRZ) that used to transport 19 million tonnes at its peak, but is currently transporting 3 million tonnes. If we revitalise ZISCO Steel using both our chrome and red-cliff, red-cliff in the context of its meaning, we are now skewing up the economy towards the formal sector. So the informal and the SMEs sectors can be utilised to revitalise these former giants of our economy.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, the issue to do with black empowerment.
The reclamation of our identity and dignity through racial equality cannot be overemphasised, it cannot be spoken about if we continue to leave our SMEs in the fringes of the economy. The issue to do with black empowerment and the empowerment programmes spearheaded by His Excellency, the President, Cde. Robert Gabriel Mugabe, should not be underestimated. They should be complemented because if we do not complement his efforts in terms of black empowerment on land ownership, entrepreneurs and business people, our industry will still remain at 40%.
Madam Speaker Ma’am, when you talk of support to the SMEs, before independence, 35% of our black children had access to education. Now we have 91% of children who have access to education. That can all come to naught if we do not support our SMEs because our fathers and mothers are now selling tomatoes, newspapers and air time vouchers in order to get their children to school. So let us support them in their areas of operation so that we go back to our winning ways.
Before independence, we had 4% of our children accessing secondary education and now we have 65%. What we need to applaud is the support that is being given to the informal sector and the SMEs. If we do not support the SMEs, all this is going to come to naught. The STEM programme is going to come to naught and we are not going to have our children having access…
Hon. S. Chidhakwa having erroneously switched on the microphone.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Chidhakwa, why
are you using that microphone?
HON. S. CHIDHAKWA: There was an obstruction Madam
Speaker.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. As I
conclude, the issue to do with lack of access to education by our children has seen the Government of Zimbabwe introducing the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM). However, because we have challenges in our economy, the Government is unable to play its part of the bargain in terms of capacitating that programme. The part is being capacitated by the SMEs, lest we forget. It is capacitated by those mothers and fathers who are selling at the market. They are involved in low cost housing in the locations.
As we debate this, we should know that a lot of programmes can come to naught if we do not have deliberate policies to empower the SMEs. The Affirmative Action policies have also seen a growing number of empowerment in the SMEs sector. I also need to let you know that Affirmative Action has also seen a number of women
Parliamentarians coming to Parliament. We have now grown up to 35% Madam Speaker and above the SADC barometer. This is because we have acceded to affirmative action as a nation. So, let us make sure that we continue this affirmative action…
Hon. Nduna having been addressing the Gallery.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Nduna, address the
Chair.
HON. NDUNA: Madam Speaker, it is not that I have been ignoring you, sometimes I get carried away, but going forward, I want to only concentrate on you Madam Chair, you alone. I touched on the Affirmative Action that has seen us grow to the tune of 35% of women representation in this Parliament as enshrined in our Constitution.
We have a lot of things in our Constitution that we are currently unable as a nation to adhere to. A country is measured by the way it upholds its Constitution. The Minister of Finance has come here several times on the issue to do with devolution of power; we cannot build and empower those councils because we have no capacity because we are financially crippled.
However, what I want to say is that; if we cannot adhere to our own Constitution, we still have the right to change it until such a time when we have the resources to empower those sectors Madam Speaker
Ma’am. As I conclude, the issue to do with empowerment of the SMEs also speaks to the increased access to the health care. If we empower those people, they will be able to pay for their own health upkeep. We have done well as a nation in that regard, so let us not draw back our efforts by not empowering and resourcing the SMEs. I thank you
Madam Speaker Ma’am.
*HON. MASHAYAMOMBE: Thank you Madam Speaker. I rise
to support the report on SMEs. Here in Harare, SMEs are helping our economy to grow in Harare because of the good work that they are doing. Firstly, I want to talk about financing SMEs, yes the Government is giving them some loans through SEDCO but the funds are very little. We are appealing to the Government to empower SEDCO by funding them so that our SMEs in Harare find somewhere to get loans from.
Most of the people who are engaged in SMEs do not have collateral security to borrow money from banks. So, SEDCO has got flexible terms which will enable SMEs to get funds. These SMEs also needs machinery to use in order to improve their business. We also appeal to the Zimbabwean based banks that they should put better terms that will help the SMEs to borrow money from them. Most of these banks support only big companies since they have collateral security.
I would also want to plead with the Government to support the SMEs by allocating them better places to work from. If you look at the new complex along Simon Mazorodze, it is a very good and convenient for business. So, we could have many business complexes like that one, many of these SMEs will have somewhere to work from. In Harare, it is difficult to get a good place to do your small business; if you walk along Robert Mugabe and Cameron Street, they are very congested because that is where people are selling their wares. We want the City of Harare to relocate these people to good places where they can work from without disturbing those going to and from work.
Some of the rentals that are being charged to these SMEs are very exorbitant, so most of them cannot continue doing their activities because most of their profits are chewed by rentals. So, if they are allocated reasonable places to rent, I am sure they will get better profit and buy machines to enhance their business.
SMEs in Harare are the ones holding our economy, so they should really pay their taxes. The Government has to put in place laws that enforce SMEs to pay taxes since they have become so many in Harare doing business. If you go to Siyaso, Mupedzanhamo, even in Area Eight in Glenview, you find out that there are expensive vehicles parked there yet they are not paying any taxes when they are getting a lot of money compared to those who are in the formal sector. So, I think there should be laws in place so that everyone should pay tax in Zimbabwe in order for our Civil Servants to get paid.
I think we should desist from calling these SMEs, they should grow and participate in the area of production because if we only have SMEs who are vending, our economy will not grow. So, the
Government and local authorities should put laws that support SMEs to grow. If a person was doing a backyard business, after two or three years, they should be able to own their own companies. These will help even those who want to do apprenticeship and those who are learning from them, will have something to aspire. So, our laws should encourage our people to do businesses.
Madam Speaker, our country will only go forward if all of us are doing something gainfully. When it comes to the issue of entrepreneurship, it is very important in a nation, people should learn about how to run business. People need to know how to conduct business, even as Members of Parliament, we should have our own business so that when we come here, we should be able to know how to run a business. This will help us even when debating issues like these; at least we will be using personal examples like Hon. Dorcas Sibanda who is engaged in quail farming. We should keep supporting such things, even the people that we represent, will learn from us…
HON. D. SIBANDA: On a point of order! Madam Speaker, what the Hon. Member is saying, is being captured in the Hansard, so I would like him to withdraw that statement because I have never sold zviuta.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I would like to advise you
Members of Parliament that you should always behave when you are in the House. The language that you use, the comments that you pass can also end up destroying your integrity. I am the Chair, and have also heard Hon. D. Sibanda saying that there are other people that are doing zviuta. Hon. Mashayamombe responded yet you are not allowed to respond to Members that are seated and she is also not allowed to pass any comments. So, I would like you Hon. Members to behave in the House and avoid such embarrassment. So, Hon. Mashayamombe can you withdraw that she does zviuta business?
*HON. MASHAYAMOMBE: Thank you Madam Speaker. I
withdraw the words that I have spoken of the quail business which I said Hon. Dorcas is engaged in. Thank you.
However, I was referring to us as Members of Parliament that it is very important for us to be entrepreneurs because this will help us, even to know the environment out there. We start as SMEs and then grow into big companies. SMEs provide a lot of employment in Zimbabwe, so if all of us as MPs support SMEs, it will be good because most of our relatives are engaged in SMEs business. I thank you Madam Speaker.
*HON. CHITURA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I thank the Hon.
Members who presented this motion, Hon. Munengami seconded by Hon. Chidhakwa. The debate on SMEs is a very important one because even in rural areas, people are indulging in SMEs. If you are living a docile life you are frowned upon by the people. They believe as a small scale farmer you should be selling tomatoes, potatoes; but what hurts most is that when these people come from the rural areas, they come to sell their produce in the cities. Local authorities and security officers are at war with these people and they confiscate their goods yet the peasant farmer will be trying to irk out a living for the benefit of his family.
At the moment, we have some peasant farmers who have now engaged in harvesting thatch grass and sell for a living. We have the middle man who intercepts these people and take advantage of the ignorance of them; they benefit more than the farmers. As a result, I am calling for education on running small businesses so that people are not taken advantage of by the small scale farmers. I am now asking and pleading with Government to put aside some funds to assist the SMEs so that they may engage in small businesses to irk out a living for the benefit of their families and the nation. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
HON. RUNGANI: Madam Speaker, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. KWARAMBA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 16th August, 2016.
MOTION
FIRST REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON
MEDIA, INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES
ON ZIMBABWE DIGITAL BROADCASTING MIGRATION
PROJECT
HON. DHEWA: I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the First Report of the Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services on Zimbabwe Digital
Broadcasting Migration Project.
HON. MUKWENA: I second.
HON. DHEWA:
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Broadcasting as an industry and as a practice is an integral mechanism for the promotion of freedom of expression and access to information by members of the public. The broadcasting industry plays a crucial role in economic development through creation of employment opportunities. The broadcasting industry is critical in developing artistic talent and showcasing a nation’s culture and traditions to the world. In an effort to improve the broadcasting environment, the Government is implementing the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project (ZDBMP), aimed at replacing the current analogue television broadcasting system to the new digital broadcasting platform in line with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) requirements. During the Official Opening of the 3rd Session of the 8th Parliament, the President, His Excellency, Cde R. G Mugabe indicated that Government has embarked on a US$125 million digitalization programme. In addition, the 2016 National Budget Statement emphasised the importance of the project by noting that the Broadcasting Authority of
Zimbabwe (BAZ) had earmarked US$132 million from the Broadcasting
Fund for this purpose. Pursuant to its oversight function, the Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services resolved to conduct an inquiry into the progress made towards the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project. This report also follows the
Committee's First Report on “Alignment of media laws and progress made towards fulfillment of digitalization” which was produced in the 1st Session of the 8th Parliament.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
The Committee was guided by the following objectives; viii. To track and monitor progress towards fulfillment of the
Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project; ix. To evaluate value for money with regard to the work on the ground;
- Identify challenges and prospects on both legislation and policy and; xi. Offer recommendations for improvements.
3.0 METHODOLOGY
The Committee employed the following strategies in its inquiry;
3.1 Oral evidence sessions.
The Committee conducted an oral evidence session with the
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Mr. G. Charamba. The Committee was updated on the progress made regarding television digitalization programme as well as the Ministry's efforts on aligning media laws with the
Constitution. The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting
Services establish a Steering Committee comprises of Transmedia,
Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) and Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) with BAZ acting as the head of the project, to manage the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project. The Committee also received oral presentation from the Steering Committee and was updated on the work on the ground regarding the engineering aspect of the digitalization programme. In addition, the Committee received written submissions from the
Permanent Secretary.
3.2 Study Tours
In a bid to assess the nation's preparedness and in an effort to appreciate and understand the television digitalization programme, the Committee conducted a familiarization tour of ZBC studios and transmitters. The visit was conducted from the 11th - 17th of April 2016. The visit proved to be of value as the Committee received hands on information.
4.0 COMMITTEE'S FINDINGS.
4.1 The Permanent Secretary for Information, Media and
Broadcasting Services. Mr. G. Charamba.
4.1.1 In his presentation before the Committee, Mr. Charamba highlighted that the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting was alive to the need to align media laws with the Constitution.
Currently, the Ministry administers two statutes; the Broadcasting
Services Act and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The two pieces of legislation need to be reviewed due to new and emerging matters such as; the new Constitution, development in the broadcasting and print sectors since the promulgation of the laws, the macro-technological developments since 2000, the general expectations of the populace and the goals of the country.
4.1.2 He articulated that the Ministry used to be occupied with the engineering aspect of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Digital Migration Project. However, the country was slowly passing the engineering aspect and concerns are now on content production. Zimbabwe has chosen the (High Definition) HD as compared to the SD, hence 12 channels will be available after completion of the project. A SADC meeting in Windhoek, Namibia on digitalisation raised the issue of content production as a major challenge. Zimbabwe produced and shared its content production strategy which was adopted by the region. A content strategy should be versatile enough to fill all the platforms.
4.1.3 The Permanent Secretary explained that in the era of digitalization, the broadcasting sector needs the “Content Law” which in jurisdiction is called the “Film Act” or “World Vision Act”. The law would deal with matters of content, build institutions, deal with interface between content producers and content users, provides for conflict resolutions, deal with rights and obligations, royalty, intellectual properties and other related rights. Zimbabwe therefore, should be a content producer as well as protects the content and be able to market and create profits on the global scale.
4.1.4 It was also reported that the Ministry had already started to engage content producers throughout the country in anticipation of the completion of the digitalization programme.
4.1.5 After completion of the Information and Media Panel of Inquiry (IMPI) process, the Permanent Secretary indicated that the Ministry was working tirelessly to host a multi-stakeholders conference, to deliberate on the IMPI outcomes and recommendations. The conference resolutions would then be developed into policy and legislation.
4.2 UPDATE OF THE DIGITALISATION PROGRAMME.
4.2.1 The Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project is funded by the Government of Zimbabwe to the tune of about $172, 950
- This is broken down as follows;
ITEM | COSTS |
1. Equipment | 2. US$94 000 000 |
3. Services | 4. US$31 000 000 |
5. Civil Works +Set Top Boxes | 6. US$47 950 068 |
Total | 7. US$172 950 068 |
4.2.2 Fund Utilization: Payments to the Contractor.
4.2.2.1 Government contracted Huawei International to carry out the digitalization project at a cost of US$125 000 000 broken down as follows: US$94 000 000 for equipment; and US$31 000 000 for services. From these figures, disbursements to date are US$22 655
420.86 for equipment and services, including 10% advance payment. Equipment worth about US$17.3 million has been received. The equipment includes the following: Head- end equipment; Satellite
Uplink equipment; power systems for Head End, Satellite Uplink; Pockets Hill and transmitter sites; transmitter equipment and antenna systems for 8 sites; transmitter satellite receiver equipment; Regulatory Content Monitoring equipment; 6 new tower material; Pockets Hill equipment for 2 studios; Master Control Room and Play-out Systems; and 500 test Set Top Boxes. Equipment worth about US$16 million is ready for shipment pending pre – shipment payment. However, outstanding payments to Huawei to date is about US$19 million for both equipment and services.
4.2.3 Civil Works.
4.2.3.1 Payments relating to civil works amounted to US$5 144 474.37. These civil works include development of access roads to new transmitter sites. It was reported that construction of Chimanimani equipment room and electrification has been completed. In addition, 7 out of 8 transmitter room expansions have been completed at the following sites: Mutare, Nyanga, Kamativi, Kenmaur, Rutenga, Mount Darwin and Karoi. All 6 existing transmitter site antenna and de- installation are completed for Kamativi, Kenmaur, Mutare, Masvingo,
Harare and Bulawayo. Repair of 7 transmitter towers were completed for
Pocket Hills, Bulawayo, Kadoma, Masvingo, Chimanimani,
Mutorashanga and Gokwe. Tower inspection is currently being carried out to check completeness of repair work.
4.2.4 Progress on New Transmitter Sites Civil Works (access roads and tower foundation).
4.2.4.1 The Committee was well informed that 13 out of 15 civil works on new transmitter sites civil works (access road) were completed. Tower foundation works commenced on 16 transmitter sites. Four of the sites (Kotwa, Binga, Hwange and Bindura) have tower foundations ready for tower construction.
Head- end and satellite Uplink terminal civil works.
4.2.4.2 Satellite Uplink civil works was reported to have been completed. Furthermore, the Head- end equipment room renovations was also completed. Satellite capacity for initial signal distribution was secured from satellite provider Eutelsat and US$893 592 initial annual licence fees had been paid.
4.2.4.3 Equipment installation.
The Head- end equipment had been installed at Pockets Hill. The satellite Uplink equipment installation has also been completed. Power system installation for Head-end and satellite uplink completed.
Installation of two digital television studios, Master Control Room , Play- out system completed at Pockets Hill done as well as installation of the first batch of five digital transmitter sites, namely Kamativi, Kenmaur, Mutare, Nyanga and Susamoya has been completed (transmitter equipment, antenna systems, power systems, cooling systems and satellite receiver equipment has been installed). Installation of the second batch of 7 digital transmitters has commenced with the Harare site already completed, for the remaining 6 sites (Bulawayo, Kadoma, Mutorashanga, Gokwe, and Chimanimani) equipment delivery has been stalled by outstanding payments to the contractor.
4.2.5 Engineer Training.
Thirty three graduate engineers commenced attachment on the ZDBMP from June 2015, bringing to a total of 46 engineers on the digitalization project. Orientation lessons, lectures on satellite systems, installation attachments and formal training on equipment operation and maintenance has been and is being provided to the graduate engineers.
4.2.6 Content Production (supply of content to the digital platform).
4.2.6.1. It was reported that once the digitalization programme is fully completed, the demand for local content would be enormous. With six channels available, ZBC alone will require 144 hours per day, which translates to 1008 hours per week, 4032 hours per month and 48384 hours per year. In order to stipulate and supply content to the digital platform, the Ministry has embarked on a vigorous outreach campaign to rope in independent content producers. In order to assist these independent producers, the Ministry is in the process of renovating production studios at Production Services and equipping them with state of the art equipment. In addition, production equipment will be availed to the producers not only here in Harare, but also in the other provincial capitals.
4.2.6.2 A Content Commissioning Committee has been created to assess content production proposals and requirements for access to production equipment and facilities by content creators. The Committee has already worked on the applicable frameworks for access to equipment and the criteria for assessing proposals. The Committee has started its work in assessing over seventy proposals that have been submitted so far, with priority being placed on content that is easy to produce. So far three production teams are in the field producing content.
4.2.7 Outstanding payment of about $19 million for the acquisition of Set Top Boxes and other equipment has stalled the progress.
4.3 DIGITALISATION TOUR: Pocket Hills.
4.3.1 The Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services conducted a familiarization tour in a bid to assess the nation's preparedness towards fulfillment of the television digitization programme. The Committee had a chance to tour the ZBC, Pockets Hill where civil works have been completed as well as modernization of the studios. Five cameras, high efficiency LED lights which are remote controlled for brightness and controlled manually for movement had been installed in the studios. All the studios were reported to be ready for use.
4.3.2 Master Control Room, Satellite Uplink, The Head- End and Power Rooms.
The Committee also has an opportunity to visit the Master Control Room. The Master Control Room receives signals for internal and external studios. The play out system has six high definition televisions that are used for monitoring, play out and signaling. The power room consists of back up batteries and the Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) which lasts for more than 24 hours. The Head End section consists of a 250 KVA power system generator which carries 2000 litres of petrol. It is an Automatic Voltage System (AVS) and has Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS). The Satellite Uplink system is installed and operational.
4.3.3 Kotwa Transmitter Site, Mudzi.
4.3.4.1 The Committee visited Kotwa transmitter site which is still under construction although the foundation and the first diamond had been completed. Civil works had also been completed by the District Development Fund who was contracted to do the roads. The Committee was informed that Kotwa is one of the twenty-four new sites. Kotwa provides coverage to Mudzi, an area that never received TV or radio signals. In addition to Mudzi, the coverage is expected to go as far as
Pungwe, Kotwa, Nyamapanda and Chikoze areas. The Committee was also informed that all the new sites are areas which never had any signal before. Kotwa site is still under construction and the villagers relied on broadcasting services from Mozambique.
4.3.4.2 The challenges raised by the Steering Committee included the problem of transportation of heavy materials due to the terrain of the area as well as lack of space to store materials. Materials to fully complete the tower were reported to be held in Germany due to delayed payments.
4.3.4 Cecil Kopje Transmitter Site, Mutare.
On the 12th of April 2016, the Committee visited Cecil Kopje transmitter site in Mutare. Before the site visit, Transmedia hosted the
Committee to a demonstration of digital broadcasting at Amber Hotel. The Committee managed to watch the new ZBC channels that are ready to broadcast on a digital platform. In essence, Mutare community is ready to receive digital broadcasting. The demonstration showed that there is high quality signal as it stood at above 60%. The picture quality was perfect as it was at 100%. Members were informed that Cecil Kopje tower is completed with full installation of antennas.
The Committee was also informed that research was being done by the local engineers, in a bid to design low cost home aerial. It also emerged during discussions that flat screens are analogue sets hence they also need Set Top Boxes. The Committee then proceeded to the Cecil Kopje site where members were informed that Cecil Kopje tower was completed with full installation of antenna. Installed on the place is the downlink dish and antenna panels, and the tower is 120m height. The site also has an appropriate warehouse, fully equipped and security provided.
4.3.5 Mashava Transmitter Sitem Mashava.
From Mutare, the Committee proceeded to Mashava. It emerged that Mashava is one of the twenty-four new sites, and one of the fifteen currently under work in progress. The Mashava tower will be expected to cover areas such as Chivi, Masvingo, Shurugwi, Mashava, a 40 to 60km radius coverage. At the time of the visit, the constructor was still excavating and putting in steel reinforcements. Authorization was granted to power the concrete and construction was expected to start after 1 and half month. Civil works had also been completed by the
DDF.
4.3.6 Zvishavane Transmitter Site, Zvishavane.
The Committee proceeded to the Zvishavane site which is at the same stage as with Mashava. Zvishavane site covers areas such as Filabusi, Mashava, and Shurugwi. Construction of the foundation had been completed and inspected. Therefore, the Contractor was expected to resume construction of the tower after 1 and half month.
4.3.7 Montrose Studio, Bulawayo.
The Committee also toured the Montrose Studios in Bulawayo, which is the regional station that mainly caters for the Matebeleland
Province. It was reported that Montrose studios beginning Sunday the 17th of April 2016, would broadcast Indaba from Montrose. There are two new radio studios at Montrose. The Montrose transmitter tower has been repaired and was ready for the installation of antennas. The Committee further toured the control room and were informed that the floors need to be raised so as to install cables underneath. The two main television studio rooms were still under refurbishment.
The studios were simply being restructured to suit the digital studio. The equipment room was completed and ready to house equipment, however the said equipment is the one still being held in Germany. The Committee further toured radio stations that have been meticulous refurbished. The new radio station (Radio 4) will broadcast all the 16 languages, including Khoi San, Tswana and Ndau just to mention a few in line with the requirements of the Constitution. One studio was designed to be a multi-purpose and can be used for both radio and TV.
4.3.8 Kenmour Transmitter Site, Kenmour.
Kenmour Transmitter Site is one of the newly constructed sites and covers a formerly disadvantaged area of Lupane, as television has never been transmitted in the area. Before the Committee toured the transmission site, it was subjected to a demonstration whereby the engineers proved beyond doubt that the area is ready to receive ZBC on digital format. Kenmour is one of the 6 completed towers and can safely be reported to be digital now. During the discussions, it was suggested that a TV set and a STB be donated to the Kenmour centre and that the first set of STB be sold there so that the community has a feel of television for the first time in a long time. The Kenmour site is also identical to the other sites, that is, it has a powerhouse, transmitter and a satellite dish. Kenmour has a 60km radius and is 145m tall as it is on flat land.
4.3.10 Kamativi Transmitter Site, Kamativi.
The Committee then toured the Kamativi site where construction was completed. The Kamativi site is an existing site. The tower is 155 m high, free standing and cover areas such as Hwange, Dete, Fatima High, Binga and Manjolo a radius of 50-60km. The Kenmour site is also identical to the other sites, that is, it has a powerhouse, transmitter and a satellite dish.
4.3.11 Binga Transmitter Site, Binga.
The Committee's last point of call was Binga, the construction of the tower was still underway however, almost completed. The Binga area used to receive transmission from Kamativi. The construction process started in October with the excavation work. They chose a rocky site as it is more stable. The tower is 120m high and it took 21 working days to erect the tower. What is left now are the electronics and for civil engineers to do some checks and balances. Full completion of the tower would also be derailed due to the equipment still being held in
Germany.
5.0 COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS.
5.1 After considerations of both the oral evidence sessions and fact finding mission, the Committee made the following observations;
- Erratic or non disbursement of funds, especially the much awaited US$19 million, will stall progress and further delay the completion of the project. The Committee questions the commitment by the Ministry of Finance and Economic
Development to fund the programme.
- The Committee welcomes the subsidy of Set Top Boxes (STB) prices from US$43 to US$25, by the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services. However, the Committee notes that the price is still high and beyond the reach of most citizens.
- There is need for the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project Steering Committee to do more on awareness, to educate the citizens on the project and equipment they need to buy.
- Despite tremendous efforts on the ground to complete the project, the Committee notes that the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services has not yet questioned the continual importation of non digital television sets. This will result in Zimbabwe being the dumping ground of non digitally compliant television sets.
- The Committee noted that there are places ready to receive digital transmitter sites, such as Mutare, Kamative, Harare among others, these should be prioritized in terms of distribution of STB.
- The introduction of subscription fees present a challenge considering that most residents were used to receive ZBC signals for free for a long time. This has an effect to the citizens right to access information as enshrined in the Constitution,
Section 62.
- The Committee welcomes the training of engineers as a positive development. During tours, the graduates exhibited full understanding and appreciation of their duties and responsibilities.
- The Committee observed that the digitalization programme was once reported to be self financing through the selling of the digital dividend to the tune of US$200 million. This is far much more than the budgeted US$172 million. The Committee raised concerns that the digital dividend was bought by Telone. However, there is no explanation on the use of the money which was meant for the project.
- Injuries and one death were reported during construction of transmitter towers due to failure by contractors to adhere to safety standards.
6.0 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS.
The following are the Committee's recommendations; iii. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development should disburse US$19 million by mid August 2016, to allow for equipment held in Germany to be released and allow for progress on the ground. The project may soon be a white elephant programme, if Treasury does not give enough attention to the project.
- In addition, by end of August 2016, a disbursement plan should be negotiated and established between the Ministries of Finance and Information so as to ensure that the programme is not stalled.
- Set Top Boxes should be further subsidized to US$10 and should be sold by Transmedia at specific identified buying points in the districts to ensure availability of the equipment to the rural areas.
- Subscription fees should be US$3 per month in accordance with the KPMG Report recommendations.
- The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services should explain to the National Assembly why the money raised through digital dividend was not channelled towards the Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project, a month after presentation of this report.
- The Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project Steering Committee should conduct awareness campaigns, to educate the citizens on the project and equipment that they need to buy. In addition, they should run demonstrations at various district centres by end of August.
- The Zimbabwe Digital Migration Project Steering Committee should engage Members of Parliament as a strategy to facilitate public awareness, through provision of educational materials among others.
- Transmedia should make efforts to ensure that STB are assembled locally as well as television sets that are digitally compatible.
- Areas that transmitters are ready should be prioritized for STB distribution. In addition, the Steering Committee should run demonstrations at business centres throughout the country.
- The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting
Services should gazette regulations restricting further importation on television sets that are non compatible. In addition, importation of digitally compatible television sets should be encouraged through a reduction of a duty. The 2017 National Budget should cover the above matter.
- Content producers should be allowed deferment of duty on imported operational materials or equipment as a strategy to encourage more content production.
- The Committee recommends that a programme should be developed to be able to retain the trained engineers and avoid human skills flight.
7.0 Conclusion.
Tremendous progress on the ground has been done, as quite a number of transmitter sites are almost completed. The Zimbabwe Digital Broadcasting Migration Project is an important national programme which will revolutionarize the broadcasting sector and bring a lot of development through employment creation. Non payment for the equipment held in Germany will further stall progress that have been witnessed. The Ministry of Finance should prioritize the funding of the project. I thank you.
THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE,
LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MUNANGAGWA): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 16th August, 2016.
TABLING OF THE 2015ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL
PROSECUTING AUTHORITY OF ZIMBABWE
THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE,
LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFIARS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): I, as the Vice President and Minister of Justice,
Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, pursuant to section 262 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, hereby lay upon the table the Annual Report for the National Prosecuting Authority for the year ending 31 December,
- I thank you.
On the motion of THE HON. VICE PRESIDENT AND
MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY
AFFAIRS (HON. MNANGAGWA), the National Assembly adjourned at Twenty Three Minutes past Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 16th
August, 2016.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 27th July, 2016
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
SWEARING IN OF A NEW MEMBER
THE HON. SPEAKER: On 23rd July, 2016, Parliament received communication from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission on the election of the following member of ZANU PF party as Member of the National Assembly with effect from 24th July, 2016, Hon. Martin Tafara
Dinha representing Mazowe North Constituency.
Section 128 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that before a Member of Parliament takes his or her seat in Parliament, the member must take the Oath of a Member of Parliament in the form set out in the 3rd Schedule. Section 128(2) states that the Oath must be taken before the Clerk of Parliament. I therefore call upon the Clerk of
Parliament to administer the Oath of a Member of Parliament to Hon.
Martin Tafara Dinha.
NEW MEMBER SWORN
HON. MARTIN TAFARA DINHA subscribed to the Oath of
Loyalty as required by the Law and took his seat – [HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear.] –
INVITATION TO A COCKTAIL PARTY
THE HON. SPEAKER: I have to remind the House that Hon.
Members from outside Harare are invited by the General Manager of Rainbow Towers Hotel to a cocktail party starting at 1830 hours this evening.
*HON. MURAI: On a point of order. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to pose a question regarding the new Hon. Member, Hon. Martin Dinha. My question is, is he the one who is standing trial for the value of $40 000? – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order! Hon. Murai, please sit down. This is not a play ground. Hon. Members at the back there, can you take your seats? This is not a playground for small children, if you do not uphold your integrity as Hon. Members, we shall not allow that in future. Sit down, sit down please – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible intrjections.] – [HON. MURAI: Mr. Speaker, this is a serious matter which affects our economy.]
MOTION
LEAVE TO MOVE ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE ON A
MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE: UNLAWFUL
RELEASE OF TWO SUSPECTS FROM POLICE CUSTODY
HON. CROSS: Mr. Speaker Sir, I rise with the indulgency of the House of Assembly to introduce a motion of national urgent importance which I hope can be debated later on this afternoon, at a designated time.
The motion states as follows:
Appalled by the behaviour of the Hon. Vice President Mphoko when he forced the police operating from Avondale Police Station in Harare, to release two men arrested on serious fraud charges on the 13th July, 2016.
CONCERNED THAT in the course of this incident, he ordered his
security staff to assault a police officer when he resisted his unlawful instructions.
FURTHER CONCERNED THAT in forcing the release from
custody of these two accused persons, the Hon. Vice President was violating his position as Acting President – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: I think it is high time we identify some
Members and they leave the House. I need to hear what the Hon.
Member is saying and all of us need to listen.
HON. CROSS: FURTHER CONCERNED THAT in forcing the
release from custody of these two accused two persons, the Hon. Vice President was violating his position as Acting President, as well as the laws of Zimbabwe.
NOW THEREFORE, I call upon on this National Assembly to
condemn his behaviour in the strongest terms and call on the national prosecuting authority to order the re-arrest of the two suspects and their arraignment in court on charges that were laid against them.
FURTHERMORE, the Hon. Vice President to apologise to the
police in particular; to the nation at large for his actions and pay compensation as he deem reasonable to the officer whom his security details assaulted. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: In terms of Standing Order Number 15,
for the motion to be placed on the Order Paper at 1715 hours, as requested, no less than 25 Members should rise and if they do rise and they are more than 25 Members, the motion is accepted.
All MDC-T Members of Parliament stood up.
THE HON. SPEAKER: In terms of Standing Order Number 15 (9), there are more than 25 Members that have accepted the motion. So, the motion stands.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. HOLDER: Thank you Mr. Speaker. There is an issue
which I want to find out from you. The last time, I think three months ago, I raised a point of order and you were looking into giving us a response and I have not yet received any response or heard anything about that issue. There were, 30 Members of Parliament that were expelled from here, the Committee Chairpersons were based on the number of seats that were here for different parties, but you never gave a ruling as to whether the Chairpersons of Committees were reduced from the opposition side or not? I am still waiting patiently for the response.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Holder, I will look into the matter and we should have a response from the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders, in our next session.
*HON. ZWIZWAI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My point of order is
with regards to the complaints which are raised frequently in this House. Ministers do not seem to take this House serious because there are very few who are here. There are Members sitting on the front row, which is supposed to be occupied by Ministers and we only have three Minister.
We have some Members sitting there like Hon. Chapfika and Hon. Mudarikwa, but they are not Ministers. The Ministers are depriving us of this Question Time so that we could benefit and I remember Hon. Speaker, you promised that you would take some stern measures towards Members who are Ministers, who are missing from duty. You also promised to hold a meeting with His Excellency that Ministers are not taking their duties seriously and therefore, need to be reprimanded. May I conclude by congratulating Hon. Chamisa and Hon. Eng. Mudzuri for being elected Vice Presidents in the MDC-T Party – [MDC-T
MEMBERS: Hear, hear] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes, the matter was raised by the Chair with His Excellency the President. We came up with a situation where if Ministers are occupied elsewhere, they inform Parliament. In this case, we are informed that His Excellency the President is dealing with matters affecting war veterans and their welfare. Therefore, the
Ministers have leave of absence. In their absence, Hon. Chinamasa as Acting Leader of Government Business will take care of all the questions where Hon. Ministers are not available.
HON. P. D.SIBANDA: On a point of order. My point of order is actually seeking clarification on the prioritisation of Orders of the Day. I am a new Member and some of the things I might not understand them. Yesterday Hon. Speaker, when the House adjourned the motion that was under debate is the motion by Hon. Dr. Mashakada seconded by Hon. Cross pertaining to the cash crisis in the country. When I look at the Orders of the Day today, I find the Order is on number eight and all the other Orders 1 – 7 are new Orders. I am not so sure Mr. Speaker, whether that is the right way or that the House has got to deal with the Order that it dealt with the previous day. Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order! Hon. Member, your observation
is correct. You will notice that the motions that you are referring to are new motions and so they take priority in that regard.
*HON. MAPIKI: My question is directed to the Minister of
Environment, Water and Climate. What is Government policy regarding the sale of ivory where we have tonnes and tonnes in storage. When these are sold, the country may come out of the economic doldrums because we know that in 1987, Zimbabwe had promised that it would either sell the ivory or come out of the CITES grouping because of the difficult conditions set.
*THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND CLIMATE (HON. MUCHINGURI): Zimbabwe is a member of an
organisation called CITES which has the responsibility of overseeing the trade of ivory. As stated by the Hon. Member who asked this question, we have a nine year moratorium given which bans the sale of ivory in the whole world. This also affects Zimbabwe which is also operating under this moratorium. As a country, we are preparing for the elapse of the nine years so that we may start to benefit from ivory. As of now, Zimbabwe has 96 tonnes and if all this is sold, Zimbabwe stands to benefit about $9 billion. You can easily see that there is going to be some economic growth in the country.
As the Minister of Environment and other Ministers within the region, we have put our heads together to discuss the benefit from our flora and fauna. We are the only countries which have these wild animals but, unfortunately, these other countries that have killed their fauna and flora are now trying to thwart our efforts. The European Union is also pushing forward for the continuation of this ban. As Africa, we are planning to discuss this issue in September when we are due to hold a CITES conference so that we are allowed, at the end of the moratorium, to hold a once off sale so that we can benefit from the ivory. My plea to Hon. Members of Parliament is that when you go out of the country in other fora, please take the advantage of marketing the ivory because the money we obtain from that will lead to the development of our country.
*HON. MAPIKI: Minister, when Zimbabwe discovered that …
THE HON. SPEAKER: I hope I will not have to keep on repeating this; Ministers are addressed as Hon. Minister(s), the same way you address Members of Parliament.
*HON. MAPIKI: Thank you. Hon. Minister, when Zimbabwe
discovered that there was no material benefit of being in the
Commonwealth, we moved out of this grouping. Why do we not move out as Zimbabwe from the CITES because it is not helping and so that we are not bound by these archaic and diabolic rules? We want to benefit from our ivory and therefore if we move out, we will be able to dictate our own terms of selling our natural resources.
*HON. MUCHINGURI: I thank the Hon. Member for asking this question. It is true that when CITES was launched, it was an organisation which was mainly working on the conservation of natural resources and also talking of the sustainable utilisation of these natural resources. It was also concerned about the protection of endangered species. I agree with you that CITES has now been infiltrated by people who claim to be environmentally friendly and who have their own agendas. This shows that the countries where these people come from have killed their wildlife, and are jealousy and envious of our countries because we have conserved the wildlife. Therefore, they want to punish us and the Hon. Member has asked a question whether it is possible for Zimbabwe to get out of CITES. When you look at this issue, it will not help us much because unlike the Commonwealth which was not helping us in anyway, CITES benefits us in that we have hunters coming from countries outside Zimbabwe and these come in to hunt our elephants for a fee. Non consumptive tourists can also suspend doing business with us because we would have pulled out of CITES. So, there are a lot of advantages than disadvantages of being a member of CITES.
We have noticed that we have support from other countries when we talk of trade in CITES. We held a Paris agreement whereby other countries were saying we should benefit from our natural resources by indulging sustainable utilisation. Even if we are a small country, we have our benefits and we need to have confidence in what we are doing. When the time comes for us to get out of CITES, we will inform them but at the moment we are still a member of that group.
*HON. ZWIZWAI: My supplementary question is, Hon.
Minister, you have said you are united with other countries which are members of CITES in Africa and you are all in support of selling your ivory. Last month we witnessed Kenya destroying ten tonnes of ivory and I am saying if we have a country which is destroying its stocks, what makes you believe that you will get the support to offload the excess ivory you have?
*HON. MUCHINGURI: May I please clarify this point. Zimbabwe is not Kenya and Zimbabwe is Zimbabwe. Kenya, is a sovereign state with its own rules and regulations. What we know is that in Kenya that is where we find these so-called green organisations. We gather that they were promised $300m as compensation for destroying the ten tonnes of ivory and as other members of the African continent, we greatly sympathise with what they did, burning all those tonnes.
Another country which had also been lured into destroying its stockpile of ivory is Botswana but they were suspicious and failed to destroy their stocks. For the time being we are manufacturing ivory products and exporting because what we know is that there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are going to offload our ivory and we are going to benefit that. If I were to tell you the truth, Zimbabwe will never ever destroy its ivory stockpile.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you for your well crafted answer. My supplementary question goes as follows – we have seen Hon. Minister Chinamasa criss-crossing the world trying to make sure he is alleviating the problem that we have in terms of the US$10.5bn that we owe to the multinational lenders.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Can you please go to the supplementary
question.
HON. NDUNA: We have US$9bn in terms of our ivory, would it not be prudent or wise enough for us now to form a board which deals with lobbying, to make sure that we immediately lobby towards the selling of our ivory so that we clear our external debt using our Godgiven natural resources.
HON. MUCHINGURI: The Hon. Member may recall that two weeks ago, we held a consultative meeting as Ministers responsible for wildlife in SADC and this particular conference requires us as a region together to lobby. I am sure we are qualified to be able to represent our region adequately. The issue of coming up with another board, I do not think it will bring any other solution that may differ from what we are pushing as Minister responsible for wildlife.
I want to assure the Hon. Member that we have lobbied the EU and it is supporting us. The challenge that we have is the United States but we are happy that United States hunters continue coming to Zimbabwe – [HON. ZWIZWAI: To kill Cecil the lion.]- Well, Cecil was not the problem of an American, it was the problem of a Zimbabwean. What I want to assure Hon. Nduna is that we have very able-bodied young men and women Ministers in the region who have the capacity to defend our ivory. We have also engaged the chiefs and the communities who suffer living with these wild animals and there is a lot of sympathy. We are going to involve quite a number of Zimbabwean communities to participate at the CITES so that they also make their cases heard. I thank you.
HON. DHEWA: My question is directed to the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development. In view of the cash shortages, what measures has Government put in place to ensure that the small scale miners who produce gold have access to cash when they deliver their gold to Fidelity and also if these measures are actually adequate to avoid gold being delivered to the black market?
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING
DEVELOPMENT (HON. K. CHIDHAKWA): Thank you Mr.
Speaker. I want to thank the Hon. Member for that question. Mr. Speaker Sir, the issue of cash which has affected all sectors of the economy also affected the buying of gold. I want to advise this House that we have had discussions with the Minister of Finance and Economic Development and the Reserve Bank Governor and agreed that we will put special attention to the allocation of cash for purposes of buying gold.
This we have done, Mr. Speaker, because we know that in order to provide liquidity, you must promote export and therefore, the need to promote exports becomes paramount, because it is the exports which then generate the liquidity. We therefore decided that we would ensure that the small, medium and large scale gold miners are paid. What happened at some point, Mr. Speaker, was that when monies were given to the various financial institutions specifically for the purposes of paying for gold, they then had diverted those resources to other activities, but we have corrected that situation and I want to assure the Hon. Member and this House that we will continue to monitor the situation in order to ensure that enough resources are provided for the purchase of gold. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
HON. S. CHIDHAKWA: Hon. Minister, on the issue of cash in the country, since you dissolved the companies in Chiyadzwa, your reason was that there was nothing coming to the fiscas. Is there anything now coming to the fiscas with those companies that you put together now? Are we getting anything from those companies?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, the question does not arise as a supplementary.
HON. T. KHUMALO: My question is directed to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. Vubachikwe Mine is under threat. It has been operating for 112 years and the company took over, it has been operating for 10 years and it is about to shut down. It is one of the biggest suppliers of gold in Africa. What is Government policy to salvage that mine and recoup whatever monies we need to recoup? Are we not going to meet another US$15 billion issue on the Vubachikwe
Mine? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING
DEVELOPMENT (HON. K. CHIDHAKWA): I want to get more
into detail on this issue, but all I can say is that I have visited
Vubachikwe Mine. I have seen not just the confusion on the ground, but also the confusion in the shareholding structure; the intense fighting that is taking place which has taken them to the courts. We have also seen the very serious problems created on the environmental side. I am aware that at some point, some cattle died as a result of drinking water that was poisoned.
So, we are aware, but it is just that when you have a matter that is before the courts, you can do so much as to protect the environment and so on and so forth, but in so far as the shareholding structure is concerned - which is the key to resolving the problems at Vubachikwe, we would have to still wait for the High Court judge to make a determination and after that determination, we can then go in and ensure that the actual processes of production take place. I am aware of the situation. We keep track. Our Provincial Mining Director is aware of it and we will keep monitoring the situation to see what needs to be done, but you are right. Thank you.
*HON. A. MNANGAGWA: My question is directed to the
Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development. Cattle were affected by foot-and-mouth disease. What is the Minister doing to heal these cattle because we have some herds of cattle with a cultural significance which were affected by this disease?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(LIVESTOCK) (HON. ZHANDA): Yes the foot-and-mouth disease is still affecting our herds of cattle and what has happened in Zimbabwe is that cattle are not allowed to move from a green zone to a red zone. There is a law which prohibits the free movement of cattle from a dangerous area to a less dangerous area and therefore, we are not going to stick only to treating these cattle, but we need to restrict the movement of these animals from the highly infected areas to areas which are not affected.
What we are encouraging is that if these people in such areas want to benefit from their cattle, they should construct abattoirs in their areas so that cattle do not move from one region to the other, thus leading to the infection of such areas.
HON. CHIBAYA: My question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs. Deputy Minister, what is Government policy in respect of those serious criminal cases whose investigations take longer than the 30 days stipulated in the Police Service Charter? Is there no need for police to communicate with the affected stakeholders where investigations take long? I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (HON.
MGUNI): The complex issue around investigations is that the tasked team should do a thorough investigation in order to present a correct case and accurate case to the Prosecutor General. It can go as far as it can, as long as people have not gathered enough evidence to prosecute those criminals. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
HON. CHIBAYA: Hon. Speaker, I am making reference to the case of a four year old, Blessed Muringo, from Mkoba who disappeared, Hon. Minister, on 12th June, 2016 and there has been no communication to date from the police on the progress of the investigations.
HON. MGUNI: Thank you Hon. Chibaya It is a very specific incident where we need to go - I am personally going to go and get the case number, if you make it available to me, so that I bring back a follow up to you as an Honourable in the House.
HON. HOLDER: Thank you Hon. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Chinamasa. Government acquired a US$200m loan facility from AFREXIM Bank. My question is the US$200m will be replaced with bond notes, is that money going to stay out of the country or is it coming into this country?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHINAMASA): I thank the Hon. Member
for his question. The question has been raised under Written Questions and I have an answer for him; if you could be patient so that I reply it when I reply to that question.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Which question is that?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHINAMASA): Question 46 by Hon.
Majome, but I am at your hands, if you want me to give the answer and I will be excused from giving the answer later.
THE HON. SPEAKER: No we will wait for the Written
Questions.
HON. MUZONDIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question
is directed to the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development. Several factors have been affecting farmers’ willingness to produce food crops, chief among them, lack of funding. What strategies has Government put in place so far in increasing funding for food crop production in a bid to attain food security and reclaim the nation status of being the bread basket of Africa? I thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(LIVESTOCK) (HON. ZHANDA): Thank you Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Hon. Member for a very pertinent question. The issue affecting productivity, particularly in relation to maize is not only related to funding. It is related to many things including the technical knowhow to produce. Money alone will not do the trick; there are a lot of things that need to be applied in order to achieve the necessary yields. If I can explain that the issues affecting productivity, particularly in relation to maize are four things. The first one is obviously something to do with funding and if the funding is available, it has something to do with the tenure of the funding and the cost associated with that funding and the unstructured nature of that funding.
The second one is the issue of access to markets where a farmer has harvested and there is no ready market for him or her. The third one, more importantly, is the issue of productivity which relates to the issue of viability. The issue of viability in farming is the issue of productivity whether they are doing eggs, milk, chickens or maize. The last one is the issue of climate change. We do not believe that the responsibility of financing the growing of maize should only be that of Government. We also think the private sector must also come in, and the users of the commodity must finance the growing of particularly maize, wheat or soya bean. Therefore, on the part of Government we have approved the issue of contract farming in order to attract private funding. I am sure discussions are at a very advanced stage to come out with an industry position, both with the private sector and Government to make sure that we have put in place a package where the private sector will also chip in the funding of the growing of maize. I thank you.
HON. NDEBELE: Thank you Hon. Speaker. Government is mooting a programme of command agriculture, which basically implies frog marching farmers – military fashion, to force them to produce maize. That on its own marks a major policy shift and it is indeed an admission of failure..
THE HON. SPEAKER: What is the supplementary question?
HON. NDEBELE: The supplementary question is what extra policy measures has Government put across to ensure that ordinary farmers that grow maize are paid way ahead of corrupt Ministers, politicians and big names at GMB? I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Member, I think you have
not given any data of the corrupt Ministers and officials. So, to that extent, withdraw that part of your statement.
HON. NDEBELE: Perhaps let me say what waterproof and robust measures has Government put – [AN HON. MEMBER:
Withdraw.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: The first thing is to withdraw that
statement because there is no evidence.
HON. NDEBELE: I wish to recant that statement Hon. Speaker. –
[AN HON. MEMBER: Withdraw.] -
THE HON. SPEAKER: Recant is withdrawing – [AN HON.
MEMBER: Chachikoro.] –
HON. NDEBELE: I then want to table the same question Hon. Speaker regarding what measures Government has put in place to ensure that ordinary farmers are paid by the national granary ahead of big names, some who are mere middlemen and not farmers.
HON. ZHANDA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question, although not agreeing with the connotation. I am not aware of anybody who has jumped the queue in the payment process at GMB. If the Hon. Member has such evidence, I will only be too pleased to investigate and report back to this House. I am also happy to say that the payment process at GMB is up to date and I want to thank the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic
Development for having provided adequate funding to pay timeously all those farmers who have delivered the maize at GMB. I can also report that to date, GMB has received more than 110 thousand tonnes which have been fully paid for. I thank you.
HON. NDEBELE: Supplementary question Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: You cannot ask two supplementary
questions because you are not the originator of the question.
HON. NDEBELE: Can I call it a point of order so that I am
technically correct.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Yes.
HON. NDEBELE: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. NDEBELE: My point of order is, if all is well at the national granary in respect to payment, what then informs the programme of command agriculture wherein the Government seeks to show up the production of maize. Ordinary, everyone is a maize farmer here, there will be no need absolutely if all was well, something is amiss.
THE HON. SPEAKER: That sounds like a new question. I thought you said your supplementary question wanted to know about the water tight system to be put in place so that the farmers who deliver are paid timeously without prejudice.
HON. ZHANDA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. The system that is being used in payment of maize is very robust and very tight because the Ministry of Finance releases finance on the basis of maize delivered the previous week, with names and amounts well documented in that list. Therefore, there is no chance of any official at GMB to manipulate and jump, preferring someone who would have delivered at a later date than the other. So it is very water-tight because the amounts are being released from the Ministry of Finance on the basis of a well documented list that is coming from GMB. I thank you.
*HON. ZEMURA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am directing my question to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture (Livestock), Hon. Zhanda. This is in regards to resettlement areas. There are small breeds of cattle in this area. What is the Government doing to ensure that there is cross breeding so that we come up with marketable breeds of cattle in
Zimbabwe?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(LIVESTOCK) (HON. ZHANDA): Thank you Hon. Speaker. I thank the Hon. Member who asked the question indicating that there are small breeds of cattle in the resettlement areas. I am not sure which types of cattle the Hon. Member is referring to. However, I want to explain by saying; we have exotic breeds such as Brahman, Simmental and Beefmasters, often referred to as beef-framed animals. On the other hand, we also have indigenous breeds of cattle such as Mashona, Thuli and Ngoni which are small-framed animals.
However, if there is no inbreeding, these cattle grow very well, even in terms of weight. What we intend to address on our indigenous small-framed animals is the beef-classification system, which favours big-framed animals. However, we seek to repeal the Statute so that they can be classified in the same category. Nationally, we are working towards the establishment of a semen collection bank which we intend to establish in Marondera at Grasslands. We want to establish a bull semen collection station which will be used by farmers to collect big-framed cattle at a very low prize so that farmers can cross-breed their cattle.
Hon. Speaker Sir, there is also training on the programme of artificial insemination in all districts. In other areas, the programme has already started. In Murehwa, there are programmes which we rolled out but are not yet at a full swing. Thank you.
HON. MUTSEYAMI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Good afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir. My supplementary question Hon. Minister Zhanda; you talked about improving the breed, which we appreciate. However, earlier on Hon. Minister, when you had some visitations, I am sure this is still on your finger tips…
Hon. Mutseyami having been addressing the Gallery.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Address the Chair please.
HON. MUTSEYAM: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I am sure this
is still on your finger tips. Whilst you are addressing the issue of increasing the stock, you have a challenge which you were told by farmers in Chipinge District when you had a visit recently. This is about their livestock facing challenges on being affected by wildlife at a massive scale. You assured them that you would come back to them with a response after liaising with the Minister so that the stock can be maintained and improved. What is it that you have put in place as a Minister responsible for livestock so that the livestock in Chipinge is maintained and the issue of wildlife is managed so that we do not continuously experience this problem in Chipinge, Musikavanhu, Chipinge South and West and part of Buhera as a result of the Chiredzi Conservancy?
HON. ZHANDA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Hon. Member, although I should be protesting because when I visited the area, he absented himself. I do not know what he heard from the farmers because at these meetings, he was not there. I agree with him that…
HON. MUTSEYAMI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. Mr.
Speaker Sir, I think it is important for the Hon. Minister to note that I do not preside on the constituency that he had a programme in. Besides that, I was not invited to attend that event. How can I know of an event where I am not invited? The worst Hon. Minister, when this meeting was being conducted, there was sloganeering by other people attending that meeting. How then do I attend those meetings?
HON. ZHANDA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Unfortunately, it was not me who was supposed to invite him because I was invited in the area. I admit the sloganeering which took place there was pamberi nekurima mombe, and I do not know about other sloganeering that was happening there – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – The issue Mr.
Speaker is that I admit that I visited Chipinge for fact finding.
In actual fact, after he had raised the issue with me here and having promised that I was going to visit Chipinge, he absented himself. However, the issue is that, yes, there is a conflict and it is not new between humans and wildlife. It is an old conflict which needs to be managed. I am in the process of consulting the Minister concerned to
see how best we can address the coexistence between humans and wildlife in that area.
Admittedly, yes, the fences were in bad shape and obviously there were allegations about farmers cutting the fence but I do not agree. To a certain extent, I think both parties must learn to coexist. We are in the process of addressing that with the Hon. Minister and we will soon be informing you of what measures we would have put in place. Suffice to say that, what I discovered in that area is the issue of drought which is taking its toll. There will be need for supplementary feeding, which we have taken up as Government and other cooperating partners. I thank you.
HON. TOFFA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. My question is directed at the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. What efforts has Government put in place in establishing a special audit body that will focus exclusively on the extractive sector as well as broadening – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - The role of Parliament in the mining sector?
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order, can we please whisper to each other so that we can understand what the Hon. Member is saying.
HON. TOFFA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. My question is directed at the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. What efforts has Government put in place in establishing a special audit body that will focus exclusively on the extractive sector as well as broadening the role of Parliament in the mining sector to promote transparency and accountability, given the fact that Zimbabwe has lost millions of dollars in revenue from the mining sector? Thank you.
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING
DEVELOPMENT (HON. W. K. CHIDAKWA): Thank you Mr.
Speaker. I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question. We have not started putting in place a board for that purpose, but we have the National Economic Conduct Inspectorate which is responsible for investigations. We have got the Anti-Corruption Commission which when things happen that are improper, we trigger the Anti-Corruption Commission. However, what we have also done with the Minister of Finance, in respect of the diamond mining companies that were operating in Chiadzwa, the Auditor General appointed three companies that are undertaking forensic audits for the next two-three months to establish what exactly happened in Marange.
The point you make about a board, I think it is something that we can begin to look at particularly given the fact that the number of issues in the mining sector are significant. What I need to put across to you is that in the Ministry of Mines, we have a Dispute Resolution Committee which looks at the smaller disputes, the fights between miners and farmers, miners and miners…
HON. DR. SHUMBA: On a point of order! The issues relating to
the question that has been asked are in line with the issue that the Committee on Mines and Energy is seized with. So, I would like to protect the Minister by having the question withdrawn until the Committee has concluded its investigations and table its report in the
House.
HON. ZVIDZAI: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. My
question is directed to the Minister of Finance and Economic
Development. The question is also related to what the Minister of Environment and Climate Change spoke on, around the value of ivory in stocks. The Minister referred to a stock worth nine billion dollars. What policy interventions is he contemplating between his Ministry and that Ministry to ensure that 90 tonne stock is converted into the nine billion dollars that could deal overnight with Government debt? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHINAMASA): Thank you Madam
Speaker. I think if the Hon. Member had listened to the Minister of Environment, he would have understood that we have in stock 96 tonnes of ivory and not 90. Of course the value may be debatable but the Hon. Minister puts it at, I think 100 000 per kg. Now, if it is 100 000 per kg, clearly it means that we have 9, 6 billion worth of ivory in the country, sufficient to write off our debt.
So, this is the paradox of Africa, rich Africa, and poor Africans because the policies are coming from outside and imposed on us. They do not have elephants but they become members of CITES to ban and stop us from disposing our own assets. So, this is food for thoughts for all of us. Here, we have on the table countries which have no elephants but which have a decisive say on how we should dispose our assets, because of that ban, because they are powerful nations, we are stopped to dispose of our resources.
So, we are not poor, our balance sheet is very good but it is the policies from outside which militate against our economic recoveries. I thank you.
HON. MUNENGAMI: Thank you Madam Speaker. The Minister
is saying the policies which they are implementing are imposed by the West, which is not true.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, if you are
talking about the policies of other countries to this country, the Hon.
Minister was answering to a question, and then he was in the process of explaining what happens.
HON. MUNENGAMI: I am challenging that answer which he
gave.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: How can you challenge since
you are not a Minister and you have not been asked.
HON. MUNENGAMI: He is wrong in answering that question, that is why I am challenging him because he is misleading us to say that the policies were imposed by the West yet as a country, we have got our own policies. We are a sovereign nation, we have got our own policies and he is saying we have policies which were imposed by the West.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Since that question is not originating from this, can you please bring in your own question concerning those policies, not taking it from the question that was asked by someone. So, I am advising you to do that as the Chair.
*HON. MARIDADI: Thank you Madam Speaker. The Minister
said there are countries which do not have elephants in their nations yet they are members of CITES who put stringent measures to us so that we do not sell our ivory. However, we are a Member State of the African Union, so we should craft laws which will enable us to sell our elephants as much as we want instead on relying on CITES.
HON. CHINAMASA: I thank the Hon. Member for the supplementary question. I think I made the comment, Africa is rich but it has poor Africans. Our obligation as Africans is to interrogate that which makes us poor when we have rich resources. You also need to know that CITES was formed as an environment movement, to protect the environment. When we are talking about environment, if everybody, even those who have no elephants, it is to do with climate change and everything else about environment. Now, in that organisation, talking about environment are powerful nations without elephants, so they then isolate issues and try to drive and impose a ban on export of elephants –
[HON. MUNENGAMI: Ko imi munenge muchiitei?] - THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, order!
HON. CHINAMASA: I think that the Hon. Minister of Environment, Water and Climate made it very clear that we are lobbying. It is not like we have thrown our arms in the air and doing nothing. We are lobbying and as she pointed out, the EU seems now to go along with our position. What remains is the USA. As you know, it is a superpower and generally, they use all sorts of methods to dissuade other countries from taking a position which is contrary to their position. So, we will continue to engage those countries which are banning the export of ivory. We will continue to engage them and that is part of the lobbying that we are engaged in. So, it is not like we are throwing our arms in the air and doing nothing but I think it is important because this information about the worth of our ivory has only come to me recently. I knew it was very valuable but I did not know that we are sitting on ivory worth 9.6 billion. Let us even call it 5 billion, it is lot of money.
So, it is important that all of us individually, now that we have this information, whenever we engage the USA, Europe, Japan, all those countries which are against export of ivory, whenever we engage them, let us speak with one voice to say “lift this ban” so that we avail ourselves the benefits of our resources. I thank you.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Madam Speaker, my question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture. My question is, what is Government policy regarding agricultural farming contracts especially with regards to the percentage that should be given to the farmer?
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I want to know whether Hon.
Members in front of your desk are sleeping or what is it? No, Hon. Members please! Order, order, you are disturbing me. What is wrong with you? Hon. Members, I think I have to see your faces because I do not want to see the back of your heads. I think you know the rules of this House. You are not supposed to pass between the Chair and the one who is debating.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Madam Chair. My question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture regarding Government policy on contract farming especially regarding the percentage which should be paid to farm owners so that they also benefit. If we have the former white owner, can he come and hold a contract with the new owner?
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(LIVESTOCK) (HON. ZHANDA): Thank you for that question. When
Government talks of contract farming and if it is a genuine contract, it should not have predetermined percentages charged. It should be different from renting out the farm to somebody. When you talk of rental farming, it is not permissible by Government. Contract farming means the following things such as seed fertilizer and others and then the farmer will grow on his behalf. If it is a joint venture programme, we have two people - the farmer has his land and services. The outsider brings out inputs and when they have sold their proceeds, they share the profit accordingly.
When we are talking of the white man who comes in to do contract farming that person cannot just come because he used to own that farm. If he held talks with the new owner, they have to agree on sharing of profits. He should not force himself onto the new farmer but there has to be an agreement.
HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you very much Madam Speaker.
My follow up question - is the Minister aware that the percentages are being given to farmers according to their agreement? It would look like we are actually reversing the land reform. Are you aware of that?
HON. ZHANDA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I want to thank Hon. Matangira for the supplementary question. I am not aware of such arrangements. Thank you.
*HON. MAONDERA: Thank you Madam Speaker. I am
directing my question to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development. The question is - since we have a problem in the availability of cash, what is Government policy regarding the payments done to Government departments so that we have point of sale machines? In Government, we have 90% of your departments which want service seekers to pay cash upfront instead of using point of sale machines.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHINAMASA): Thank you very much
Madam Speaker. I thank the Hon. Member for his question. Let me just prefix my answer by saying that the cash crisis has been a very good opportunity for us. The flip side of any crisis is an opportunity and I am very grateful that this crisis presented itself at the time it did. It was like God-send because we were doing what no other country does – sing a hard currency US$ to finance domestic transactions; kutenga mazhanje, ipwa, magaka, neUS$. This is a valuable global currency and if you have US$ in your pocket, you can land anywhere in the world and it will be acceptable. That does not apply to other currencies.
Coming to your specific question, it has given us now an opportunity to move away from a cash based economy and a cash based payment system where all people and everybody who wanted to buy a house would carry cash in their brief case to go and pay for the house or where you want to buy a car you carry cash in your briefcase. This will no longer be the same, we will not continue that system. We are now encouraging the use of plastic money; the use of RTGs transfers. I agree with you, we can only facilitate that system through point of sale machines. We are going to do exactly what you are proposing. We need of course to secure the point of sale machines and it is a process.
Already, the uptake of point of sale machines has been phenomenal. While you are talking about a cash crisis, the cash is actually easing because of the corresponding increase in use of plastic money. so, I am very pleased of that crisis because it has given us an opportunity to come up with solutions to that problem.
There is no way Hon. Speaker, that you can have cash to represent the bank deposits. Currently, we have something like US$6.1 billion in bank deposits. There is no way you can have physical cash of that amount. Even in the United States, it is only 10% of virtual money and that is money in bank deposits. So, we are going your route; we will be implementing it but it will take time.
HON. MURAI: Thank you Madam Speaker. My supplementary
question to the Minister is, I think as a nation this is not the first time we have found ourselves in this quagmire. We have been in this quagmire since 2008. We agree in this House that cash is a national crisis at the moment. What I want to propose to you Hon. Minister is, why can we not engage Dr. Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, like we did in 2008, so that we can deliver to the waiting nation. – [ HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear] –
THE HON DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, order Hon. Member. I
think that is not a question to be answered by the Minister. – [ HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] – Order! Hon. Members. Can we have order please?
Questions without notice were interrupted by THE HON.
DEPUTY SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order Number 64.
HON. MAONDERA: Hon. Speaker, through your indulgence, I am asking the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, to give us a Ministerial Statement, regarding the trip that he made with a begging bowl out of the country so that he updates us on what he got or it was just his face walking.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I think it is part of his duty. He is going to do that whenever he is ready. – [HON. MEMBERS: Now,
it is urgent] –
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
PROGRESS ON THE INTRODUCTION OF BOND NOTES
- HON CHIRISA asked the Minister of Finance and Economic Development to apprise the House on the progress that has been made to date in terms of processes involved in printing bond notes and their introduction.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHINAMASA): I thank the Hon. Member
for her question. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is finalising the signing of a tripartite agreement with the African Export/Import Bank (Afreximbank) and bond notes printers ahead of the introduction of bond notes in October, 2016. Bond notes will be printed outside Zimbabwe on an agreement that safeguards the US$200 million Afreximbank facility. Bond notes will not exceed the US$200 million guaranteed by Afreximbank since the regional bank has a reputation to protect. Sensitisation of critical stakeholders and the public on how bond notes will operate is ongoing. We are also encouraging the Honourable Members of this House to participate in the awareness campaign in their respective constituencies.
HON. P. D. SIBANDA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. Hon. Minister,
the bond notes are being printed in order to satisfy export incentives. Is that policy not against the provisions of the new Reserve Bank Act which outlawed the involvement of the Central Bank in quasi-fiscal activities.
HON. MUKWANGWARIWA: The Hon. Member is now
smuggling a questi on into this House which is before a Committee.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Can we proceed with the
answers from the Minister please, so that the House may benefit.
HON. CHINAMASA: I thank the Hon. Member for
supplementary question. First, just to educate the House and the Hon.
Member in particular, bond notes when introduced, will have a twofold purpose. The first is as an export bonus scheme. The second is to stop leakages of hard US$. That is the twofold purpose because bond notes will only have territorial application but being one on one with the US$. It means that the bond notes cannot be siphoned off the market as is currently the case with the US$. I thought I should correct that. Thank you.
HON. D.P. SIBANDA: Like the Hon. Minister indicated that there is a dual purpose to the bond notes. Firstly, to incentivise production to exporters and so my question to the Hon. Minister is, is incentivising production to a certain sector a monetary policy?
HON. CHINAMASA: I do not get the issue. The RBZ is banker to Government. So, when we are talking about issuance of bond notes, those are done by the RBZ but they could be in pursuance of a monetary policy and also fiscal policies. Export incentive is a fiscal issue. We want to look after the goose that lays the golden egg and the RBZ is merely implementing what we have directed it to do. I do not see any problems about that. I want to assure you and assure the Hon. Members that there is no way we can return to fiscal measures or policies being formulated at the RBZ. We formulate it at Treasury and then decide who the implementers of our fiscal policies are. It is not just the RBZ which has to implement but also ZIMRA. Those collecting taxes are implementing our fiscal policies. So, there is clearly no danger whatsoever in formulation of fiscal policies residing in the central bank.
HON. HOLDER: My supplementary to Minister of Finance is that this $200 million - is it coming into this country and kept by RBZ or is it out there or are we just getting a printed paper with the money staying out there?
HON. CHINAMASA: The $200 million is a guarantee facility. As you know, when the bond notes are introduced, they will be one to one with the US$, interchangeable and in fact when you go to the bank, you are banking in US$. To guarantee that will happen, that bond note will be translated into a US$ is the Afrexim guarantee facility. So, it is not a loan and it will come clear when I answer one of the questions on the Order Paper.
HON. HOLDER: I need to clear my conscience. I just wanted clarification because what the Hon. Minister is saying is it is a guarantee, on the other side, you are saying it is a loan. So there is a difference between a loan and a guarantee. What I want to know is that is that money there or not?
HON. CHINAMASA: The Hon. Member has not being listening
to what I was saying. Who said it is a loan? I did not say it. You are saying on the one side I am saying it is a loan, no. I have said it is a guarantee – [HON. CHIBAYA: Akadhakwa.] – and not a loan. It is a guarantee facility.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! – [HON. HOLDER:
Ashaudha kuti akadhakwa.] – Order, the presiding officer is the only one who gives order to another Hon. Member to withdraw. Hon. Chibaya, please withdraw.
HON. CHIBAYA: Thank you very much Madam Speaker, I withdraw the statement that Hon. Holder is drunk.
HON. GABBUZA: Bond notes are coming into effect in October and currently, we are in July. Government is also doing a lot of other policy measures to reduce the problem of cash. Suppose those measures come into effect and cash is no longer a problem and we have point-ofsale machines. Is the Minister likely to consider stopping the printing of the bond notes because we will have solved our problems in four months?
HON. CHINAMASA: I thank Hon. Gabbuza for his question but
it also reflects that he has not been listening to what I said in answer to previous questions. I said the bond notes are coming to play a twofold purpose, as an export bonus scheme but more importantly to stop leakages of US$. The way things are, if we brought in $2 billion today, tomorrow it will be gone. That is what I think we need to understand because of its appreciation and everybody is looking for US$. They will find ways to come and mop up, siphon and fish out our US$. That is the reason also why we are coming in with the bond notes.
Please get it clear, the bond notes are coming. Like I said previously, those who do not want to use them, are free not to. There is choice always. You know you refused to use the rand and no one came with a gun to your head to say use them. I want us to be very clear that it has a twofold purpose, as an export bonus scheme and also to stop leakages of the US$. The US$ we are earning is hard-earned currency which we cannot afford to let it go out, because people are coming to sell trinkets here and move out in suitcases our US$.
PLANS IN PLACE TO BOOST THE ECONOMY
- HON. CHIRISA asked the Minister of Finance and Economic Development to state the plans in place to boost the economy, indicating the products for export.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHINAMASA): The major constraints to
boosting economic growth have been lack of affordable long term capital for industry to retool and procure modern production technology, insufficient liquidity, deteriorating infrastructure, low productivity and lack of competitiveness and confidence.
To help address these underlying challenges, Government is implementing both short term, as well as medium to long term measures, including the following:
- Boosting exports, as the major foreign exchange earner, through various production and export incentives, such as the 5% export incentive scheme and other support to gold producers; ii. Lowering bank lending rates, from as high as 35% to current levels of 6-15%; and iii. Implementing the International Financial Institutions (IMF, World Bank and African Development Bank) Arrears Clearance Programme, to unlock more external funding.
These measures and incentives to boost exports are primarily aimed at the following top export earners;
- Gold (particularly the small scale producers) and
- Tobacco growers.
In order to consolidate the discernible gains made on the Arrears
Clearance Programme, Government is embarking on a Socio Economic Transformation and Financing Programme, which is anchored on the following areas:
- Public Sector and State Enterprise reforms;
- Enhancing agricultural transformation and productivity;
- Promoting private sector growth and competitiveness; and
- Infrastructure rehabilitation and development;
The successful implementation of the Socio Economic
Transformation Programme will stimulate an accelerated and sustained economic recovery that will go a long way in reducing poverty for the majority of Zimbabweans, in line with key objectives of the ZIM
ASSET economic blueprint.
HON. P. D. SIBANDA: The Hon. Minister spoke of an intention to boost production but I just want to find out what policy measures the Government is putting in place to ensure that one of the major tools of boosting production is expanding the capital base through foreign direct investment and other forms of capital inflows. What policy measures is the Minister putting in place to ensure that all those factors that have been hindering the coming in of capital inflows and foreign direct investment are expunged from the economy?
HON. CHINAMASA: I am sure that Hon. Members have actually been participants in formulating of some of those policies which if adopted and implemented will go a long way to producing a conducive environment for foreign direct investment. I can just mention a few, the ease of doing business, I think you have participated in some of the workshops to see that we ease the doing of business. You will also have participated in some of the workshops to deal with reducing the costs of doing business. You may also have participated in deliberations on the indigenization law. As you know, the law has since been clarified by the statement made by His Excellency the President and what remains now is to amend existing legislation in order to align it to the policy pronouncements made by His Excellency.
All this about reducing interest rates, international engagements with creditors, the sum total of all these activities and initiatives is to create a conducive environment to attract foreign direct investment.
HON. ZVIDZAI: The Hon. Minister referred to gold as one of the key areas that will assist the ailing economy. May I know from the Minister the quantitative impact of the interventions in the gold sector on the economy, particularly with respect the balance of payment situation in the country?
HON. CHINAMASA: Because of the fiscal interventions that we made in the gold sector, we have been able to move gold production from 13 metric tonnes in 2013 to 20.1 metric tonnes last year. This year all things being equal, we are aiming to achieve 24-26 metric tonnes and the measures we took were lowering the royalty rate we charge, decriminalizing the activities of artisanal miners and basically paying timeously for deliveries to Fidelity as well as paying world price to our gold producers.
As we sit, we are also in the process of negotiating facilities to provide basic equipment to artisanal miners. As I speak to you now, artisanal miners are now contributing 40% of gold production and we believe that we can do more. You must remember that there are five basic export items which contribute to the position on our balance of payments is tobacco, gold, platinum, ferrochrome and diamonds. So, we have strategies to make sure that we increase production of all those key export earners. Of course, we remain victim to the declining commodity prices and that in fact, has been affecting us mostly in the area of ferrochrome. Gold is now beginning to pick up and we hope that it will remain on the upward trend. Thank you Madam Speaker.
CLIENTS CASH REQUIREMENTS
- HON. CHIRISA asked the Minister of Finance and Economic
Development to explain how the bank will meet their clients’ cash requirements in view of the fact that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe announced that it will hold 80% of all tobacco receipts for distribution to other banks while the receiving bank will retain only 20% of tobacco receipts.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHINAMASA): Madam Speaker, offshore
tobacco financing facilities are mainly accessed through international banks. Very few tobacco farmers have accounts with these banks. The majority of our tobacco farmers have accounts with indigenous local banks which do not have access to offshore funding. In order to spread liquidity across all the banks, when tobacco merchants drawdown on their offshore facilities, 80 % of their drawdowns are transferred to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Nostro Account. The RBZ will use these proceeds to import cash and evenly distribute it across banks to pay tobacco farmers and make other national strategic payments.
Banks can either use the remaining 20% in their Nostro Accounts to also import cash to meet their daily needs or approach the RBZ for cash support. This policy has gone a long way in evenly distributing cash across banks.
CASH CRISIS AT TOBACCO AUCTION FLOORS
- HON. CHIRISA asked the Minister of Finance and Economic Development to explain the cash crisis at tobacco auction floors where farmers are failing to get their cash with banks paying out US$500 instead of the US$1 000 limit set by the Central Bank.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHINAMASA): Farmers at the auctions
have been equally affected by the current cash crisis in the country. The Central Bank is however, ensuring that banks with tobacco farmers on their books get reasonable amounts of cash on a daily basis. We also continue to encourage our farmers to embrace electronic means of payment to reduce demand for cash. I thank you Madam Speaker.
HON. HOLDER: I just wanted to find out from the Hon. Minister when tobacco is being delivered and the amount that is being limited to would be beneficiaries of the funds. Now, are we not creating a bigger problem because someone will say to you, for your US$10 000 that you are receiving, I will give you US$12 000 in the account. So, you transfer US$12 000 in the account and he takes the US$10 000. Are we not creating a cash black market there?
HON. CHINAMASA: I do not think so. This problem you are harping on about is temporary and is being sorted out in a variety of ways including promotion of the usage of money. This promotion of the usage of electronic payment system is actually in line with the bank use promotion which is against money laundering.
As long as people are moving with huge cash, it means obviously that they can do other illicit things like smuggling and so on. So, the problem is temporary and as I said, it has given us the opportunity to come up with long term solutions.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Madam Speaker. Hon. Minister, I thank you for your answer. However, the issue of promotion of plastic money is being hampered by the lack of point-of-sale machines, in particular in other Government and quasi Government departments. We pay… - [HON. MEMBERS: Wabvunzwa kudhara.] – THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is he saying?
HON. NDUNA: Sorry, forgive me Madam Speaker, he just insulted me.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, it is because you were not in the House maybe.
HON. NDUNA: My question has not been heard. My question is, to what extent are you now distributing deliberately, efficiently and expeditiously the point-of-sale machines in particular to Government and quasi-Government departments?
HON. CHINAMASA: Hon. Speaker, I thank you very much and I respect the Hon. Member for his question. I had already given the answer, but I can repeat it - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Minister, I do not think
you can repeat it. I think this is why we have a Hansard, but I have been appealing to Hon. Members to listen to all the answers.
HON. CHINAMASA: So, the Hon. Member can follow my answer in the Hansard.
DISBURSEMENT OF CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT
FUNDS
- HON. MUFUNGA asked the Minister of Finance and Economic Development to state when the Ministry will bring the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to Parliament.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHINAMASA): The Constituency
Development Fund, as we all know, was established in 2010 to support developmental efforts at constituency levels and compliment other programmes and projects launched at national level.
In the 2010 National Budget Statement, the then Minister of
Finance stated that the funds are meant for the construction of boreholes, repair of schools and clinics, purchase of generators, building of market stalls and other developmental projects as identified and prioritised by the local citizens.
An allocation of US$8 million was initially set aside for 210 constituencies, with each Member of Parliament given US$50 000 upon applying for these funds.
Following, Madam Speaker, alleged abuse of the funds by some legislators in 2011, disbursement of funds was halted to pave way for appropriate policy and legal framework to regulate the fund.
I am informed by the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs that the Constituency Development Fund Bill is now in place and awaits consideration by the relevant Committee of Cabinet and by Cabinet itself before it is submitted to Parliament by the Hon. Vice
President as the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
CONCLUSION OF THE AFRICA IMPORT-EXPORT BANK
LOAN ON BOND NOTES
- HON. MAJOME asked the Minister of Finance and
Economic Development to state:
- The date when the US$20m Africa Import Export Bank loan to back up the bond notes was concluded and whether its terms were published by the Ministry in the Government Gazette within the 60 days as required by Section 300(3) of the Constitution; and
- Whether the loan agreement has been referred to Parliament for approval in terms of Section 327(3) of the Constitution and also referred to the relevant Portfolio Committee in terms of the Standing Rules and
Orders, if not, to state reasons.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHINAMASA): Madam Speaker, I thank
the Hon. Majome for her question which addresses questions raised during Questions Without Notice, I am just repeating what I have already stated actually.
Firstly, I want to clarify as I have already done before that the
US$200m Africa Import Export Bank facility is not a loan. It is a facility that works as guarantee. Naturally, Government and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe will ensure that whatever is done is compliant with our laws.
DISCRIMINATION AGAINST CROSS BORDER TRAVELLERS
ON IMPORT REBATE
- HON. MAJOME asked the Minister of Finance and
Economic Development, why the Ministry is discriminating against cross border travelers aboard coaches with trailers by depriving them of the US$200 import rebate that plane, passenger car travelers are favoured with.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHINAMASA): Madam Speaker, I thank
you and I thank Hon. Majome for her question. First and foremost, I want to make it clear that commercial consignments are not eligible for the travelers rebate and should pay duty. In this regard, a traveler that carries commercial consignments cannot claim the travelers rebate. As members will be aware, in the 2016 National Budget Statement, I highlighted the increase in formal transport carriers who transport and clear imported goods on behalf of cross boarder traders.
These transporters clear commercial transactions duty free through remission or rebate of duty facilities in connivance with residence of border areas or other travelers. Notwithstanding the important role of transport carriers in facilitating trade; in most cases they transport underdeclared and unlicenced goods in contravention of the required standards thus undermining revenue to the fiscus, growth of the local industry as well as health and safety of consumers. I thus propose that consignments transported on behalf of third parties shall be cleared under commercial importations as opposed to private importations. This was affected through Statutory Instrument (148, 2015).
HON. HOLDER: Thank you Madam Speaker. Hon. Minister, the
US$200 that is given to a person as rebate; when you cross the border, you will find that most of the stuff that you would like to buy across the border, you have to pay duty on it. So, where does the US$200 rebate work if you still have to pay duty on it?
HON. CHINAMASA: Madam Speaker, I do not think I got the purpose of the question. May the Hon. Member please repeat it.
HON. HOLDER: Thank you Madam Speaker, what I am trying
to say is that you are given a US$200 rebate when you go out of the country to buy whatever you want to buy; you find most of the stuff that you want to buy will need duty to be paid. So, where does the rebate work if you have to pay duty on whatever you are buying out of the country?
HON. CHINAMASA: Thank you Madam Speaker, members of
this House misconstrue what a travelers rebate is. You have to be a traveler not a commercial person. If you are buying goods for resale, you are not entitled to a traveler’s rebate. If you go abroad and you are coming back, you buy some whisky and you buy this for your family for personal use, that is when you are entitled to a traveler’s rebate. Not when you are bringing in 200 shirts, 500 trousers and then you are entitled to a travelers rebate, you are not. The abuse which had cropped up, is that some of the travelers, either retail shops or merchants, would just find people around there to say can I order 100 suits and as I come across the border I will assign 100 suits to A and 100 suits to B and so on and then he carries 1000 suits across the border, that is the abuse. Rebate is only intended for travelers for personal use of the traveler in his or her household, not for commercial transactions.
So, you can see what was happening was that everything now was coming duty free and nothing coming into the fiscus and that is the abuse that we are seeking to stop. I thank you Madam Speaker.
HON. PHIRI: Thank you Madam Speaker. My question is, Hon. Minister, what extra measures have you put in place at these border posts so that the officers there are not putting more money in their pockets? Where there is a shortage, history has taught us in Zimbabwe that wherever there is shortage, there is a lot of corruption in terms of bribery and so on.
THE HON DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is your question? HON. PHIRI: What extra measures have they put in place to make sure that we are not putting more money in the officers’ pockets?
HON. CHINAMASA: Hon. Speaker, clearly, the question is not arising from the previous question. Be that as it may, what basically he is saying is he is raising a different issue of alleged corruption, that is how I read his question. He is talking now about corruption. The measures we have taken, we have introduced closed circuit television so as to enhance transparency at the border and the measure that is being complained about by the Hon. Member Majome is also intended to make sure that we do not have tax evasion. We are also introducing a cargo tracking system because what has been happening was that tucks would come at Beitbridge border post and declare that their destination is Zambia, DRC or Malawi. As soon as they cross the border, they would dump the goods in our territory. So, we are introducing a cargo tracking system in order to make sure that we track that truck as it transit across our country. So, those are some of the measures we are taking. We are also taking measures to enhance electronic payment of taxis as well as accounting to both the Treasury as well as to the Reserve Bank on a daily basis and we are already getting that. We have also taken measures to root out any corruption that may rear its head in ZIMRA.
Right now Madam Speaker, the House needs to know that we are carrying a forensic audit of ZIMRA to see whether or not there are any systems that need to be addressed and rectified.
INCENTIVES TO THE BANKING PUBLIC ON USE OF NON-CASH
TRANSACTIONS
- HON. MAJOME asked the Minister of Finance and Economic Development what the Ministry is doing to give incentives to the banking public to use non-cash transactions, through reducing and removing the usurious bank transfer on electronic and non-electronic charges.
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHINAMASA): Madam Speaker, I did not
have the answer. If the Hon. Member could agree that it be stood over until next time.
HON. CROSS: Madam Speaker, I think this question has been
answered to our satisfaction in the past.
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Do you have the answer to
that question Hon. Minister?
HON. CHINAMASA: I think it was answered in the past.
However, if the Hon. Member feels otherwise, she can always reinstate
it.
PLANS TO DESILT DAMS IN MUDZI DISTRICT
- HON. MUDYIWA asked the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate to state when ZINWA is likely to handover Karoi Water plant to Karoi Town Council so that the local authority provides water to the town.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND
CLIMATE (HON. MUCHINGURI): Thank you Madam Speaker. I
would like to thank Hon. Mudyiwa for the question requiring me to state plans in place to de-silt most dams that no longer hold water due to siltation in Mudzi district.
Madam Speaker, my Ministry deployed a team of engineers to the country’s ten provinces to identify, in conjunction with the District Development Fund (DDF), Social Welfare Department, District Administrators and local councillors, small dams and weirs that need to be de-silted under the Food for Work Programme.
As I speak right now, that exercise was completed and we now have a consolidated country report of small to medium dams that require urgent de-silting to restore their water storage capacities.
Madam Speaker, the Hon. Vice President, Hon. E.D Mnangagwa officially launched the de-siltation programme on the 22nd of June, 2016 at Donganonga dam in Msengezi. The de-siltation programme will include construction of silt traps upstream of each dam so that soil will be trapped before getting into the dam or weir to avoid future siltation of the water bodies. The traps are installed in such a way that they only hold solid materials whilst allowing water to flow through. The silt traps will be combined with wider catchment activities that include construction of contour ridges to avoid the erosion of top soil into water bodies, tree planting to facilitate in stabilising the soil and planting of vertiva grass on river banks. This holistic approach to environmental protection is a panacea to the problem of siltation and deforestation whilst enhancing food and nutrition security in light of the current drought situation.
Madam Speaker, in light of the above, de-siltation and reclamation works on existing small dams across the country is at different stages of implementation. However, lack of adequate working tools is hampering or slowing progress of work.
In Manicaland Province, de-siltation of Dekete weir in Mutasa district has been completed and now the community is working on construction of silt traps upstream of the weir. The de-siltation of the canal taking water from Premier dam in Ward 20 in Mutasa is also complete. De-silting works is in progress at Domborutinhira dam of Ward 19 in Mutasa district and at Chapungu dam in Buhera. Barawara dam wall maintenance is also in progress.
Turning to Masvingo Province Madam Speaker, de-siltation of the Chilonga irrigation water abstraction point is now complete. Desiltation works is in progress at Manjeru dam and dam number five of Marrivale Ranch in Mwenezi district. Construction of Chirimigwa weir in Mwenezi district and rehabilitation of Vembe dam wall in Chivi district is also in progress. Gulley reclamation works is in progress at Mabvute dam in Zaka district. Chiredzi Sub-Catchment Council is providing vertiver grass for nurseries to various communities upstream of
Manjenjenje dam.
For Mashonaland West Province, identification of silted water bodies has been done in Karoi, Chegutu, Zvimba and Makonde districts. De-siltation of Donga Ronga dam in Musengezi district, which I referred to as I was explaining the launch of the programme by Hon.
Mnangagwa, is complete.
For Midlands Povince, Matebeleland North and South Provinces and Mashonaland East Province, identification of silted water bodies has been done in most districts and lists have been submitted to the Provincial Administrators for confirmation so that de-siltation works start under the Food for Work Programme.
Mr. Speaker Sir, given the slow pace of the programme owing to resource challenges, I urge Hon. Members to complement this programme through mobilising communities to actively participate in the programme and also bring to my Ministry’s attention the dams that require de-silting to avoid gaps in our programme. I humbly request for the support of Hon. Members in lobbying Treasury and other financial institutions to prioritise funding for the de-siltation programme to be a success. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.
HON. GABBUZA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I thank you Hon. Minister for a very elaborate answer. However, would it not be cheaper to construct a new dam than to de-silt because the quantity of silt that has to be removed is more than the amount of earth on the dam wall?
HON. MUCHINGURI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. It is the wish of my Ministry to build more dams, financing permitting. However, because we already have dams and the funds are available through the Food for Work Programme, we are taking advantage and this will benefit the country. As it rains next season, we are hoping to harvest as much water to serve the livestock and also for farming operations.
Thank you Hon. Speaker.
HON. ZVIDZAI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I wish to thank the Minister for putting together a very comprehensive programme of de-siltation of water bodies in all the catchment areas. However, my question is, from the study and research that has been done by her staff, what is the root cause of this major problem? What we need to do is to make sure that we vaccinate against that incident more than curing the problem.
HON. MUCHINGURI: Mr. Speaker Sir, I want to thank the Hon. Member for that very fundamental question. The reason why we have silt in our rivers and also our dams is because there is no proper master plan on resettlement, hence people end up illegally resettling themselves around dams. It is also because when they do not put condo-ridges in place, that silt end up in rivers.
Also, because of climate change, people tend to do stream bank cultivation and because of that reason, as they tamper with the environment in these areas, the silt remains in rivers which is why we are saying it is critical to grow trees and vertiva grass to make sure that silt does not end up into these river bodies. So, we have done extensive research and Cabinet has set up a number of committees that will address the issue of a master plan to make sure that people are properly settled to avoid settling them on wetlands and also on top of mountains.
However, I must emphasise that it is important to make sure that we construct condo ridges to stop any silt from getting into our rivers. I thank you.
*HON. MAPIKI: What measures are you taking concerning the Chinese who are being given licences to mine in the name of de-siltation in dams and rivers?
*HON. MUCHINGURI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I wish you
would know that as soon as I was appointed as the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate, I was confronted with these people who were doing mining in rivers when it had been abolished by Cabinet.
Immediately, with the strong order from Cabinet, we stopped that practice.
Now, on the issues of alluvial gold mining, it is done by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. So, there is no one who just does things on their own but when it comes to de-siltation, it is the responsibility of my Ministry. Like I said earlier on, ZINWA and DDF are responsible for that. I thank you.
HANDING OVER OF KAROI WATER PLANT BY ZINWA
- HON. BEREMAURO asked the Minister of Environment,
Water and Climate to state when ZINWA is likely to handover Karoi Water plant to Karoi Town Council so that the local authority provides water to the town.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND
CLIMATE (HON. MUCHINGURI): Regrettably, Mr. Speaker Sir, Town Councils have demonstrated a lack of capacity in managing water and wastewater treatment plants and the associated reticulation systems.
This lack of capacity poses a serious health threat to the citizens of Zimbabwe as they are exposed to polluted and unsafe water for domestic use. The environment has not been spared in this regard as we continue to witness an increase in nitrates, irons and other pollutants from the discharge of raw sewer in our water bodies by towns and city councils.
Mr. Speaker Sir, to substantiate my argument, a case in point is that of Gweru, Marondera, Bulawayo, Chitungwiza and Redcliff Town and city councils that are severely polluting rivers and habituating their areas through discharge of toxins and raw sewer into the environment. Gweru is a point where the entire raw sewer is being deposited into the rivers. So, you can appreciate the challenges that we are facing with councils.
It is from the above background Mr. Speaker Sir, that my Ministry through ZINWA, has deemed it noble not to hand over any more water and waste water treatment facilities to towns and city councils until we are fully convinced that they have the capacity to run these facilities for the good of the nation and the environment.
Furthermore, Mr. Speaker Sir, these councils to whom facilities were handed over such as Gwanda Town Council and Beitbridge Municipality owe ZINWA approximately US$15 million for water supplies. This is unfortunate situation is hindering ZINWA’s performance and service delivery to the nation. I thank you.
Questions with Notice were interrupted by THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER in terms of Standing Order No. 64.
HON. MUKWANGWARIWA: Mr. Speaker, I am kindly asking
your permission that Questions with Notice be extended by 15 minutes.
HON. CHIRISA: I second.
HON. CROSS: Mr. Speaker Sir, how does the Minister implement the National Constitution which provides for the devolution of power to local authorities in the context of her statement this afternoon? There is a direct contradiction of the National Constitution. Is it the right of the
Karoi Town Council to control its own affairs and not the Central
Government Department?
HON. MUCHINGURI: It is indeed a fundamental right of the citizens of Zimbabwe to enjoy water and that responsibility to ensure that water services are provided lies within ZINWA. When city councils act, they act on delegated powers from the Ministry of Water. This is precisely what the situation is as it stands in the absence of the powers which he has alluded to. The challenge that people must appreciate is that water, because of climate change remains a concern. When there is a national concern, the Ministry of Water always takes charge even in any city, council or local authority. ZINWA is always requested to come in and source for funding even building up dams.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to remind the Hon. Member that yes, whilst it is also a responsibility that when the time comes that the issue of decentralisation is put in place and given that also we are convinced that the councils will be responsible, we will be able to present those responsibilities to the relevant councils. I thank you.
HON. ZVIDZAI: Mr. Speaker, I want to preface my question with a few facts. In 2007, I was the Mayor of Gweru. The Minister of Water and ZINWA took over all water delivery competencies in all local authorities in the country except Bulawayo and Masvingo. In 2009, because of failure to provide good quality water, we had the disaster of cholera which killed 4 000 people and affected 100 000 people this incompetence was at the hands of ZINWA.
Secondly, Mr. Speaker, the Minister refers to Gwanda, Beitbridge and Plumtree as local authorities which are delivering this competence. The truth is that today Gwanda does not deliver water and it is ZINWA that does it. The water in Gwanda is the most expensive water in this country at US$1.25 per unit. When in Harare and other local authorities it is 45 cents. In Beitbridge we have got a similar problem. In Plumtree we have got suburbs that go for months and months without portable conveyed water. All this is under ZINWA and the Ministry of Water.
So, Mr. Speaker, the Minister is being very sparing with the correct information in this House. The question is, when that happens what should the Ministry be doing? They are busy charging these local authorities penalties and using this money to buy furniture for offices, beautiful cars et cetera. The Ministry has not done well. What is the Ministry dong to correct the situation than to take away a competence that rightfully should be in the hands of local authorities as per the Constitution of this country? The Constitution is not a choice matter, it is a must matter.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND
CLIMATE (HON. MUCHINGURI): Thank you Mr. Speaker. I need
to correct certain facts. I will start with Beitbridge which he is referring to - that as we speak there is crisis in Beitbridge and ZINWA, we have had to mitigate to make sure that there is water in Beitbridge. This we did by taking water from other dams to make sure that Beitbridge is well resourced. The same for Gwanda, we have had to take water from Mtshabezi and todate we have not been able to pay the contractors who did put together the piped water schemes, even the dam.
They are not paying - even Bulawayo, it is not paying. I want to state that had it not been for the Government that sourced resources under the ZIM Fund programme, Bulawayo as we speak would be having a crisis. I want to say if you are from Bulawayo, those from Bulawayo - the vegetables that you are consuming are contaminated, because Bulawayo has been depositing water into Umguza. So, you need to appreciate sometimes the problems that are posed by these councils.
For Gwanda you need to appreciate also that consumers do pay Gwanda City Council for the water resource and they do not remit it. So, they are using that resource equally like Gweru. That is what they have been using and that is what they use to buy luxury cars also as city councils.
These facts I do have and I can present them to Cabinet, which is why we felt as Government that the people of Zimbabwe have a right to enjoy clean water. It is their fundamental right - where they are problems we chip in and it is unfortunate, that most of these cities are run, are managed from the other side, that is MDC. . So, these are some of the challenges that we are having and ZANU PF is frantically working to make sure that the people of Zimbabwe enjoy clean water and enjoy vegetables that are not contaminated. I thank you. – [HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear.] -
HON. CROSS: Mr. Speaker Sir, I just want to say this …
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON.MARUMAHOKO):
Order, order please. Order Hon. Member is that a supplementary question?
HON. CROSS: No, Mr. Speaker
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: No, I will not allow you. Order please!
REQUIREMENTS TO GET FIREWOOD LICENCES
- HON. BEREMAURO asked the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate the requirements needed for a farmer to get firewood licences.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND
CLIMATE (HON. MUCHINGURI): I would like to thank, Hon. Beremauro for the question. The requirements for any farmer to be issued with a licence to collect firewood are as promulgated in the statutes of the law in Section 6 of Statutory Instrument 116 of 2012 that controls and regulates movement of timber, including firewood. The steps to be followed are as follows:
The farmer must prove and show to the Forest Officer in his/her
- district that he/she has a sustainable source of the firewood;
- Farmer must lodge an application with the local Forest Officer to
- enable inspection of the source;
- During the process of inspection, the local forest officer consults
- with the local traditional leadership;
- The farmer’s application is forwarded to the Provincial Forestry
- Extension Manager for approval;
- The farmer whose application has been approved gets the licence;
- The farmer will need to be issued with a permit to move the
- firewood where applicable.
However, Mr. Speaker Sir, as a new requirement for sustainable forest utilisation and development, farmers are now required to present an afforestation plan which fully demonstrates to my Ministry and the
Forestry Commission how the farmer intends to replant the hectares he would have cut down for fuel and firewood. I wish to sensitise Hon. Members on the need for us to protect our trees and take part in tree planting programmes. In light of Climate Change, trees are the panacea to the majority of environmental challenges threatening mankind today. Also, it has been scientifically proven that for every human being to survive, one requires a minimum of eight trees in one’s lifetime for oxygen.
I therefore humbly appeal to Hon. Members to embark on massive tree planting programmes in their constituencies to avoid extinction of mankind. I thank you.
HON. MUSANHI: Minister what is your Ministry doing to encourage the farmers and locals to entice them to grow trees?
HON. MUCHINGURI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Under my
Ministry is housed the Forestry Commission which takes care of the social aspects of tree planting. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has not been assisting us financially. I want to assure Hon. Members that we are negotiating with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development which has been collecting funds from tobacco farmers, for us as Forestry Commission to have access to that funding so that we are able to start introducing tree planting within the respective areas. I want also to state that we are working also with
UNERP which is coming in with resources to assist the Forestry
Commission.
HON. HOLDER: Thank you Mr. Speaker, my supplementary
question to the Hon. Minister is that there are areas like Shabani, Zvishavane and Mashava where there are mines around, what policy or mechanism are you putting in place to stop this firewood transportation into towns? You find that the farms around there are affecting people who are staying in the townships like Mandava, Maglazi, Kandodo,
Highlands and so forth.
HON. MUCHINGURI: We do have a law in place which forbids
people to illegally cut trees, but I want to say that our responsibility is not only to stop people. What we are also trying to do is to encourage people to engage into renewable energy, where we use solar energy and biogas. So, we are going all out frantically to make sure that we promote the renewable energy programmes. Over and above, we are also going to be launching the elephant grass which can be converted into charcoal. Communities can grow this grass and we will be able to harvest it three times. They can sell it to a company that we are going to establish to make sure that charcoal will be available for the benefit of communities and also those that are in towns. I thank you.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND
CLIMATE (HON. MUCHINGURI): I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 9 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
WRITTEN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
PLANS TO FOSTER DISSEMINATION OF MARKET
INTELLIGENCE IN AGRICULTURE
- HON. NDUNA asked the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services to state plans that have been put in place to foster the dissemination of market intelligence in agriculture and mining among others, through ICT as part of initiatives to revive the economy.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, POSTAL AND COURIER
SERVICES (HON. MLAMBO): Thank you Honourable for the
question. The Ministry, through programmes such as establishment of Community Information centres (CICs), awareness campaigns, ICT infrastructure deployment and establishment of provincial office is disseminating information meant to impact on agriculture, mining, education among others.
Information Communication Technology (ICT) is a powerful tool for socio-economic changes in developing and developed countries alike. Access to market information in other communities in and outside Zimbabwe would enable citizens to share experiences and help decisionmakers to link macro-economic policy-making to grassroots initiatives. ICTs would also avail information relevant to agriculture production, mining, processing, marketing, food, transport and storage, education, healthcare, disease control as well as environmental management, to mention a few.
In pursuing the objective of ICT awareness throughout the country, the Ministry is establishing CICs with the initial target being to have at least one (1) CIC in every administrative district in the country. If the rural community has access to ICTs, their awareness, for example, agriculture, mining, education will be increased and they will participate effectively in the socio-economic development process. To date, the
Ministry together with its ICT stakeholders, has put in place nine (9)
CICs and the tenth, Gokwe CIC is near completion. These CICs are
Epworth, Maphisa, Mubaira, Mupandawana, Murombedzi, Mutoko,
Rusape, Muzarabani and Sadza Growth Point. At Sadza, a bigger structure was built to replace the original smaller room. What is left is to beef-up the equipment.
In each of these CICs, there is internet which has become a global invaluable access and communication tool for society. Internet has collapsed distances and time, making it possible for people to access and send information, including disseminating market intelligence remotely, or while domiciled in one’s locality.
The Ministry has so far established four (4) provincial offices in its point of presence initiatives. The offices were established in Bulawayo, Manicaland, Masvingo and Midlands. Whilst these offices were opened to support Public Finance Management Systems (PFMS), they also act as referral for any ICT application challenges that the surrounding community may face. These offices, apart from supporting ICT programmes at provincial level, also act as important collection point of data relating to agriculture, mining, education and healthcare technology uptake for socio-economic development by the community. This in a big way help revive the economy.
ICT awareness campaigns, is another way that the Ministry and the parastatals that are under its purview, are using to educate the citizens on the relevance of ICTs in economic development. The campaigns include e-Tech Africa Expo and Conference where exhibits of some applications like e-Hurudza, e-Education and e-Commerce will be show-cased. The Ministry also hosts the ICT Achievers Awards, a platform that is meant to honour those who excel in ICT innovations for economic development. This platform encourages competition which brings with it the much needed innovations. The Ministry, with its stakeholders, also organises workshops that bring with them diverse applications like the one which ran on 6th April, 2016 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) on ICT Solutions to Secure Documents.
The Ministry is also working in partnership with some innovation hubs and colleges in encouraging young innovators to come up with some e-applications that are useful in our society. These applications cover a range of areas that include agriculture, mining, poultry and education among others.
PROVISION OF NETWORK SERVICES TO AREAS IN
GOKWE-KANA CONSTITUENCY
- HON. O. NCUBE asked the Minister of Information
Communication Technology, Postal And Courier Services to state when NetOne Pvt Ltd would provide network services to the following areas in Gokwe – Kana Constituency:
- Mateme;
- Maboke;
- Msala;
- Manoti;
- Marapira;
- Paradza; and
- Marimasimbe
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFROMATION
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, POSTAL AND COURIER
SERVICES (HON. MLAMBO): Thank you Honourable for the
question. NetOne is cognisant of the situation in Gokwe-Kana Constituency and is leaving no stone unturned to avail network in the areas. A Mobile Cellular Service request was received from Hon. O.
Ncube and is currently under serious consideration. So far, there are at least ten planned and surveyed sites in the area. The sites are as follows:
- Sauringwanda
- Msala
- Mbungu
- Moboke
- Marapira
- Chehanga
- Nyaje
- Kana
- Marimasimbe and
Resources are currently being mobilised to set up base stations which should see affected areas getting network. NetOne is also approaching sister companies that have towers and infrastructure in these areas to put up their base stations. This is in line with the policy of infrastructure sharing that has been promulgated by the Ministry of
ICTPCS.
PROVISION OF E-LEARNING EQUIPMENT TO SCHOOLS IN
GOKWE-KANA
- HON. O. NCUBE asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to state when the Ministry will provide E – learning equipment to the following schools in Gokwe – Kana
Constituency;
- Mbungu Secondary School;
- Marimasimbe Secondary School;
- Mateme Secondary School;
- Lukukwe Secondary School;
- Kana Secondary School;
- Njanje Secondary School;
- Choto Secondary School;
- Batanai Secondary School;
- Mkoka Secondary School; and
- Selima Secondary School
- THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. DR. DOKORA): It is the thrust of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to promote E-learning in all schools in Zimbabwe. The new Curriculum Framework for Primary and Secondary Education: 2015-2022 provides for the teaching of
Information Communication Technology (ICT) from Early Childhood Development to Advanced Level. For this reason, syllabi for ICT for infant, junior primary and secondary levels were developed.
- Further, the Ministry through its Curriculum Development and Technical Services Department has made strides to come up with an e-learning solution for our schools. This will see our schools getting a variety of appropriate digital content. All the above mentioned schools in Gokwe-Kana Constituency and beyond will benefit from the current initiatives that are underway. However, the provision of hardware equipment for e-learning is a shared responsibility. While the Ministry can play a part in providing hardware equipment, schools and other partners including Hon. Members can assist where possible. The ratio of computer tools to learners is recommended at the UNESCO benchmark of 1:8. Since E-learning software solutions may be centrally accessible and we did initially an agreement to use MS 365 Suite.; we have since invited TelOne, ZarNet and E-learning to provide a Proof of Concept (POC) that demonstrates connectivity at the most efficient, cost effective and non-disruptive thresholds. Once the POCs are signed off, schools can then become connected within the radius of their cluster points.
- More information will be made available as we develop this frontier in the immediate future. Members can contact the District Schools Inspectors who will gladly indicate areas they can be useful in the massification of ICT tool presence and utilisation in schools.
MEASURES AGAINST RUVHENEKO PRIMARY SCHOOL
HEADMISTRESS
- HON MAONDERA asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education what measures are being taken to bring to book the Headmistress of Ruvheneko Primary School in Glen Nora, Mrs.
Chigabo who was implicated in a recent audit by the Ministry’s auditors.
THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
EDUCATION (HON. DR. DOKORA): Issues to deal with financial management in schools are matters of concern to the Ministry. For this reason, we instituted an audit of our schools in order to bring transparency in the use of the funds that are collected at school level. In 2015, the Ministry managed to audit 1 697 schools. In some cases, there were reports of abuse of school funds by heads of schools. As a matter of fact, where there were allegations of abuse of funds, thorough investigations were carried out. With respect to Ruvheneko Primary School, audit was carried out and the initial report indicated that there were some irregularities in the handling of funds. The concerned head, as procedural, is given an opportunity to respond.
SUBSTANTIVE HEADMASTERS FOR SCHOOLS IN MUDZI
- HON. MUDYIWA asked the Minister of Primary and
Secondary Education to explain why:
- One secondary school out of 35 registered and satellite schools in Mudzi District has a substantive headmaster while the rest are in an acting capacity;
- What Government policy is regarding the period one should be on
an acting capacity as school head; and
- Whether these acting headmasters get an acting allowance and at what rate.
- THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
EDUCATION (HON. DR. DOKORA): The Ministry considers
leadership at school level as vital to the day-to-day running of the school. As such, the majority of our schools are under substantive heads. Satellite schools are schools that are under a registered school and the head superintending over a satellite school is the particular satellite school. This phenomenon does not apply to schools in Mudzi district. It applies to all schools in the country. So, by their nature, all satellite schools are under a head of an established school.
- There are indicative periods for acting in posts. All members who have requisite qualifications are free to apply whenever such posts are advertised. More often than not, it is the function of budgetary control as institutional fitness.
- Issues to do with acting allowances are not under the preview of Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. However, as a Ministry, our responsibility is to indicate to the Public Service
Commission members who are in acting capacities. The Public Service
Commission, as the employer determines allowances and rates.
STATUS OF GWANDA-MAPHISA ROAD
- HON S. NCUBE asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development To clarify the status of Gwanda – Maphisa road, in view of the fact that documents at Matobo Rural District Council indicate that it was tarred in 2006, while the situation on the ground is that it is still a gravel road.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):
Mr. Speaker Sir, Gwanda- Maphisa road is 58 km long being a gravel road. It was last graded in 2015. The road is in fair condition and is due for regarding before the end of this year, 2016. The information in
Matobo Rural District Council documents of the road being tarred in 2006 is incorrect, but there certainly are plans to resurface it at some stage.
PLANS TO COVER POTHOLES ALONG BEITBRIDGE-
MASVINGO ROAD
- HON B. TSHUMA asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, whether there is an emergency plan to cover the potholes littering the Beitbridge – Masvingo road especially between Beitbridge and Rutenga as these potholes are a death trap.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):
Mr. Speaker Sir, the potholes between Beitbridge and Rutenga are being attended to with the aim of resurfacing the worst section. Please be advised that the road from Beitbridge to Harare has been awarded to a developer on a Triple P Concession for dualisation and rehabilitation and work on this very busy road is expected to start towards the end of the year. I thank you
PLANS TO RE-GRAVEL THE HEADLANDS-MAYO ROAD
- 57. HON MAONDERA asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development what plans are in place to re – gravel the
Headlands – Mayo road which is in a very deplorable state.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):
Mr. Speaker Sir, 18 km of the Headlands – Mayo road was surfaced between 2002 and 2005. This surfacing project was stalled because of funding constraints. The Ministry is now pursuing the engagement of the private sector in road development through public-private partnership or build operate and transfer concessions.
Headlands – Mayo road is also lined up for grading in July and August this financial year (2016), to make it trafficable since it is in bad state. I thank you.
COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION WORK ALONG KAROI-
BINGA ROAD
- HON BEREMAURO asked the Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to;
- Explain why it has taken the Ministry more than 25 years to complete construction of Karoi-Binga road;
- State when construction is likely to resume.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):
Mr. Speaker Sir, it has taken the Ministry a very long time to complete the construction of the Karoi-Binga road because of financial constraints.
The Ministry is now pursuing engagement of the public-private partnership or build, operate and transfer concessions. Karoi-Binga road is one of the targeted roads and tenders are to be floated this year (2016) for this road and others. I thank you.
COMPLETION OF KAROI TOLLGATE
- HON BEREMAURO asked the Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to explain why it has taken construction of Karoi Tollgate six months before completion and when it is likely to be completed.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):
Mr. Speaker Sir, the construction of the Karoi Tollgate has taken six months before completion because of inconsistent release of funds for the construction works. The matter has been discussed with ZINARA and it is hoped the funding will improve. The tollgate is targeted for completion by the beginning of the fourth quarter of the year, 2016. I thank you.
MEASURES TO IMPROVE TECHNOLOGY AT THE VEHICLE
INSPECTION DEPARTMENT
- HON P. MASUKU asked the Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to explain the measures in place to improve the technology used at the Vehicle Inspection Department in order to curb corruption particularly on Provisional Driver’s Licence tests.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):
The Ministry has a zero tolerance policy to corruption in line with the aspiration of ZIM ASSET. In this context, the Ministry has implemented the following proactive strategies to curb corruption at the
Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) –
- VID depots are grouped into three categories, that is small, medium and big, respectively for purposes of analysing their performance and the strategy helps the Ministry to monitor performance per each depot and be able to identify the existence of wayward behaviour through daily, weekly and monthly returns and reports analysis. This strategy has demonstrated its effectiveness from 2009 to current where 32 officers were fired when it surfaced from the analysis on the returns that corruption was taking place at 13 VID depots namely:
Eastlea, Belvedere, Chitungwiza, Gweru, Mutare, Chiredzi, Bindura,
Kadoma, Victoria Falls, Zvishavane, Nyamapanda, Chinhoyi,
Marondera, which issued 199 driver’s and provisional licences to undeserving applicants and were cancelled by the Ministry.
- We have erected conspicuous notice boards at all VID depots and introduced on 6 March 2016, three toll free numbers (08013121 – 3), informing members of the public to phone the supplied numbers if they have been asked for consideration or a bribe by VID officials in order to pass a driver’s licence or a provisional licence. The toll free numbers are also displayed at the rear of all VID vehicles.
- All depots have suggestion boxes strategically positioned for
Members of the public to air their views as a feedback on service delivery.
- We have dedicated multi-skilling strategy for all our officers, that is, every officer is trained as both an examiner and an inspecting officer. This strategy helps to remove pre-arranged corrupt practices and predictability from officers on duty in that the manager at any given time can reshuffle officers from driving examinations to vehicle inspections or vice versa.
- We have a three-year transfer policy which helps in mitigating
against over- familiarisation of officers with members of the public which has high propensity for corruption.
- In line with advancement in the global village, VID as a learning organisation will in the near future move towards automation of its services which will help to reduce direct human interface, therefore reducing corruption.
- It is from best practice that we monitor and evaluate effectiveness of the above strategies for continuous improvement. Any reported case of corruption is investigated in order to get to the bottom of it and appropriate action is taken as indicated in item one (1) above.
- My Ministry intends to commercialise Vehicle Inspectorate
Department as a strategy to improve the quality of service delivery and eradicate corruption given that it will be easy to motivate diligent performers and weed out unruly elements without going through the bureaucratic process. I thank you.
PROGRESS ON RESURFACING OF GURUVE TO MAHUWE
ROAD
- HON. KANHANGA asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to apprise the House on the progress made on the re – surfacing programme of the Guruve to Mahuwe road particularly on the 7km stretch of broken tarmac between Makombe and
Camperdown.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):
Mr. Speaker Sir, the Ministry intends to re-gravel and grade the narrow mat section of Guruve – Mahuwe road which is in bad shape and grade the rest of the gravel road. The Ministry is financially constrained, hence at the moment is not in a position to resurface the 7 km stretch from Makombe to Camperdown. The gravelling and grading should make the section trafficable, until funds to surface the section become available. I thank you.
REHABILITATION OF THE CHIMOYO-CHIWONDE ROAD
- HON MUFUNGA asked the Minister of Transport and
Infrastructural Development to:
- State when the Ministry is going to rehabilitate the Chimoyo – Chiwonde road in Muzarabani.
- State when the Ministry is going to construct be following bridges in Muzarabani that were destroyed by floods in 2006;
- Bridge at Hoya river; ii. Musingwa bridge; and iii. Chimoyo bridge.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO):
Mr. Speaker Sir, Chimoyo –Chiwonde road and bridge fall under the jurisdiction of Muzarabani Rural District Council whom I believe are mobilising resources for the needed works.
(b) The Ministry is currently mobilising resources to the tune of US$515 000 required to carry out repair works on Hoya bridge. It is the intention of the Ministry to start work on this bridge before the end of 2016.
To construct a bridge across Musingwa river, the Ministry needs US$2 500 000. Considering limited resources, the Ministry will start works on Musingwa bridge after completion on needed repair works on Hoya bridge.
I also regret to advise that currently there is no provision for the reconstruction of the Chimoyo bridge. I thank you.
RESURFACING OF ROBERT GABRIEL HIGHWAY AND
INKOMO-DARWENDALE-TRELAWNEY-BANKET ROADS
- HON MUKWANGWARIWA asked the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development to inform the House when the following roads would be resurfaced:
- Robert Gabriel Mugabe highway from Norton to Murombezi and
- Inkomo-Darwendale-Trelawney-Banket road in Zvimba East.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND
INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GUMBO): (i) Mr. Speaker Sir, the preparation for work commencement are currently under way for the re-sealing and re-surfacing of Norton – Murombedzi road. Delivery of materials by our suppliers has already commenced.
Delays have been due to procurement challenges.
(ii) Mr. Speaker Sir, the road is segmented into two. Inkomo – Darwendale road is pothole infested and requires urgent resealing and pothole patching which will be done as soon as funding from ZINARA is availed. As for Banket –Trelawney road, rehabilitation and resurfacing is required and there have been plans to do this for a long time.
However, Treasury has not been able to fund this and other roads on the national programme. When funding gets provided, this and other roads will be constructed as required. I thank you.
WATER FOR NJELELE SUBURB
- HON. MANGAMI asked the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate to:
- state when Njelele residential suburb in Gokwe will have water for domestic use;
- explain how the Ministry intends to end water problems in Gokwe town;
- explain how the Ministry’s plans on gulley reclamation in Gokwe and the surrounding areas especially the gulley at the court building.
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, WATER AND CLIMATE (HON. MUCHINGURI): I would like to thank Hon.
Mangami for the question.
- Madam Speaker, Njelele residential suburb was not developed as pr the norm, where the concerned local authority is supposed to service residential areas with water and other amenities before occupation by beneficiaries. The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has nonetheless, engaged the beneficiaries to mobilise resources for the servicing of the area with domestic water supply from Gokwe Water Supply Station. Local authorities should however, ensure that stands are serviced with water and sanitation provisions before occupation by beneficiaries, especially in cases where the beneficiaries would have paid for the stands to the local authority.
- The Gokwe Water Supply infrastructure is currently being rehabilitated to improve output of drinking water supplied to the residents of the town and all works are expected to be complete and commissioned by end of July, 2016. The project is being supported by the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) as part of the 14 Small Towns Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project. The town is however, also affected by declining groundwater levels due to poor rains, resulting in low recharge. Some boreholes had water levels of around 60m at the time of drilling, but the water level is now below 10m.
Madam Speaker, the Government of Zimbabwe ratified the United
Nations to Combat Desertification (UNCCED), as early as 1997. The
Convention seeks to address Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD). In line with the mandates of the convention, my Ministry has developed a National Action Plan (NAP), that specifies the country’s targets for restoring degraded lands and proposes a programmatic approach with an array of solutions to the different drivers of land degradation, ranging from proliferation of invasive alien species, poor land use practices, veld fires and gulley erosion, amongst other causative factors.
Madam Speaker, it is very important to know that gulley erosion in Zimbabwe is mainly through mechanical and chemical means. The Environmental Management Agency has over the years, successfully dealt with gulley erosion due to mechanical means in soils with a stable structure, while chemical erosion on sodic soils, which are dispersive, unstable with a poor structure have been a serious challenge in the country. These soils occupy 15% of the country, which is equivalent to 58000km2. The catchments mainly affected include Save, Sanyati and Umzingwane, with Gokwe and its surroundings included.
In light of the sodic soils challenge, Madam Speaker, my Ministry has mobilised the necessary financial resources from the Global
Environment Facility (GEF) through the World Bank and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to pilot the development of a toolkit providing guidelines on how to rehabilitate gulleys on sodic soils through the Environmental Management Agency (EMA). This project, which is being implemented under the flagship programme of the Hwange Sanyati Biological Corridor Project (HSBC), was officially launched by the Hon. Vice President Mphoko on the 26th of March, 2015 in Hwange. The project aims at addressing biodiversity loss, climate change and land degradation, whilst enhancing community livelihoods.
The best practices from the 5 Year Pilot Project will be scaled up to the rest of the country to solve the complexities associated with these sodic soils, notwithstanding that reclamation will not happen overnight, but that it is a process that takes several years. Lessons learnt from the Chireya Gulley in Gokwe North occurring on sodic soils will thus assist in up-scaling gulley reclamation programmes in areas with similar challenges.
Madam Speaker, my Ministry is taking corrective action to promote sustainable land management practices through reforestation, restoration of soil productivity and reduction of soil and gulley erosion through sustainable land cover management, organic farming and agro-forestry in partnership with relevant ministries such as Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development and the Department of Mechanisation. Such practices lead to improved rain infiltration, increased water storage and availability, more biomass and improved food security, which in turn will reduce pressure on land and the need to convert forest to cropland. The various tree planting campaigns currently underway across the country are also expected to reduce soil erosion by increasing soil binding potential.
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, gulley reclamation is a collaborative responsibility, where stakeholders such as communities and Government departments are expected to participate. I therefore urge Hon. Members of Parliament to promote gulley reclamation programmes in their constituencies.
MOTION
LEAVE TO MOVE ADJOURNEMENT OF THE HOUSE ON A DEFINITE MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:
UNLAWFUL RELEASE OF TWO SUSPECTS FROM POLICE
CUSTODY
HON. CROSS: I move the adjournment of the House on a definite matter of public interest…
HON. MUDARIKWA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker, there is no quorum in the House in terms of Standing Order Number 56 (1).
[Bells rung.]
An objection having been taken that there being present fewer than
Seventy (70) members, the bells were rung for Seven Minutes and a
Quorum still not being present, THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER adjourned the House without any question at Twenty-three Minutes past
Five o’clock p.m. pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order Number
NOTE: The following members were present when the House adjourned: Hon. Bunjira R; Hon. Chibaya A.; Hon. Chigudu M.; Hon.
Chikomba L.; Hon. Cross E. G.; Hon. Dziva T. M.; Hon. Gabbuza J. G.;
Hon. Gava M.; Hon. Holder J.; Hon. Kazembe K.; Hon. Machingauta
C.; Hon. Madanha M.; Hon. Mandipaka O.; Hon. Maondera W.; Hon.
Maridadi J.; Hon. Mataruse P.; Hon. Mguni O.; Hon. Mpariwa P.; Hon.
Mpofu M. M.; Hon. Muchenje F.; Hon. Mudarikwa S.; Hon. Mudyiwa M.; Hon. Mukwangwariwa F. G.; Hon. Mukwena R.; Hon. Musabayana
D.; Hon. Murai E.; Hon. Mutseyami P. C.; Hon. Rungani A.; Hon.
Sansole T. W; Hon. Saruwaka T. J. L.; Hon. Shumba D. K.; Hon. Sibanda D. S; Hon. Sibanda Dubeko P.; Hon. Sithole G. K.; Hon. Toffa J.; Hon. Tshuma J. and Hon. Zvidzai S.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 26th July, 2016
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. SPEAKER
INVITATION TO A CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICE
THE HON. SPEAKER: I wish to inform the House that there will be a Catholic Service tomorrow, 27th July, 2016 at 1200 hours in the Senate Chamber. All members are invited and non-Catholics Members are also welcome.
Hon. Nduna and Hon. Holder having debated on the Second
Reading of the Minerals Exploration and Marketing Corporation Bill.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, there appears to have been some procedural technicalities. We started debate on the Bill on assumption that the Hon. Minister had introduced the Second Reading which must be followed by a report of the Committee on Mines and Minerals. What should then happen is this; in order not to destroy the contribution of the Hon. Member, we shall expunge it, but you have a record, that is Hon.
Holder, so that tomorrow we can reinstate your debate after the Hon. Minister has done the Second Reading and the Chairperson of the Mines and Minerals Committee has given the report. I crave your indulgence
Hon. Holder.
HON. HOLDER: I agree. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you very much.
HON. NDUNA: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker Sir.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. That also applies to the first Hon. Member who debated, that is Hon. Nduna. Thank you.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINING
DEVELOPMENT (HON. CHIDHAKWA): I move that Order of the Day, Number 2 be stood over until Order of the Day, Number 3 has been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the
Presidential Speech.
*HON. TSOMONDO: Mr. Speaker, may I begin by expressing my sincere appreciation for your having accorded me this opportunity to contribute to this very important debate emanating from the address made by His Excellence the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde. Robert Gabriel Mugabe, on the occasion of the Official Opening of the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament of Zimbabwe. The tone of
His Excellency’s speech underscored the need for us, as legislators, to pursue national development in our deliberations. Thus, I will endeavour to be guided by His Excellency, the President’s words of wisdom in my humble contribution to this august House.
Let me begin by examining one of the material measurements of national development – increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). GDP is the market value of all final goods and services produced in a country in a given period. For us to increase GDP whose economic production and growth will have a large impact on everyone in the country with the creation of employment and wage increases as business demand labour to meet the growing economy, there is need for unity.
There is no doubt that while we have not as yet achieved total control of the means of production, the commanding heights of the economy, large swaths of the domestic economy is now owned by citizens or permanent residents of Zimbabwe. The land now belongs to the people of Zimbabwe. This does not mean that Zimbabwe does not welcome foreigners and foreign investors. Recently, His Excellency the President clearly explained the indigenisation policy, sending a clear message to international players that they are welcome to join us in our efforts to revive the economy.
Our country Zimbabwe enjoys very good relations with the populous East Asian economies such as India, China, Russia and Malaysia, despite the economic hardships we are going through mainly caused by the illegal economic sanctions imposed on us by Britain and her western allies, such as United States of America.
The United States of America has walked the road of a harsh economic environment during the great depression of 1929 which was exacerbated by the Second World War. Historians and students of world economics confirm that they emerged out of the great depression of 1929 in the 1950s. Therefore, I have no doubt that Zimbabwe will also emerge victorious in its national development programmes for economic revival and growth.
May I take this opportunity to thank the Minister of Higher and
Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Professor Jonathan Moyo, for gracing the Mupfure Self Help College graduation ceremony in Chegutu East Constituency on Thursday 14th July 2016. In his speech, the Minister announced the Government’s intention to transform Mupfure Self Help College and two other colleges, namely
Msasa Industrial Training Centre in Harare and the Westgate industrial Training Centre in Bulawayo into industrial training centres offering degrees. Over and above this milestone, Mupfure Self Help College, Danhiko and St. Peters Kubatana in Harare are being considered to be transformed into trade testing centres. As the Minister rightly pointed out the transformation meets the country’s new thrust for industrialisation and modernisation. The graduates will promote entrepreneurship and revival of industry as the country takes its irreversible course to economic growth.
An Hon. Member talking on the cell phone.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order, Hon. Member who is on the cell phone. We are not allowed, in terms of our Standing Orders to receive cell phone calls in the House. Can we observe the decorum of the House. – [HON. MUTSEYAMI: Akadhakwa.] – Hon. Mutseyami do
not contest the Chair.
HON. TSOMONDO: In line with the call by His Excellency the President for schools and the rural business centres to benefit from ICT based applications, Mupfure Self Help College is now connected through fibre optic-courtesy of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development and has a computer laboratory. This is benefiting e-learning students and staff in their research programmes and has improved communication for both the college and the surrounding community.
Last but not least, Mr. Speaker Sir, His Excellency called on the nation to shun corruption in public and private sectors. Corruption violates public trust and corrodes social capital; negatively impacting on efforts aimed at growing the gross domestic product. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: There is a Ford Ranger, grey in colour, registration number ABA 9028 which is blocking other vehicles can the owner – [HON. MUTSEYAMI: Ndeya Chinotimba.] – Hon. Mutseyami, why are you interrupting? Can the owner make sure that the vehicle is properly parked? If not, it will be towed away and clamped.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR
AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. ENG. MATANGAIDZE): Mr.
Speaker Sir, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 27th July, 2016.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR
AND SOCIAL SERVICES (HON. MATANGAIDZE): I move that
Orders of the Day, Numbers 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 be stood over until Order of the Day, Number 5 and the rest of the Orders of the Day on the
Order Paper have been disposed of.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
CHILDREN’S RIGHTS
HON. D. SIBANDA: I move the motion standing in my name that this House;
NOTING that children’s rights are adequately covered in the new
Constitution and include inter alia –
- the right to a name;
- the right to the prompt provision of a birth certificate.
CONCERNED that children face a plethora of problems, in particular those with single parents or who have lost both parents, in accessing the relevant documents;
FURTHER CONCERNED that children face a multitude of
difficulties, particularly the girl child, which include sexual abuse and exploitation;
WORRIED that these issues have not received adequate remedial measures:
NOW, THEREFORE, this House calls upon the relevant Ministries
to put in place:-
- appropriate mechanisms to resolve the problem faced by children and , in particular, to synchronise the issuance of identity documents at all health centres by the Ministry of Home Affairs, at the time of birth; and
- measures to address issues of sexual abuse and exploitation of children as a matter of urgency.
HON. MPARIWA: I second.
HON. D. SIBANDA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. A birth certificate is an important document which shows an individual’s name, where they come from, where they were born and who their parents are. This document is also required when someone is writing important examinations like Grade Seven, Zimbabwe
Junior Certificate (ZJC). ‘O’ Level examination or when someone is being enrolled in school. It is also a requirement when someone has to acquire a National Registration Certificate and when they need to obtain a passport or any other document.
Madam Speaker, Zimbabwe is a signatory to the United Nations Convention of Rights of Children and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of Children. These rights protect children from problems that infringe upon their proper growth and development. Madam Speaker, in the African Charter, the rights and welfare of children emphasise the right for children to be registered at birth and is provided for…
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. DZIVA): Order, Hon.
Ndebele, you are not allowed to use cell phones in the House.
HON. D. SIBANDA: Madam Speaker, it is the right of children to be registered at birth as it is provided in Article 6 of the new
Constitution as follows;
Article 6 (1) “Every child shall have the right from birth to a name”
Article 6 (2) “Every child shall be registered immediately after birth.”
Article 6 (3) “Every child has the right to acquire a nationality.”
Section 81 of the new Constitution of Zimbabwe adequately covers the rights and these include inter alia;
- The right to a name; and
- The right to a prompt provision of a birth certificate.
It clearly states that when children are born, they are issued a birth record within a specific time frame to acquire a birth certificate.
Madam Speaker, without identity, the process of claiming one’s legal rights is excessively difficult. Everyone needs a record and the birth certificate. In Section 35(d) of the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Councils (ZIMSEC) Act, [Chapter 25:18], it is a requirement that every child who is enrolled in any school needs that birth certificate.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Members. Can
Hon. D. Sibanda approach the Chair.
Hon. D. Sibanda approaches the Chair.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Members! We
were having a small conversation with the Hon. Member who is presenting her motion which is also under consideration with the
Committee on Home Affairs to which she is also a member to. However, we will allow her to continue with the motion and then seek further clarification from the Hon. Speaker.
HON. D. SIBANDA: Thank you very much Madam Speaker. I was saying for example in Zimbabwe – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible
interjections.] -
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order! Hon. Holder and your
other friends, please we are in the House.
HON. D. SIBANDA: For example, in Zimbabwe, children without
birth certificates face difficulties in getting registered in schools. They face difficulties in even getting employment because they do not have the necessary papers. In Zimbabwe, Madam Speaker, we have a population of 12 521 000 of which 50% are aged between 18 years and below. Zimbabwe has the highest number of orphans in proportion to its population – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order! Can Hon.
Sibanda be heard in silence? Those who wish to discuss issues, laugh and all; you may leave the House and go outside for that.
HON. D. SIBANDA: As many is one as to four children in
Zimbabwe, are orphaned as a result of HIV and AIDS. On the Human Development Index of 2009, the country ranked 169 out of 182 countries. An awareness survey of Plan International 2000 shows that between 11% and 55% of children in Chipinge, Mutare, Mutasa,
Kwekwe, Epworth, Tsholotsho and Chiredzi had no birth certificates.
According to Child Protection Society of 2003 Survey, 30% of children in Zimbabwe are unregistered, 50% of orphaned and vulnerable children are unregistered, while 95% of children in the institutions are also unregistered. The Zimbabwe Demographic Survey of 2010 to 2011, states that about 74% of children under the age of five years from the richest households are unregistered compared to between 33% and 43% from poor households. Meaning that mostly, parents will give excuses of saying we cannot afford going to acquire the necessary documents.
If I look at Bulawayo alone Madam Speaker, we have 12 wards but we have just five registering points. People can register in Mpilo, UBH, Nketa Housing Office, Pumula Housing Office and Emakhandeni Housing Office, which means the rest of the wards, about 24 of them, there is no registrar desk. The Zimbabwe Democraphic Health Survey of 2010, 2011 states that 74% of children under the age of five from the richest household were registered.
In number terms, it shows that 32% of children born at home are registered as compared to 54% and 63% of children born in health centres. Again, that infringes the rights of innocent souls. As children are born, they need to have what is rightfully theirs, meaning they need to have their documentations. However, the fact that some of them will be born at home which is far away from the registrar’s office it then becomes difficult for them to get their birth certificates.
We also have a problem of single mothers facing difficulties accessing birth certificates for their children. This is true despite the existence of standing and binding decisions from the courts allowing single mothers to get birth certificates for their children by themselves in their names should the father refuse to give the child his name for example, the Katedza versus Chunga case. Most women in Zimbabwe are unaware that they can walk in the Registrar’s Office and get the necessary documents for their loved ones. Madam Speaker, I feel mothers in Zimbabwe should be allowed as single mothers to get their children’s birth certificates as long as they are carrying the birth record from the hospitals.
In addition, some people complain about the attitude of the employees in the Registrar’s Office that they neglect and ignore the public seeking assistance. They do not give the necessary attention to the members of the public. However, that is a sensitive office which needs to really put people first or give attention to the little ones to acquire the necessary documents. The major causes of non-registration include Registrar’s Office, strict and rigid requirements. The long investment in time through travelling, queues which you find there are a major discouraging element to birth registration for many, especially those coming from the rural homes. Generally, some people do not perceive the significance of birth certificates, however, when there is an argument or requirement for it such as a school examination, that is when they rush to get birth certificates.
I also feel that we need to have an outreach programme to also teach our constituents that you do not need to rush on the last minute when a child is writing their ‘O’ level to try and acquire that necessary document. They will also face the parental orphan, they will also have the problems with age; they will not be so sure of the age when they get to the Registrar’s office.
The Government of Zimbabwe enactment of the Birth and Death Registration Act Chapter 5:2 was an important step in establishing the legal framework for the registration of births in Zimbabwe. Despite the availability of this legal instrument, many children do not have birth certificates still, throughout the country. It is estimated that in 2009, 45% of children under five in urban areas and 70% in rural areas, did not have the relevant documents. This means that all these children do not have the legal names; they do not have the nationality or citizens rights. They will be counted as those who are stateless. Now, those children are growing to men or women without the necessary documents – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] -
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, order! I would like the
Chairpersons of Committees Hon. Zindi and Hon. Chapfika to respect the House the same way you would wish to be respected in your
Committees. May you please respect the House and behave.
HON. D. SIBANDA: Thank you very much Madam Speaker.
Available data again, Madam Speaker shows that 60% of rape survivors brought to the attention of authorities are children. Most of these vulnerable children will go through that because they do not have anything to do and they do not have documents, they cannot get jobs, they cannot go to the college, they are loitering in the streets hence they will be abused.
In 2009, ZRP recorded 3448 child abuse cases while the Victim Friendly Court dealt with 1222 cases. This is believed only to be the tip of the iceberg Madam Speaker, as the majority of the abuse cases are not reported to the authorities. Some of the reasons that are contributing to the sexual abuse Madam Speaker are the religious beliefs …
HON. MUKWANGWARIWA: On a point of order.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. MUKWANGWARIWA: The Hon Member seems to be
reading from her notes and not debating. - [AN. HON. MEMBER: She is referring to her notes.] - It looks like a report from the Committee.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: The Hon. Member is not
allowed to read but to refer to her notes. So, may you please refer to your notes?
HON. D. SIBANDA: Thank you very much. I have got statistics here which I will not be able to remember the whole lot. Madam
Speaker, may I be allowed to refer to my notes?
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Yes.
HON. D. SIBANDA: Some of the reasons that are contributing to sexual abuse of children are;
- Religious beliefs,
- Harmful cultural practices,
- Increased levels of poverty,
- Orphan-hood,
- Child headed and grandparent headed households,
- Children walking long distances to school,
- Breakdown of the extended family,
- Political violence and
- The dual legal system which provides conflicting ages of marriages.
The Government of Zimbabwe is commended for promulgating the following pieces of legislation and systems set to protect children;
- The Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act,
- Children’s Act,
- Domestic Violence Act and
- The Criminal Procedures and Evidence Act which created the Victim Friendly Court System in Zimbabwe.
The Government of Zimbabwe has also done commendable work through establishing institutions dedicated to the promotion of children’s rights in the country. These include the Child Welfare Council, the National Programme of Action and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on
Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (IMC).
Other agencies such as SOS and Legal Resources Foundation
(LRF), have been working in collaboration with the Registrar General’s office to assist children with obtaining birth certificates.
They also assist in tracking children’s kin for purposes of obtaining birth certificates. They also have public awareness programmes to educate the community on the importance of birth certificates. CPS has also spearheaded an advocacy project for the formulation of a child friendly birth registration policy which ensures that all children are registered immediately after birth.
3.0 Recommendations
- The Government of Zimbabwe should, through the ZIMSTARTS Department, establish a system that guarantees availability of updated, disaggregated data on the state of children’s rights. All data on the situation of children’s rights, gathered in a participatory manner, should be made available to the stakeholders.
- The Government of Zimbabwe should, through the Department of
Social Services, develop child rights based policies and
programmes, in compliance with the Committee on the Rights of the Child’s Concluding Observations of 1996.
- The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, should amend the Births and Registration Act to ensure that all children born in Zimbabwe, regardless of the parents’ origins, are issued with birth certificates.
- The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, should decentralise birth registration to all the districts of the country and introduce Information Communication Technology in order to enhance documentation of births and record keeping. Birth registration should also be done at hospitals and clinics where mothers give birth at birth. There is a desk for the births records next to that desk. In every hospital where there is maternity, we expect to see the Registrar’s desk as well issuing birth certificate.
- The RG’s office should be subjected to public scrutiny with a view to increasing public accountability and transparency, also with a view to upholding citizens’ rights to identity and citizenship.
They should have properly trained staff, accurate with spellings and who have people with people at heart. I thank you.
HON. MANDIPAKA: On a point of order.
THE TEMPOARARY SPEAKER: What is your point of order
Hon. Mandipaka?
HON. MANDIPAKA: Madam Speaker, the Hon. Member who is
debating now is in our Committee and the Chairperson of that
Committee has yet to bring a Report to this august House. Now, she has managed secretly to take what is contained in our report to bring it in a motion. I do not know whether that is proper?
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I have addressed that issue and
actually spoke to her that she must not refer to the Committee findings or resolutions but should stick to her debate because she had moved that motion before the research with the Committee. If there is anything that she will say that interferes with your Committee then I will not allow her to put it forward. Hon. Member, stand guided.
HON. D. SIBANDA: Thank you Madam Speaker.
HON. MUKWANGWARIWA: On a point of order.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Mukwangwariwa, I hope
what you are going to say does not go hand in hand with what Hon.
Mandipaka has already said because I have already given a ruling.
HON. MUKWANGWARIWA: Madam Speaker, it is what we
are discussing with Hon. Chimanikire, He is a member of our
Committee and can vouch on that one.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
HON. MUKWANGWARIWA: My point of order is that I am
objecting her to continue debating on our Report.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I have already given a ruling
that she must stand guided by what I have already advised her that she will not interfere with the findings or the resolutions of the Committee.
HON. D. SIBANDA: Thank you Madam Speaker. May be it is also for the benefit of this House that the members of the Committee should know that …
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Member, go back to
your Report and stop commenting on the Committee.
HON. D. SIBANDA: They should not put words into my mouth Madam Speaker. Thank you very much. I was on my recommendations and I also going to say especially to the single mothers, I will also recommend that the Government have awareness campaigns or maybe, just make sure that every single mother in Zimbabwe know that they can acquire the birth certificate in their own capacity. They should be allowed and should not be asked any questions as long as they get to the registrar’s office with their birth record from the hospital or they have relevant documentation from the chief. In case the child is born at home, they should be able to take their child’s birth certificate without any problem. Thank you very much Madam Speaker.
*HON. BUNJIRA: Thank you Madam Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to make this contribution. This is an important issue and it has a bearing on the women folk because we are responsible for the pregnancy and giving birth to that child; yet after giving birth, you have problems in acquiring the necessary certificates which confer citizenship of that child. When we look on our streets, we have children we call street children who are born by these women. These children ran away from their homes because parents, especially single mothers have problems in acquiring these birth certificates. I have a personal experience, I have cousins whose parents died. The parents migrated to Zambia and were citizens there but later came back to Zimbabwe.
When these orphans wanted to get birth certificates, the Registrar
General’s office (RG) said these children were Zambians but they should be citizens by descent because their parents originated from
Zimbabwe. They tried to explain their citizenship status but there are still problems because they are supposed to bring witnesses who should vouch for their citizenship. When we thought we had finally succeeded and they were given the documents, it stated that they were aliens. During election time, that anomaly had to be rectified and they were to be bonafide citizens of Zimbabwe and the documents were changed.
Unfortunately, when they wanted to get passports, they were told that the records at the RG’s office still refer to them as aliens, yet the
Identity Cards (IDs) were showing that they were citizens of Zimbabwe. The requirement is that, my cousins are now being asked to bring witnesses to vouch for their citizenship status. We are appealing to the
RG’s office and the Home Affairs to create a conducive atmosphere so that it is easier for citizens to acquire essential documents like birth certificates or IDs. We are saying an individual is a citizen by decent, birth or registration and therefore should access these documents.
I also notice that children of Zimbabwe are empowered by the Constitution of Zimbabwe; they have a right to protection, shelter and fair treatment. We realise that when a child has been raped and the case is reported, our police instead of creating an atmosphere for the child to explain what really transpired, they intimidate the young child. As a result, the child is not able to give clear evidence on what really transpired and how her body was violated by the insensitive male. We have a lot of children who are roaming the streets, and the Constitution of Zimbabwe talks on the right of children to go to school, but this child can only go to school if there is a relative who register this child. When no one pays school fees, the child is send out of school but our
Constitution states categorically that education at primary level is free.
I am pleading with the Government to follow the constitutional rights of children in full. We are also told that the children have a right to shelter but we have a lot of children who have now been termed
‘street children’. Nobody is looking after them; the Government is not following the constitutional right of these children. Therefore, I am appealing to the Government to take care of the children as stated in our Constitution. There are times whereby these young children commit crimes whilst less than 18 years. As far as I am concerned, they will be in a position to be taken to the courts of law where the case is investigated and they incarcerated as young offenders. Some of these children are housed together with adults and I feel it is unfair on them. I visited the prisons for the adolescents and there were incarcerated children under 12 years yet they were sharing space with adults.
I would like to thank our Speaker, Hon. Mudenda because we once held a workshop and I raised this issue on the incarceration of young offenders and he followed this one up. The young offenders were released because of this timely intervention. We need to implement our
Constitution in full because it talks about the children’s rights and if we follow it in full, there would be no street kids. We would not have young offenders. I thank you.
*HON. MUFUNGA: Thank you Madam Speaker for giving me
this opportunity to make my contribution to the motion on the problems faced by children in Zimbabwe. It is a sorry state that in a country like Zimbabwe, children are being ill-treated. I think we are going to a situation whereby we have 13 million people who are registered and 13 million who do not have identity cards. We have citizens who migrated into Zimbabwe in the 60s from Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi. They were young by then and they married Zimbabweans but their children have problems in getting identity cards because they are called aliens. When these people married Mozambicans, they lacked the necessary documentation in order for them to be citizens, that is regardless of whether I have married that person without knowledge and I am Zimbabwean who married a woman whose parents are aliens. Since they do not have the necessary identity documents, we will have a generation of people who have no identity cards.
Where I come from in Muzarabani, we have a man called
Mukumba. He has been married to his wife for 45 years but his children do not have the necessary national identity cards because the parents migrated from another country. I feel these children are now Zimbabweans by birth but they are denied access to such important documents as birth certificates and identity cards.
If we are to move around the towns, we have young children who will be begging for money and will be in a sorry sight. If you observe, the mother of the child will be sitting somewhere out of sight, watching over that child begging for money. If you look at the begging child, you will notice that they way that child will be behaving shows that there is some hidden talent but the child is being abused by the parents who are making her beg. We need to terminate this infringement of the children’s rights by their parents with immediate effect. Why should they let these children go and beg for assistance on the streets while they are there watching by the side of the road, let us collect all these children and find somewhere to keep them immediately.
I think Zimbabwe, as a responsible State, should take measures to punish the parents of these children or teach them to take care of their children because it is their right. As Parliament, let us relax the rules on the issuance of birth certificates and identity cards. Yes, currently, we are giving false statistics saying Zimbabwe has 13 million people. I say it is false because we have some unregistered Zimbabweans whom we are not taking into account. I think whosoever is now living in
Zimbabwe should become a citizen of Zimbabwe.
Again, it says in our Constitution, any child found residing in Zimbabwe with no nationality should be given the nationality of Zimbabweans. That is what the law says on rights. It is a right for somebody to have access to good living in Zimbabwe and to have proper documentation. It is absurd to call a person who migrated into
Zimbabwe in the 60s and we are still calling that person a foreigner. Yet, according to the Constitution anybody who has been in Zimbabwe for more than ten years can obtain a citizenship. We need to have a relook at some of these laws. We need two to five years for one be a citizen.
*HON. F. PHIRI: I will not repeat what has been said by the previous Speakers. Hon. Speaker, I come from Kadoma Central Constituency and this is a constituency which is surrounded by mines and farms. This constituency, although it is an urban constituency, has many people who are said to be aliens because their grandparents migrated from neighbouring countries such as Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique. Let us remove this term alien from our statutes because it is derogatory and an insult.
When you talk of an alien, let me give a definition, it is a foreign object which is found in a foreign planet where we have never been. Therefore, calling people who are coming from neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, these include people like me the Phiris and Bandas, why should we be called aliens. We have had some people who have had to change their surnames because they wanted to obtain Zimbabwean citizenships. They ended up taking their grandparents’ surnames so that they could avoid being called aliens? Therefore, I am proposing that the term alien be deleted from our statutes.
I was a teacher for 22 years and I am grateful to Hon. D. Sibanda who introduced this motion. It is a very good motion and she stated it well because when she talked about the torturous moments faced first by learners in school. They cannot write Grade 7 examinations or Form
Four examinations because they do not have birth certificates. Most of these children are taken care of by their grandparents because the parents died of HIV/AIDS and the grandparents cannot afford to register this child.
Most of the people who are called aliens, especially orphans, cannot to get these birth certificates. The requirement from the Registrar
General’s Office is that such a person should come to their offices with five witnesses to vouch for his birthright. What has happened is that some of these children end up taking different surnames. He is a Phiri but is now a Moyo, he is a Banda but has taken the surname of somebody who is related to them and not his real surname because they need to get these essential documents. I am therefore saying the
Provincial Registrar’s Offices are a distant from the people. As a result, if one is required to bring five witnesses to the Provincial Offices to vouch for their citizenship that creates a problem because the grandparents have to pay the transport fare for all the five witnesses.
In my constituency, the process can only be done in Chinhoyi. You get these five witnesses, pay their transport fares and also feed them.
This is creating a problem in the acquisition of essential documents in form of birth certificates and identity cards. There should be devolution of power whereby access to these documents should be done in their districts instead of the provinces because when you talk of the District Offices, they know the people, their standing and are aware of their plight. I repeat over and over again that may we please delete the term ‘aliens’ from our statutes. I thank you.
HON. RUNGANI: Madam Speaker, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. KWARAMBA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 27th July, 2016.
MOTION
SHORTAGE OF CASH IN ZIMBABWE BANKS
HON. DR. MASHAKADA: Madam Speaker, I move the motion
standing in my name that this House:
CONCERNED by the shortage of cash in Zimbabwe banks which has plunged the financial sector into turmoil;
FURTHER concerned by the lack of knowledge by the general public on the proposed introduction of bond notes and their impact on the liquidity situation;
WORRIED that the cash crisis could only be a symptom of a deeper economic crisis;
FURTHER worried that the cash shortages are inconveniencing, general members of the public including firms;
NOW, THEREFORE, calls upon government to;
(a) De – dollarize and adopt the rand as the anchor currency; and
(b)Address the fundamental structural causes of the financial and economic crisis engulfing Zimbabwe.
HON. CHIMANIKIRE: I second.
HON. DR. MASHAKADA: If I might ask your indulgence for
my presentation to be beamed on the screens. I have put my presentation on PowerPoint because there are some graphics I wish to share with Hon. Members.
It is no longer a secret that the economy is not doing well. It is not a secret that our banking system is running out of cash. It is not a secret that the economy is imploding. In fact, we do not need a rocket scientist to remind us that our economy is not doing well. We are living in this economy and we are experiencing the hardships in the economy. Of late, we have gone through a very difficult period of financial crisis characterised by shortages of cash in the banks.
What we have been witnessing is that if you go to your bank, the maximum withdrawal limit – for those banks which are still sound is $500 per day. Some are giving as low as $20 a day, such that the average withdrawal limit in the banking system is about $100 a day. People are losing productive time going to the banks to withdraw money for their day to day transactions. We are losing a lot of economic value because people are making journeys to banks.
Those who need to pay RTGS to external suppliers are finding it very difficult to pay their debts. Schools fees are a problem for those with school going children because they cannot transact using the RTGS. Internally, people cannot settle their transactions because the amount of interbank RTGS is also limited. Some banks are actually running out of cash, as you all know.
The premium on the parallel market has emerged. There are now barons who are emerging and charging parallel market rates to give cash. If you go to the parallel market wanting cash, say $1000 – you are given that $1000 cash and you have to make a RTGS to the bank account of the supplier on a premium of about 10% to 25%. The parallel market has emerged. Companies and individuals are defaulting because of the cash flow problems. In fact, the bad loan accounts of banks is increasing because people cannot settle their accounts. The ordinary person is suffering from the cash crisis. Those who are renting properties cannot find cash to pay for their monthly rentals and so on and so forth.
I have tried to paint the picture of the complications caused by the shortages of cash in our banks. I want to move on to the fundamental causes or the reasons why we have no cash because it is one thing experiencing these problems, but another understanding where it all came from. In my research I have identified ten reasons why we have got cash shortages in our banking system.
The overall reason is confidence crisis. Money markets operate on the basis of confidence. If confidence is reduced we get problems. I am going to unpack the issues around confidence which have triggered a run on the cash in the banks. These are policy ambiguity and inconsistence, debt service, budget deficit and continued borrowing, illicit financial outflows, trade deficit and weakening of the Rand, depletion of the nostro accounts, sluggish growth in the economy, low national savings, non-usage of plastic money and liberalisation of the capital account. I have come up with ten solid reasons which led to confidence crisis and triggered cash shortages on the financial sector.
I now go to unpack these reasons. I will start with policy ambiguity and policy inconsistence. You will recall that in December 2015, two Government Ministers contradicted each other on the policy of indigenisation and economic empowerment. They were at cross purposes, that is, Hon. Minister Chinamasa and Hon. Minister Zhuwao in interpreting the indigenisation policy. Hon. Minister Chinamasa was of the view that indigenisation must be carried out sector by sector, taking into account the specific features of each sector. Hon. Minister Zhuwao was of the opinion that the indigenisation policy must be implemented wholesale. He threatened to withdraw licences of those companies that had not complied with indigenisation, even banks included.
In January, Hon. Minister Zhuwao went further to stress that those who did not meet the indigenisation threshold should close their shops including banks. This affected confidence in the banking sector. If you look at the records, you find that cash shortages and panic withdrawals started increasing from December 2016, January 2015 going forward.
There was a run by depositors for their money. Companies started withdrawing money and externalising the funds because they were not sure about the policy inconsistencies of Government. So, that has had an impact on the financial situation or balance sheet of banks.
The second problem is the LIMA Agreement. In September last year, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development gave an undertaking to the World Bank and IMF that Zimbabwe would settle its debt arrears of US$1.8 billion by April this year and since LIMA in September 2015, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has been struggling to raise the US$1.8 billion to mop up all surplus money on the money market. They have been doing this by issuing Treasury Bills, they have been doing this by taking money from nostro accounts at the Reserve Bank to pay recurrent expenditure and so on and so forth. So in my opinion, the LIMA Debt Agreement has also affected the liquidity of the money market because Government has been pressurised to look for every available cash flow in preparation to fund the debt agreement.
I go on to the Government borrowing and lack of fiscal space. Mr. Speaker Sir, it is common cause that from 2013, fiscal revenues have been stuck at US$3.8 billion a year whereas recurrent expenditure has been increasing to US$4.8 billion. So, recurrent expenditure grew from US$3.8 to US$4.8 billion annually since 2013. So, there has been a revenue gap which Government has not been able to sustain. You add on the US$1 billion deficit, you add the RBZ debt of US$1.3 billion which was taken over by Government, you also add the US$400 million non performing loans which were sitting on the loan books of banks that was taken over by Government; that accumulates into Government debt.
You also take into account the US$2 billion Treasury Bills which
Government has issued as a way of financing recurrent expenditure.
This has taken heavy stock on Government’s financial position.
Can we go to the next table? If you look at that table, you can see the growth of revenue versus the growth of expenditure and the budget deficit since 2009. You find that, I will start at 2011, revenue was
US$2.8 billion and expenditure was US$2.7 billion, but look at how revenue has lagged behind. By 2014, revenue was stuck at US$3.8 billion while expenditure grew to US$4.8 billion such that since 2014, Government has been accumulating a monthly deficit of between US$100 million and US$150 million because the revenues have not been performing and that revenue gap has caused borrowing.
Government to come into the money market, issue Treasury Bills.
When you issue Treasury Bills, most of the institutions that bought Treasury Bills are banks. I know one building society which I will not name for ethical reasons which oversubscribed to these bills and when the maturity date arrived, Government had no ready cash to pay back the money to that building society. So, the debt was rolled over. So, this affects the balance sheet of that bank and today, it is one of the banks which is being threatened with collapse. Mr. Speaker Sir, I have said I will not, for ethical reasons, name the bank.
I go to poor revenue performance. According to ZIMRA and I am depending on the official statistics released by ZIMRA on the revenue collection, ZIMRA is complaining that out of a revenue target of US$861 million in the first quarter of 2016, they were only able to collect US$724 million. So, again reinforcing the issue of poor revenue performance, ZIMRA’s tax debt has risen from US$1.9 billion in 2015 to US$2.5 billion in 2016. That is the tax debt which is a total amount of revenue ZIMRA is owed by Government, parastatals, public utilities and private companies. It is a lot of money which cannot be collected and that is affecting Government cash flows.
If you look at the table, you can see the variance between actual revenue targets and what was collected and the variance which is in red which shows you that on all revenue heads from individual tax, excise duty, VAT, customs duty, withholding tax dividends, Government has not been meeting its revenue targets. So, that is why there is a variance of US$136 million since January this year.
I go to illicit financial flows. Mr. Speaker Sir, a lot of money is going out of the country, is being smuggled out of the country. One typical example is the US$15 billion which the President highlighted. It is not a secret. It is money that should be in our banking system. It is money that should be in our financial sector, but it is going out and I also blame most of our Chinese investors, with due respect. If we were going to carry out an exercise of how many Chinese investors are in the country and how many have got bank accounts, you would be shocked. Where is the money going? It is going outside the country.
The other problem is that because Zimbabwe is the only dollarised country in Africa, it had become a source of foreign currency for most countries in the region. If a person came from Malawi or Zambia with a visa card, you just go to any Zimbabwean ATM and withdraw your money and you go back to Malawi, you go back to Mozambique. So, we had become a source of supply of foreign currency to the region. So that also affected our cash flow position in the bank.
The other fifth problem is our trade deficit or weakening Rand. Madam Speaker, if you look at that table, look at the trade balance which is the relationship between your imports and your exports. In 2012 our trade balance was a negative minus US$2 billion. It means we were importing more than we exported. In 2013, our trade balance was now minus US$3.1 billion, in 2014 minus US$2.7 billion and in 2015 our trade balance stood at minus US$3.1 billion. So, it means we are using our money taking it out to buy imports and some of that money is not coming back for sure. Therefore, we have to address this gap between our exports and imports as a matter of urgency. The solution is not banning imports; I think that is why I differ with Government on the quantitative ban or restricting imports per se. What Government should have done is just to raise duty on the products so that those who cannot afford will switch to domestic products. Raising duty was going to assist us because Government was going to get revenue and more employment but a quantitative ban can trigger, in terms of SADC Trade Protocols and other trade agreements, it can trigger retaliation. I am happy that Government is engaging South Africans and other trading partners to try to sort out this issue before it ignites a regional trade war. Imagine if each country starts to restrict imports, it can hit us where it hurts most.
So, I urge Government to go back to duty regime so that they can deal with that problem. Also, whilst the ban is in place, let us also monitor the response by local companies; are they able to produce? Let us have a mechanism to monitor production. I was going to suggest that let us come up with the two tier product merchandising system. By this I mean, our supermarkets should have a border line, physical these are the shelves for locally produced products and shelves for imported products. When I walk into a supermarket, I must be able to assess whether our local industries are performing by looking at the shelves. If they are mixed up – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – it is my own assessment of the situation and it is democracy, you can also suggest your own assessment.
If these things are mixed up, it really covers, camouflages the productivity of our local industries. Let us have that physical demarcation. If you go to Pick n Pay, we want to see what the local products are, if you go to OK, what are the local products and so on and if you go to Choppies the same.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I come to sluggish growth, between 2009 and 2013, our economy grew by an average of 7%. Of course, this was also a rebound effect; you have to qualify that growth. It is not that phenomenal but it was due to the rebound starting from a low GDP base and that is why the figures were quite phenomenal. Even then, the current growth rate of around 2.5% is not acceptable. This economy has to grow more than 2.5%. The regional growth rate is 4.5%. So our economy has to perform and we need to make sure that we put in place stimulus measures and fiscal policy measures. I hope Minister
Chinamasa’s Mid Term Fiscal Policy Review will bring those critical measures to see how we can increase agricultural production. How can we increase mining production, tourism, construction and so on, so that we grow the cake because the smaller the cake, the less the revenue we collect to the fiscus.
Talking about mining, our economy has transformed, agriculture is no longer the pillar of the economy, it has been superceded by mining and mining is now the leading pillar of the economy. The problem with mining is that there are transparency issues, there are accountability issues that compromise the flow of revenue to the Treasury, yet it is now the number one sector that is supposed to drive the economy.
I go to low national savings. Mr. Speaker Sir, the international benchmark of savings to GDP is 40%. It is considered that a ratio of 40% national savings to GDP is requisite enough to make sure that they are investible surpluses or money for on lending to firms and consumers. In our situation our savings rate is only 8% of GDP. If companies and individuals and Government are not saving, where do banks get that money to lend to consumers? In fact, whereas the total deposits that were in the banks by December was about US$5bn, now because of the leakages, the cash that is sitting as deposits in banks is now around US$2bn from US$5bn. So we have lost a lot of money in our financial system. So, savings are very critical because they are the basis for onward lending, they are the basis for financial intermediation.
I go to point number 9, none usage of plastic money. This was a problem of course because everybody wanted to use cash to transact.
Because of the introduction of plastic money and debit cards, you find that queues are getting smaller and smaller in the banks. I would go further to recommend that Government must put a Statutory Instrument compelling all retailers to put point of sale machines in their businesses; whether it is hair salon or petrol station, they must implement those point of sale machines. There has to be a Statutory Instrument to make it legal because now it is optional. So, it is being implemented as a cafeteria menu,
I go to the next point, which is the liberalisation of the capital account. A lot of money was going out of the country. A person would go out with US$10 000, US$5 000, companies would withdraw US$50 000 a day, that was a lot of money. I think we must agree that our money market was very loose because people could take as much as they needed, that has to be monitored. Now, what has been the respond of the Reserve Bank so far in dealing with the cash crisis? For sure the Reserve Bank has introduced maximum limits which I referred to and also introduced restrictions on RTGS that can be transacted. They also intent to introduce bond notes by October to ease the cash flow problem.
The argument there is a US$200m AFREXIM Bank facility which is going to be used to provide export bonus incentives to companies that export. In fact this money is going to be paid against exports receipts, fair and fine. My next question is, if an exporter is given that 5% in bond notes, this money cannot be externalised so, this money is used to pay local domestic costs. The exporter will pay the wages using the bond notes and pay electricity, water and other charges. If I am the worker, I get those bonds, what should I do; I must buy with them because it is a legal tender. That is why other people are saying it is as good as returning the Zim dollar because it is now legal tender. I am transacting with it in the domestic market. Once you allow that to happen, where it does end?
The other problem is that even those export incentives are no longer legal in terms of the new Reserve Bank Act, you can ask Prof.
Moyo who is a law student. We have put an Act which says we cannot indulge into quasi-fiscal operations. If the bank is now going into the export business and so on, it is reminiscent of the previous old RBZ Act. So we have to be very careful because it will start with an export incentive, tomorrow it will be agriculture, mining and so on. The bank goes back again to quasi-fiscal operations which the new RBZ Act proscribes.
Moreover, the US$200 million from Afrexim Bank is an overdraft; it is not yet an approved facility. Your question is as good as mine to say, who is empowered to borrow - is it the bank or the Treasury? If the bank says it is going to borrow again, it is engaging in quasi-fiscal operations. I hope we are together.
Mr. Speaker Sir, as it stands now, Government is retaining 80% of all tobacco receipts, 50% of gold, diamond, platinum, chrome and other mineral receipts to deal with the cash flow crisis. One obvious feature that is telling about the shortages of cash is the staggered civil servants’ salaries. The Government is not staggering civil servants’ salaries because it has a choice, no. It is because its hands are tied. There is simply no money to pay civil servants. We do not know that by December, we will be talking of a very bad situation if nothing dramatic happens.
What are the solutions? We can move to the alternative solutions because it is one criticising but another – I want to proffer solutions. In my humble view, we have to stop and think about our indigenisation policy and say; is it worth the backlash or the problems that we have encountered? If I ask Hon. Members here – [HON. HOLDER:
Inaudible interjections.] – Let us be very honest with each other. I will ask you Hon. Speaker, how many companies have been indigenised so far and who are the new owners of those companies in terms of the local people. Just give me 20 local companies that have been indigenised since the policy was introduced and who are the new shareholders? You will find that it may not be worth it because most of the companies are in the resources sector, mining, conglomerates and so on, which is still intact. So why are we getting a lot of backlash on a policy which is nonimplementable – [HON. MEMBERS: hear, hear.] – it is not necessary.
If I were in the shoes of Government, I would allow capital to come in, lock in the capital. You would allow Foreign Direct
Investments (FDI) to come in and once it is in the country, you lock it up and tell them that you have invested in this country but chose a local partner – [HON. HOLDER: Inaudible interjections.] - Now, the money is in the country…
Hon. Maridadi having stood up to give a point of order.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER [HON. MARUMAHOKO]:
Order please. Can you take a seat – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order Hon. Members. Hon. Maridadi, you do not just rise from your seat and then speak. I have to recognise you first before you speak.
HON. MARIDADI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I think the debate by the Hon. Member here is non-partisan, it is a very good and educative debate yet we have somebody like Hon. Holder who continues to make noise as if we are at a beer hall. I think he must be chucked out of this House so that we are able to listen. We cannot have people who are drunk coming to this House. It is unacceptable.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Holder. Hon.
Holder, this is a very crucial debate to all of us in this country – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
Hon. Holder having stood up.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: May you take your seat please.
*HON. HOLDER: You do not want me to speak?
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: May you resume your seat –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order Hon. Members. This is a very important debate. It concerns all of us, our constituencies, families and our own good self. So the best thing is – [HON. HOLDER:
Inaudible interjections.] – Order, what is wrong with you Hon. Holder?
HON. HOLDER: Thank you Hon. Speaker…
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I did not ask you to speak.
HON. HOLDER: No, I am not speaking Hon. Speaker. The
problem - they are starting, you should tell them to keep quiet, not me
Mr. Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Just take your seat –
[Laughter.] – Order Hon. Members. Everyone of us here has a chance to debate and these are the facts that he is giving you. If you want to expand, you can expand – [HON. HOLDER: Inaudible interjections.] – [HON. ZINDI: Speaker, ngaambobuda Holder uyu azodzoka ave sober.] – Order, I hope you will not interrupt the Speaker again. Let it be the last time - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – You may continue.
HON. DR. MASHAKADA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. In order
to address the first issue which I referred to, the confidence crisis, let us repackage our Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Policy so that we get, not only FDI but domestic investment as well into the country so that we can grow this cake. We have got the natural resources and everything but what we lack is capital to make sure that there is growth in the country through manufacturing and production.
Without money, there is nothing we can do. That is the first point I am putting on the table.
The second point is addressing the question of getting Official Development Assistance (ODA) once again. ODA is in two forms, the first form is multilateral support from International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB), African Development Bank (AFDB),
European Bank and other institutions, which is what the Minister of Finance and Economic Development is trying to do through the reengagement efforts.
The other angle is to get bilateral assistance from the Paris Club countries. These are countries that give us direct bilateral support. We need to do that. However, this intervention responds to the political risk of the country. It is toxic; if the political situation becomes toxic, it also has an impact on the reengagement processes and so on because a lot of issues will be raised which are not related to the technical issues on the table. We have to address our political issues so that they are not toxic to affect reengagement.
Hon. Holder having stood up.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Holder, why are you
standing up?
HON. HOLDER: Thank you Speaker. Hon. Zindi is busy with her cell phone in here.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Zindi, if you are
fidgeting with your cell phone, may you please desist from that. However, Hon. Members, why can we not be serious and listen to the debate. – [HON. ZINDI: I am actually taking notes on this important motion.] – Anyway may you proceed, but please less these points of orders.
HON. DR. MASHAKADA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Official Development Assistance, whether it is bilateral from the Paris Club or multilateral from Brettonwoods institutions, it responds to the toxic political environment of the country, that is, it will hamstrung whatever efforts re-engagement is meant to achieve. So, we must be cognisant of
that fact.
The other solution is to look at how to increase the supply of the United States dollar because that is the money that we are transacting in and we have to look at all sources of financing the United States dollar to come into the country. Let us now go to the next table where I have highlighted a number of sources of the United States dollars – [slide was being shown to the Hon. Members in the National Assembly.]
If we do not export, we perish because we do not get the United States dollar. So it is important to address those bottle necks that is affecting industry, agriculture and mining so that we increase our exports and earn more United States dollars. If you look at that table, in 2009, our exports were 1, 6 billion but look at 2014; 3.6 billion worth of exports - those are United States dollars coming into the country. So the more we export, the more we can earn the United States dollar. So, as a conscious policy matrix, we must increase our export to get the dollar.
The second sources of the United States dollar are international remittances. In 2009, our remittances stood at, that is annual figures,
727 million and these are Diaspora funds coming into the country. By 2015, the remittances had grown from 727 million to 1, 9 billion; it is money coming from all Diasporas. In fact, if we look at Diaspora remittance very well, we might even forget the FDI because we have got about 5 million people in the Diaspora. Some countries are depending on Diaspora remittances to support their GDP. If you look at a country like Eritrea, Ethiopia, the Comoros Islands, in fact in the Comoros Islands, 99% of their GDP comes from Diaspora remittance, from their citizens who are abroad.
However, for this money to be useful, if it comes through Western Union as consumer finance, it will not help the economy. The money has to be structured so that it goes into the capital market, into the infrastructural sector to develop the country. One way of doing it is to introduce infrastructural bonds. You float an infrastructural bond and say Diasporans this is the coupon rate, please subscribe to this coupon rate to roll out infrastructure. In that way, you get a lot of developmental finance coming into the country rather than consumer finance. Even electricity energy bonds, we can use that money to develop our country. The other source are external loans which are not so much that we are getting and then other receipts, then foreign investments and so forth.
Going on to table E –unpacking these remittances, I talked about the Diaspora remittances but international organisations that are also in the country like NGO, Embassies also bring United States dollars to the country as a source of the funds. If you look at the growth rate of the remittances from the Diaspora and remittances from international organisations operating in the country, you can see the pattern that I am talking about.
The sixth recommendation is considering switching to the Rand monetary area. The problem is that if you look at the structure of our exports and imports, we import 60% of our products from South Africa and export about 35% to South Africa. It means it is our key trading partner, make no mistake. Therefore, it would be easy if we were going to transact in the Rand as a legal tender but it means playing by the rules of the Rand Monetary Union which includes Lesotho, Swaziland,
Namibia and other countries who are using the Rand.
For us to join the Rand monetary area, we have to make sure that there is what we call macro-economic convergence. This means that our economic variables must be in the ball pack of the Rand Monetary Area and one example is the budget deficit. The Rand Monetary area would say the countries which are using the Rand must not incur a budget deficit of above 5% GDP. So, there we will not pass the mark because our budget deficit will be 30%, 35% of GDP. So, we need to engage with South Africa to make sure that we can be accommodated on the Rand Monetary area and be put on a programme that ensures that our macro-economic variables converge with those of the Rand Monetary area. We need negotiations with the South African Reserve Bank to take into effect.
The problem with multi-currency basket, Mr. Speaker Sir, is that consumers and exporters will use the strongest currency in that basket.
This is why in 2009, when we introduced the multi-currency system, the usage of the United States dollar was 49% and that of the Rand was 49% but over time, the Rand has been dumped and its usage is below 5%. The market will choose the strongest currency in that basket. So, that is why I am saying if we were going to use the Rand per se, it might solve our liquidity or cash flow problems as a country.
Mr. Speaker Sir, to finalise or conclude my discussion, I think we have to look at our country seriously now. Our people are suffering, we are the legislators, we are the pall bearers and we have to recommend solutions to Government in line with our oversight functions to make sure that this country ticks, has confidence and our people’s livelihoods are supported. It is incumbent upon this House to rise above partisan lines and make sure that we move the country forward.
Yes, we can overcome sanctions if we address our own fundamentals that we control. This country is not run by America, and is not run by Britain. We control agriculture – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]- We control our mining. Let us work on the variables that we control and not to always cry foul – you see. What have we done to the things that we can control? The peace dividend - our natural resources endowment, all those things, are things we can leverage as a country before looking at exogenous factors like the sanctions.
We need to engulf everybody so that we focus on the solutions; we need to deal with corruption. Corruption is a cancer. You do not need sanctions to deal with corruption. Look at what is happening in NetOne; these parastatals are milking the economy. These are the things we can deal with on our own to make sure that we address the challenges that we are facing.
Public procurement - again, public financial management in the public sector; if you look at the Auditor General’s report, it is a sorry state of qualifications about the performance of the public finances. There are qualified reports, year in, year out - be it GMB this parastatal that parastatal. We plug those holes by improving transparency and accountability in the way we run our affairs as Government. Of course, we have to address - which is number 9, domestic debt. Our domestic debt is unsustainable and we have to address it as a matter of urgency.
Above all, we need to stimulate domestic production. Without production, the cake will get smaller and smaller and the revenue which will accrue to the State will get smaller and smaller.
So we need the right macro-economic policy framework in this country to move this country forward. Above all, we need to resolve the political question in this country which has remained on the agenda for a long time. It is now toxic and people are now fighting each other across all parties - so we have to resolve our political issues in this country so that we emerge as a stronger nation. I thank you.
HON. CHIMANIKIRE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Allow me to thank the mover of the motion Hon. Dr. Mashakada, that is what it means to be a doctor. Mr. Speaker the people out there are angry. Angry at politicians whom they now think do not represent them properly and they think we do not represent them anymore; because like Hon. Dr. Mashakada quoted in summing up of his presentation., we seem to be concentrating inwardly towards ourselves as politicians and not looking out there as to what we can contribute to the nation of Zimbabwe in terms of how to run the economy.
We need visionaries in this House and we need visionaries as politicians to lead this country. We must move beyond the past because we seem to be bogged in the past and not looking towards the future of where we want to take this country. Mr. Speaker, this country can never be called a developing country when the infrastructure is stagnant it can never be called a developing country. For example, we should be tunneling into the future - just next door in South Africa, someone is talking about sanctions here we have drills and we have got everything, and you now have the underground train in Johannesburg, but what have you got here - a few TelOne wires going under Julius Nyerere Way and maybe Mukuvisi river going underneath Julius Nyerere Way. That is the only thing we have got. We do not seem to be recognising what is happening in other developing countries. We could be generating jobs and incomes for various people if we were to indulge ourselves in the development of our country through our own ideas.
I would like to reiterate what Hon. Dr. Mashakada said. I would like to challenge any Member of this Parliament to point a finger at one single millionaire who is as a result of the Indigenisation Policy that was passed in this Parliament several years ago. There is not a millionaire who is as a result of Indigenisation Policy that was passed in this Parliament several years ago. Has anyone benefited and there is no evidence and yet that is the key issue that is locking out Foreign Direct Investment into this country, it is not the sanctions. How can we go for 51%/ 49% when you do not even have the money? Even our banks do not have the money.
We are supposed to have created a Sovereign Fund that is supposed to fund people who want to buy shares into Indigenisation but we do not have it. So, where are we going? Mr. Speaker, history and experience has taught us that if we were to lower the threshold, some of the companies would even give us as a present 25%. Why go for 51% when there is no one who has got 51% to be able to buy shareholding not even into NRZ? I will come to that. We must Mr. Speaker, if we are going to end shortages of cash, be able to create and build alliances.
We are too aggressive towards those who could invest and help improve the performance of our economy. All we are doing is we send Hon. Chinamasa to Paris, London and the following day we are saying the French are actually conspirators into demonstrations that are going on in this country. Good Lord! Why did you send that man there to look for money and the news the previous night was saying the French are going to invest in agriculture in joint ventures.
Twenty four hours later, you accuse the French of masterminding the demonstrations in this country, are we mad? – [Laughter.]- Do we know what we are talking about? –[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]- Why did we send a Minister there if we are going to be attacking them 24 hours later? What has happened to our intelligence sources there who should have informed us not to send anyone to Paris because those people are conspiring against us? We need political stability, sensibleness and soberness in this country, it is lacking.
The issue of legacy is one thing that should be embedded in the culture of our country. I was listening to President Obama when he received a question a few months ago to say, what is it that you would like to be your legacy when you leave the White House? The response was I will only know about my legacy ten years after I have retired from politics. The politicians in this country should learn to leave a legacy and not to die with their legacy having been known by anyone in this country. That is very important Mr. Speaker, if the future of our country is going to be developed and we also have to address the issue of technology. In fact, a few months ago we were talking about sending our children who have got so many ‘O’ levels in sciences and so on, even
funding that particular programme so that they learn about science.
We need to absorb science developments that are there and technology developments that are already there in this country. We need to utilise our scientist. There are so many ways that have been suggested by Hon. Dr. Mashakada as solutions to what we have. One of the immediate solutions is we have nurses in excess in this country who
have been trained but who are not employed. We have teachers in excess in this who have been trained but are not employed. We have graduates who have been trained that are not employed varikutengasa ma card apa ma juice card, but here we are, we sit here each and every year we cap 10 , 20 thousand and we make them sit at home.
When we grew up hondo isati yanyanya kuenderera mberi kwaive neinonzi Winera where we used to export labour force to South Africa and there would be agreements where those people would be paid a third of their salaries into Rhodesian Banks. That was one way of earning foreign currency. If they did it then why can we not did it too – [Laughter.]- It is a pity that sometimes we sit in this House and make noise about nothing, when we are supposed to listen to ideas.
The fact that the idea is coming from MDC T that does not mean that it is not a good idea. Let us start listening to each other because by the end of the day, it affects all of us. If we are not careful, we will have a fossil type of development whereby we will be garbage collectors, but not for recycling but just collecting garbage. That is what we are doing in this country. So Mr. Speaker, when I was listening to the proposer of this motion when he was putting across solutions that we should actually embody so that we are able to move forward, I sat back and said yes, Zimbabwe is attending its own economic funeral. When you are attending a funeral there are many mourners who cry, some sob and others like the Hon. Member who was sitting there make noise. We do not need political hooliganism when we are facing problems in this country. What we need is to be able to look at the problems and say what are the solutions. That is why we were elected to come into this House. We may be from the opposition or the ruling party but what should come from this House for the nation is solutions and not political hooliganism like what I was listening to. We should move from away from scavenging policies where we think that other people owe us our own living. We are here to exist and live as Zimbabweans and we should be proud of that.
I heard the Minister of Finance the other day referring to ‘buy South Africa’ and that they are very proud about it. In Zimbabwe instead of being proud about it, I support the idea that was put across by Hon. Dr. Mashakada that we should separate the goods produced.
‘Kana ari mabhero ngaaende kuEurope’ because that is where they are coming from. Those are the highest earners in terms of revenue to most of our informal sector. If it is quail birds, they should come to
Zimbabwe because I think we are producing quite a number of them.
Jokes aside Mr. Speaker – it is important that we look for solutions. Number one solution is scrapping of the Indigenisation Bill. Let us swallow our pride, it is not bearing fruit. It only allowed a few individuals to build 50 bed roomed houses. We must be mad. Not even the Queen of England has such a house. Here we are, the Queen of England was robbing us and all the colonies and building overseas but she never built a 50 bed roomed house. Here in Zimbabwe people do
that.
We should also introduce property tax. If I build a $100 million house, you must check where my income came from and you must make sure that I paid tax equivalent to $100 million in my pocket. I am using the difference. Did I pay tax for what I accumulated? So, let us wake up as Zimbabwean legislators and come up with laws that actually make sure we are protecting people out there. We make the taxation laws and if we do not protect them, it means we do not deserve to be here. We should all resign en masse and join them in the streets so that we suffer the way they are suffering and we will realise that we were brought here by those people who voted us in. Like I said there is hooliganism politics. While debating on such a serious issue, you can realise that others are laughing.
Mr. Speaker, instead of encouraging the people in the diaspora to remit money to Zimbabwe, we were busy singing songs ‘hee kuchengeta machembere’ and so on. It is either we are mad as a society or we need to reform. We should call psychiatrists to help us. There were songs that were being sung about the diaspora and we need to be concerned about such things.
When we are doing business, no matter who it is doing that business, we should have guiding principles. What applies to OK in Zimbabwe should also apply to Choppies and should apply to Pick n’ Pay because free fall policies as a market force is not a policy. Some people are allowed to smuggle goods into this country, some have to pay tax on those goods and some are even banned from importing those goods. Are we accounting for the number of trucks that unload each and every morning at Pick n Pay and Choppies and making sure that they pay the taxes that they are supposed to pay to ZIMRA?
Certain policies that are decided upon like Statutory Instrument 64 should be well thought, there should be research and consultations. I remember asking the Minister of Finance and Economic Development whether it was the right direction that we are taking. He said yes, because the Government needs money. What does the Government finally have? They got their warehouses burnt, the economy comes to a standstill just because of certain decisions where no sufficient consultations were done. Now, we are being threatened with sanctions from Zambia, of all countries. The people who were the first to carry plastic bags to go and buy a loaf of bread were Zambians before we did it with our Zimbabwe dollar. Today Zambia is threatening sanctions against Zimbabwe because of SADC Protocol on Trade and so forth.
Mr. Speaker, there are certain things that we have in this country and I am glad that Hon. Dr. Mashakada has expounded on those. There is one thing that we are in control of. We are very good at signing protocols that we do not need, for example CITES. We agree not to export our own rhino horns and elephant tusks. We are very foolish – [laughter.] – Sorry to say Mr. Speaker. They do not have elephants in London, America and China; they are here but we are paralysed and we cannot even sell what we have. We have to burn what we have simply because we want to satisfy those colonial powers. Are we forgetting that they are imperialists? What is wrong with us? That is why in my presentation, time and again I said we must be made.
There was Brexit; the British withdrew from the European Union. Why do we not withdraw from some of the areas where we are restricted from trading? Why should people dictate to us as to who should come and hunt in this country because a single lion has been killed? We should withdraw from CITES and start selling our ivory. Can we be labeled a poor country when we have in excess of 8000 elephants in the Hwange Game Reserve? We are sitting and selling four of them to China. When we do that, there are news headlines to say why you are selling four young elephants to China. Who are they to tell us that? That is why at some stage I once said the Americans can go to hell when it comes to selling our diamonds.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by saying sometimes we should have the correct political language. If an Acting President assaults a police officer, who do you think will come and invest in that country? I thank you.
HON. MANDIPAKA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. I would want to congratulate Hon. Dr. Mashakada for a job well done. He made quite some thorough research and I am pleased to note that in his debate, he offered solutions that can best assist our economy which is ailing. I would also want to thank Hon. Chimanikire for supporting this very important motion. It is one of those very critical motions to our survival as Zimbabweans. That is why I was taking some notes when Hon. Dr. Mashakada was debating.
Suffice to say Hon. Speaker, I would want to make comments on very few observations that he made in relation to what he referred to as toxic political environment. My memory serves me right to say we started to have toxic political environment at the behest of opposition politics in 1999. Why do I say so? I notice Mr. Speaker that certain opposition elements now realise that it was very fatal for them to have called for illegal sanctions. That is our starting point in as far as this economy is concerned. Prior to 1999, the economy of this country was performing very well. So Hon. Dr. Mashakada was right to point out that our politics needs to be corrected. Our politics must, as a necessity have a national outlook. If we have a national outlook in our politics, then we are correct. Mr. Speaker, we may differ in our political ideology and semantics but when it comes to the Zimbabwean nation, I think it is very critical to speak with one voice. Quite often, the Hon.
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning has been appearing before the august House to say Hon. Members, citizens of Zimbabwe, let us speak positively about our country. The reason why the international community is not very safe to invest in this country is because of the messages that we were posting to the international community and those messages were not important for this country. There were messages for political expediency but look at our situation now, we are all crying. I think the political environment must be improved by Zimbabwean citizens, be it in the opposition or the ruling party. We need sanity in our politics, it is a necessity. I think he made a very important observation, we need sanity in our politics. We cannot go around the world selling out our country as what has been happening to the detriment of our economy and poor citizens of this country. This is one big mistake that our opposition has made to this country and I think they must regret that mistake.
Mr. Speaker Sir, be that as it may, I would also want to congratulate the Government of Zimbabwe; having realised that the illegal sanctions had played havoc to our economy, our Government did not just sit, it introduced ZIM ASSET. It is a blueprint by the
Government. The efforts in the ZIM ASSET is to make sure that we are the owners of our own resources so that at the end of the day, we can produce for the betterment of our economy. So, we need to congratulate the Government. The Government is making tireless efforts in making sure that we improve our economy which has been ravaged. For example, Statutory Instrument, 64 of 2016 is to ensure that those products which we produce can find outside markets, then we are able to bring the US dollar that we want by way of restricting those products, it is to our advantage. It is because we want those factories that produce certain products to sell their products outside the country but if you look at Statutory Instrument, 64 of 2016, it was crafted in such a fashion that we will not run out of employment. We will also not run out of monies and groups of people that produce certain products. We will restrict externalisation of our funds by way of buying certain commodities that we produce. So, I think it is a piece of legislation that is in good faith, it is not in bad faith.
Mr. Speaker Sir, let me touch on the introduction of bond notes. Yes, Hon. Dr. Mashakada could be right to say not much information has gone out especially to our people in the rural areas to understand the importance of the bond notes that are coming in. You will find that we are resorting to the introduction of bond notes as a way of minimising externalisation of the US dollar. We are also doing that as a way to ensure that we can trade within our parameters, within the country, we cannot just stand, sit there and cry without doing anything. So, our Government is trying by all means to make sure that we improve the economic situation of the country.
We can only have confidence in our economy if we speak with one voice. If you go out to the international community and say there is no rule of law in Zimbabwe, people have no right to demonstrate in Zimbabwe, they are imprisoned or journalists in Zimbabwe are being harassed, do you think at the end of the day we are going to attract foreign direct investment, the answer is completely no. So, all we need to do from both sides of the House is to ensure that when we come to bread and butter issues, let us be able to protect our country, let us speak as Zimbabweans, born and bred in Gokwe, Mberengwa, Zvimba, Buhera or elsewhere. Please, let us speak with one voice. So, that is my plea.
Let me talk about the indigenisation law. I do not think by now, as Hon. Members of this august House, we should be speaking of contradictions, conflicts in this piece of legislation because even the
Head of State and Government, Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces who is also the President of the State went further to try and explain the Indigenisation Act. By now, I think there is clarity. The inconsistencies that used to exist, I think they have been worked around and there is an improvement in terms of that law say, unless there are certain people that are still being confused by this Act. I think the Government made efforts to explain the meaning. The rationale behind the Indigenisation Act is just for us to have the independence of ruling over our own resources. It is not a question of us being billionaires or multimillionaires, no. The question is all about us being in control of our God given resources. I think those that are in the opposite side should actually articulate and understand the Indigenisation Act.
Last but not least, is the issue of corruption? This is filthy, it is dirty, nobody would like it especially more so when it destroys the social fabric of our very, very poor people, those that are in the rural areas. I always cry about those that are in the rural areas because they are the most disadvantaged. I think we need to nip corruption in the bud, less talking, more action on those that have been found on the wrong side of the law in terms of corruption because when we improve on that aspect, some of the monies leaking outside the country, I think we are able to take it back and improve on our economy. I do not think there is any question mark about nipping corruption in the bud from both sides of this House. So, we must put our heads together and ensure that those who are found on the wrong side of the law or who are practicing corrupt activities should be dealt with severely for the betterment of our nation. I thank you – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]
HON. MUDEREDZWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker, Sir for giving
me this opportunity to make a contribution to this debate. First and foremost, I want to thank the mover of the motion Hon. Dr. Mashakada for dealing with this issue diligently in terms of how he has diagonised the problems and the other Hon. Members who have contributed before me.
Mr. Speaker Sir, it is true that we have got problems in our economy. We are bound to look for solutions. In economics and war, they say let bygones be bygones because it is of no use to look back and say what caused what but we can do that for purposes of finding solutions. What I heard in the debate by Hon. Dr. Mashakada is that as he debated the diagnosis of the problems, he ended up also soliciting for possible solutions and Hon. Mandipaka also came up with possible solutions that the Government is doing in order to solve the problems.
Our Government is aware of the challenges that we are facing and obviously we came up with ZIM ASSET with its four clusters. If you go through those clusters, you will see that they are addressing the challenges of this economy but the challenges that we are having are to do with funding. It is the funding aspect that both sides of the House should look at and say, how can we attract investment into our country so that the economy picks up?
We have noted that Government is seriously looking on the aspect of agriculture. Government has done a lot in trying to bring mechanisation so that we are in a position to improve productivity in agriculture because agriculture is the base of our economy and indeed mining. There was a debate of recent that was touching on mining. Those two sectors of the economy can drive our economy forward. I think Government is trying its level best to address those issues. If we do, then we will see that we are in the right direction towards curing the problems in our economy but sometimes what happens is that we do not do these things in time.
I would like to revert to the aspect of agriculture. There are plans that have been put in place. This month is August, sometimes you will see that it has been happening before that we end up equipping the farmers, giving inputs to the farmers in November. The season is moving backwards or forwards, we need to cause farmers to prepare and it is true that if we promote agriculture in this country, we are going to export even our maize and other products that are not necessarily tobacco. So the issue basically is that we need to promote agriculture, mining and out of that we will achieve our objective.
I have certain observations Mr. Speaker Sir, that I would like to highlight. The issue of indigenisation has been articulated and I think the discourse is towards what the President said. The Indigenisation Policy has been clarified by the President but we need consistency of ministries coming together so that they speak the same language. In that view, I was of the opinion that we need to come up with a think tank in this country; a think tank that is going to help ministries to converge on issues of strategic importance because sometimes you realise Ministers are doing different things, there is no coordination. I do not know, maybe it is because they have limited time in Cabinet to come together and raise issues for purposes of coordination. We need a think tank in this country. Countries like Russia are able to overcome problems because of that coordination strategy. So, I am just praying that as we march towards trying to solve these problems, let us consider coming up with a think tank for the country.
I would then want to talk about the very contentious issue that Government is talking about everyday but there is hesitation in taking action. The reduction of the civil service – [HON. D. SIBANDA: And the ghost workers!] – Mr. Speaker Sir, we have identified that our economy is very small and because of the other developments due to technology, part of the work that was being done by our workers is now being done by technology. You will realise that there are workers who are in the offices and doing nothing but working on numbers. We are saying, let us then work on that and find out which workers should be given packages so that they leave the civil service and we remain with a small workforce that is better remunerated, a unit that is motivated. If we do not do that, we will keep on with these numbers and our Minister of Finance and Economic Development will continue complaining that he is addressing the remuneration aspect of our workers. Let us work on a grand plan. In that direction, we are going to say, how do we reduce the numbers and let us do it with speed because we want changes to happen during our life time.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I then want to talk about the bond notes. For now, it is good that we have bond notes because what I know is that money is a medium of exchange and nothing else. If I get my money as a domestic person here, I go to the shops, buy my things, send my children to school – that is fine for now. But in the long term, even if we want to introduce the Rand, it will be even be in the short term. In the long term, we need to have our own currency because we need to use the monetary policy to manage economic activities in our country. If we use currencies of other countries, we have to dance to the tune of those countries. Even if we get the Rand, if South Africa is going to go into a depression, we are also going into a depression because they are the people who are actually manufacturing the paper money. If we happen to have our own currency, we are going to regulate the monetary aspect of it, demand and supply for money. If we realise that the money is too short, we or cause have to do it in tandem with production levels in our industry and commerce. We have to assess how our economy is performing, then we regulate using our own currency.
Mr. Speaker Sir, those are some of the issues that I thought I need to put across. The other issues have been raised by Hon. Mandipaka because he was sitting here and we were discussing issues and I need not to repeat them. But I would like to thank Hon. Dr. Mashakada for introducing such thinking in this House. Some of us need to go and research so that even next time this motion is given time for deliberation so that at least those who do not have the opportunity of coming to this House are also going to listen to what Hon. Members have been talking about. I thank you.
HON. RUNGANI: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. D. SIBANDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 27th July, 2016.
On the motion of HON. RUNGANI, seconded by HON. D.
SIBANDA, the House adjourned at Twenty-six Minutes to Six o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 21st July, 2016
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER
COALITION FOR PARLIAMENTARIANS AGAINST
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have to inform the House
that Hon. Members are invited to join a Coalition for Parliamentarians Against Trafficking In Persons (PATIP) in order to promote and enhance participation of all Members of Parliament in the fight against human trafficking. The contact person is Mr. Sheppard Manhivi in office number 509, Fifth Floor, Pax House – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Hon. Members behind there, did you hear what I said? We have to respect the House please.
INVITATION TO A COCKTAIL AT RAINBOW TOWERS
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I also have to inform the
House that the General Manager for Rainbow Towers is inviting all Hon. Members from outside Harare to a cocktail on Wednesday, 27th July 2016, starting at 1830 hours at the Rainbow Towers Hotel.
LIAISON AND COORDINATION COMMITTEE RETREAT
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have to remind Hon.
Chairpersons of Portfolio Committees, Chief Whips, Leader of
Government Business, Leader of the Opposition and members of the
Chairperson’s Panel that buses ferrying members to the Liaison and Coordination Committee Retreat in Bulawayo will leave Parliament Building at 0900 hours tomorrow morning.
*HON. MATANGIRA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
My point of order is on the Opening Prayer. My request is that – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. We
want to hear what the Hon. Member is saying.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Madam Speaker. We have
been listening to this Prayer being said from the time we got into Parliament and we realised that the chaos and confusion that happens here in Parliament here in terms of representing the people comes from the fact that the prayer is in English not in vernacular. Hence, we do not understand the prayer not translate the values of Member of Parliament.
My request is, the prayer be made in vernacular, firstly, in Ndebele, Shona and Tonga. I say so because people do not understand the meaning of the prayer and what it says. The prayer is setting the tone for deliberations in this House. I thank you – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] –
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Can we have order in the House. Hon. Member, I have heard your request. For us to pray five times for the same thing, I do not think it is proper but we pray using a language that everyone understands in this House. Parliament mostly conducts its procedures in English. We do not use all the languages, mainly English, Ndebele and Shona. If you want this practice to change, you can raise a motion in the House on the issue. I thank you.
CONSIDERATION STAGE
PAN-AFRICAN MINERALS UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY BILL [H.B. 10A, 2015]
First Order read: Consideration: Pan-African Minerals University of Science and Technology Bill.
Amendments to Clauses 2, 11, 12, 13, 16, 22, 23 and 28 put and agreed to.
Bill, as amended, adopted.
Third Reading: With Leave, forthwith.
THIRD READING
PAN-AFRICAN MINERALS UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY BILL [H.B. 10A, 2015]
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIAARY
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GANDAWA): Madam Speaker, I now move that the Bill
be read the third time.
Motion put and agreed to.
Bill read the third time.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. RUNGANI: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 2 and 3 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. D. SIBNDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the
Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. RUNGANI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. MUKWANGWARIWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 26th July, 2016.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE
CONFERENCE
HON. MASHANGE: Madam Speaker, I move the motion
standing in my name that: this House takes note of the Report of the Delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in
Paris, France from 29th November, to 12th December, 2015.
HON. SARUWAKA: I second.
HON. MASHANGE:
1.0 Introduction
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Water, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Wonder Mashange led a delegation that travelled to Paris, France, to attend the Paris United
Nations Climate Change Conference. The landmark 21st Session of the
Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (herein after COP21) ran from the 30th of November 2015 to the 12th of December 2015. Other members of the delegation were;-
- L. Zemura, Member of Parliament;
- T. Saruwaka, Member of Parliament;
- Senator Chief F. Charumbira; Member of Parliament
- G. Kwaramba, Member of Parliament
- B. Mpofu, Member of Parliament
- N. Samu, Parliament Programme Coordinator 7. Mr. J. Gandiwa, Assistant Clerk of Parliament and
- Mr. J. Mazani, Committee Clerk.
2.0 Brief Background and Constitutional Justification of attending the Paris United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Mr. Speaker Sir, our attendance of COP 21 was principally motivated by the need to enhance the oversight role of Parliament as envisioned in section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which provides that
“An international treaty which has been concluded or executed by the President or under the President’s authority-
- Does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament;
and
- Does nor form part of the law of Zimbabwe unless it has been incorporated into the law through an Act of Parliament”
Standing Order 20(e) of the National Assembly, which enjoys constitutional recognition by virtue of Section 139 of the supreme law, makes it clear in peremptory terms that a Portfolio Committee must “consider or deal with all international treaties, conventions, and agreements relevant to it, which are from time to time negotiated, entered into or agreed upon…”
Mr. Speaker Sir, our attendance of the Paris Climate Change Conference was further actuated by the need to enhance the competence of Committee Members in understanding the technical and policy imperatives relating to multilateral environmental negotiations and agreements. This is instructive in view of the fact that Zimbabwe is a
State Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which has 195 State Parties, making it the largest membership based agreement of the United Nations. The other objective was for the
Committee to understand the geo-politics …..
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. I
know you whisper to each other but I think you can lower your voices so that we hear what the Hon. Member is debating.
If you cannot lower your voice, it is better to go to the lobby or somewhere else. May you continue?
HON. MASHANGE: Thank you Madam Speaker maam. The
other objective was for the Committee to understand the geo-politics and geo-dynamics of climate change negotiations and how legislative activism and interventions can be deployed to help address the challenges posed by climate change.
Mr. Speaker Sir, climate change is one of the world’s most topical issues that is central to contemporary debate on socio-economic development and international relations. Thus, our participation as MP’s was further meant to sharpen our skills in understanding strategic issues relating to climate change. Such competencies will come in handy when Zimbabwe in general and Parliament in particular considers the approval for the ratification and implementation of the Paris Agreement as well as the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol.
2.1 Methodology and Operational Strategy
Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish to point out that all the delegates from
Parliament were registered by the National Focal Point as State Parties. This enabled us to have unrestricted access to all meetings and events, particularly to the meetings of COP21 that were being convened under the Conference of the Meetings of Parties (CMP), Meetings of the
Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), meetings of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP). Thus, for logistical arrangements and greater coverage of the concurrent meetings, we had to split ourselves into various teams. In order to enhance the objective acquisition and mobilisation of relevant facts and information, the delegation was briefed by the then Head of Negotiating Team for Zimbabwe, Mr. Washington Zhakata who himself is a seasoned negotiator and climatologist.
3.0 Key Outcomes of the Paris United Nations Climate
Change Conference
Mr. Speaker Sir, I am pleased to highlight that COP 21 delivered a historic Paris Climate Change Agreement that will ultimately supersede and replace the Kyoto Protocol that was concluded in 1997. In a summative form, it is important to note that since the conclusion of the
Kyoto Protocol, controversies arose over certain points of the Protocol. State Parties continued to negotiate on the areas of disagreement in subsequent years up to the adoption of the Paris Agreement. The landmark Paris Agreement has far reaching repercussions on the development trajectory of this country as well as that of other nations. The Paris Agreement, if fully implemented in its letter and spirit, will put the world firmly on track to a low-carbon neutral and sustainable future that will keep global temperature rise under 2 degrees Celsius. This will avert the most catastrophic impacts arising from the ruinous effects of climate change.
In its preamble, the Agreement identifies climate change as “an urgent and potentially irreversible threat to human societies and the planet”. This is principally because climate change has calamitous impacts on the human and other life forms as well as global environmental and climatic systems. As you may be aware, climate change is associated with extreme weather events such as unprecedented and unpredictable droughts and flood cycles. The increasing periodicity of droughts in this country show clearly how disruptive climate change can be to drivers of socio-economic development. Agriculture, which is the spinal cord of our economy, is fundamentally rain-fed and any negative deviation in rainfall patterns is likely to impugn efforts by the State to rejuvenate the economy through agriculture. In view of the foregoing, I now move to how the negotiating process was conducted up to the time a Paris Agreement was adopted.
4.0 Negotiating Framework: Setting the Tone for the
Negotiations.
Mr. Speaker Sir, for purposes of providing leadership and policy guidance to the Conference as well as the negotiating framework and context, the Paris United Nations Climate Change Conference was attended by more than 150 Heads of State and Government. This made it the largest gathering of Heads of State and Government at one place in the history of mankind. Close to 40000 delegates from both State and Non-State Parties to the Convention attended the conference.
His Excellency the President, Cde R. G. Mugabe, addressed the gathering on the 30th of November 2015. In his address, he emphasised the need for the provision of funding for adaptation for developing countries. President Mugabe castigated developed nations for shifting the burden for climate change mitigation to developing countries. The Africa Group and the Group of 77 plus China were totally against this shift in position owing to its propensity to stagnate economic development in developing countries. His Excellency the President, Cde R.G. Mugabe, called upon developed countries to honour their obligations of financing adaptation in developing countries as outlined in the United Nations Climate Change Convention which recognised as fundamental the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. In definitive terms, the principle states that developed nations, which historically have quantitatively contributed more to global warming, must bear a far larger share of the collective repair bill. The President further impressed upon the developed countries to accelerate their emission reduction activities in order to save this planet from the catastrophe caused by climate change.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MARUMAHOKO):
Order, order, order Hon. Members. Why do you not respect this Hon.
House Hon. Members. The Speaker has already said that if you want to chat with your friend, you can go to the lobby not in this Chamber. This Chamber is for debate and people want to hear the debates that are going on in this Chamber. If you need to chat as friends, please leave this Chamber and go to the lobby. You may proceed Hon. Mashange.
HON. MASHANGE: His Excellency, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt, who was representing the Committee of Heads of States on Climate Change for Africa, emphatically stated that the new agreement should not harm African countries’ efforts to eradicate poverty and their right to develop. His Excellency, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa called for a legally-binding agreement based on equity and differentiation that will enable ambitious action through the provision of Means of implementation (MOI). His Excellency President Barack Obama of the United States of America recognised the historical role of his country in contributing to climate change, stating that the
United States embraces its responsibility “to do something about it.” He called for the agreement to, inter alia, create a durable framework as well as pave the way for progressive ambitious targets and ensure support for countries in need.
President Xi Jinping of China stressed that the Paris Agreement should follow the principles and focus on the full implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, create institutional arrangements that compel concerted efforts, respect differences in countries’ economic structures and capacities and not deny the legitimate needs of developing countries to improve living standards and develop economically. President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation highlighted that it was possible to marry economic development with sustainable environmental management, saying Russia stands ready to exchange energy efficiency solutions. He called for the new climate agreement to build on the principles of the founding Convention and be legally-binding with the active participation of developing countries.
The United Nations Secretary General, His Excellency Dr. Ban ki Moon called for an ambitious agreement, inclusion of loss and damage, and transparency in implementation and monitoring of compliance. Mr. Speaker Sir, from the addresses by various other Heads of State and Government, the delegation noted that the common denominator in all the speeches was the fact that leaders were in full support of a binding agreement that will usher a paradigm shift in approaches to the dangers posed by climate change to human civilisation.
5.0 The Negotiating Process.
The Committee leant that Zimbabwe, in-order to leverage on regional and continental solidarity, was negotiating under the auspices of the Africa Group as well as the Group of 77 plus China. During negotiations, it emerged that the following were the sticking issues and areas of acrimonious divergence.
5.11 Differentiation
- The developed countries, led by the United States and the European Union preferred to have an Agreement which was wholly applicable to ‘all Parties’ of the Convention, whether developed or developing, in respect of mitigation, adaptation and provision of financial resources. The net effect of this would have been to dilute differentiation as prescribed by the United Nations Climate Change Framework Convention on Climate Change which recognised historical liability and the “principle of common but differentiated responsibilities”. Transitional economy countries including Zimbabwe and other non-Least Developed Countries were being omitted in the Draft Agreement and yet they are specified in the founding Convention as vulnerable. The draft text referred to Africa, Less Developed
Countries (LDC’s) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as highly vulnerable. However, Latin America would not accept an Agreement that excluded their region in terms of vulnerability. This created dissension between and amongst the developing countries. This was compounded by the fact that other developing countries were getting preferential treatment by the developed nations.
- Speaker Sir, it was disheartening to note that the developed countries created a ‘divide, rule and confuse’ approach. The delegation noted that this strategy was partially successful as witnessed by the consistent refusal by the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to move from their position advocating for 1.5 degree Celsius cap against the wishes of other developing nations which were advocating for a cap of 2 degrees Celsius. US$250 million was pledged to these nations to finance climate change adaptation. Nevertheless, G77 plus China remained resolute and unwavering owing to the brilliant diplomatic prowess exhibited by South Africa which was chairing the G77 plus China geopolitical group.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish to categorically state that South Africa, as Chair of the G77 and China, faced a lot of pressure from the leading developed countries. The South African Presidency was said to have been called several times by many Western leaders to try to sway South
Africa from the principled G77 and China positions on the Draft Agreement. The delegation applauds and salutes the leadership commitment displayed by South Africa.
5.2 Financing
Mr. Speaker Sir, your delegation was rattled by the consistent refusal by the developed countries, which bear a large historical responsibility for climate change, to commit themselves to unequivocally funding climate change mitigation and adaptation. In one of the Draft Agreement Texts on Financing, the European Union, New Zealand and the United States proposed climate change financing must be done only by those countries in “a position to do so…” Negotiators from the developed world also coined the use of the phrase developed countries “willing to do so” must provide providing support to developing country parties. This infuriated developing countries who wanted a firm commitment on climate change financing in respect of mitigation and adaptation.
5.2.1 Analysis of the Commitment by the Developed Countries to Providing Climate Change Finance.
Mr. Speaker Sir, G77 and China were not amused by the conduct of the developed countries and strenuous efforts were made to reject such machinations. Under financing, developing countries argued that developed countries must provide quantifiable resources for promoting the migration to climate neutral and clean energy pursuant to the need to limit the emission of greenhouse gases. The delegation perceives as unfortunate that the resultant document does not reflect the position of the developing countries and less developing countries in respect of climate change financing. As it stands, financing will be voluntary and most disturbing; all countries will be required to put something on the table to qualify for assistance for their Intended National Determined Contributions (INDCs). As usual, this may not be transparent and preconditions may be imposed and these can be prejudicial to countries like Zimbabwe that have been under a barrage of incessant sanctions by the Western Countries.
5.3 Ambition
- Ambition refers to targets in respect of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions, particularly Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Methane (NH4). The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) were pushing for the 1.5 degree Celsius target as opposed to more than 2 degrees Celsius target suggested by the oil producing states who fear real economic losses due to decreased demand of petroleum products if more renewable forms of energy are introduced drastically to meet demands of the SIDS. Ultimately, a target of not more than 2 degrees Celsius was agreed upon. This is a victory for developing countries whose carbon emissions are functionally correlated to the use of antiquated technologies. Thus, Effective mechanisms and significant resources to eliminate obstacles to technology transfer and development at affordable cost are needed for developing country parties. Energy efficient technologies are also required to reduce carbon emissions.
6.0 Overall Assessment of the Agreement
Mr. Speaker Sir, your delegation is of the view that the Paris Agreement is an ambitious and balanced agreement that would mark a turning point in the fight against climate change. The wheels of addressing climate change were turning slowly since the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. However, the delegation was pleased to note that in Paris, the wheels rotated. Six years after the previous Climate Summit in Copenhagen ended in monumental failure and unmitigated acrimony, the Paris Agreement appeared to have built much of the momentum required for concerted efforts to combat climate change. The Paris document is indeed a compromise accord that coalesced complex divergent positions into one acceptable outcome. It is a good starting point. Now that the document is in place, one may ask, what is our role as legislators in this complex governance matrix? Mr. Speaker Sir, the responses and answers to this question will occupy the rest of this
Report. Our work has just begun.
7.0 Legislative Intervention and Activism
Mr. Speaker Sir, it is of paramount importance to note that legislators from 80 National Parliaments and 20 Regional Parliaments attended the Parliamentarians Meeting on the Occasion of the Paris
United Nations Climate Change Conference. The legislators adopted an Outcome Document that reaffirms legislative concern over the consequences of Climate Change and the determination by legislators to formulate national laws that will address the scourge. It is instructive to point out that legislators share part of the responsibility for the effective implementation of climate change policies as well as developing, adopting and modifying legislation that deals with climate change. They also pass national budgets necessary for climate change mitigation as well as approving international agreements. In this regard, and in-order to show leadership commitment to the process, the delegation recommends that;-
National Assembly Environment Committee Recommendation
Number 1/2016
“…the Executive must urgently bring before Parliament the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol for approval before the end of July 2016.
This recommendation is consequent upon the realisation that between now and 2020 when the Paris Agreement is expected to be operationalised, the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol will be a bridging instrument meant to ensure there is no lacunae in the implementation of climate change emission reduction targets as well as other allied obligations. The Doha Climate Gateway, an outcome snatched at the last minute on the last evening of the 2012 Climate Conference, led to the adoption of the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol that records the Second Commitment Period in it. This commenced on 1 January 2013 and will end on 31 December 2020. The Committee leant at COP 21 that 56 State Parties had ratified the Doha Amendment and Zimbabwe as a State Party must join the family of nations that have ratified this Initiative. In this respect, Mr. Speaker Sir, your Committee will invite the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate to appear before it so that the Ministry gives us its position on how Zimbabwe will proceed on this matter.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the delegation further recommends that;-
National Assembly Environment Committee Recommendation
Number 2/2016
“…the Executive must urgently sign the Paris Agreement once it is open for signature on 22 April 2016 as well as secure its approval by
Parliament before the end of October 2016.
The delegation wishes to report to this august House that the Paris United Nations Climate Conference requested the Secretary-General of the United Nations to be the Depositary of the Paris Agreement and to have it open for signature in New York, United States of America, from 22 April 2016 to 21 April 2017. In pursuance and fulfillment of this mandate, the Secretary-General of the United Nations convened a highlevel signature ceremony for the Agreement on 22 April 2016 at the
United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States of America.
It is also pertinent to note that pursuant to Article 21 of the Paris Agreement, the Agreement shall enter into force on the thirtieth day after the date on which at least 55 Parties to the Convention accounting in total for at least an estimated 55 percent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions have deposited their instruments for ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. There is, therefore, need for us to show progressive leadership by being part of the pioneer group to sign the agreement. This is a duty we owe to posterity. Mr. Speaker Sir, it must be noted that there are many benefits which come with signing
both the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol as well as the Paris Agreement. If the country ratifies the Agreements, It stands to benefit from the resources and opportunities made available under the Agreement. The Doha Amendment has opportunities to enable the country to access financial resources from carbon trading under the Clean Development Mechanism.
8.0 Observations by the Delegation: Funding of attending COP Meetings and the Provision of Policy Leadership during
Negotiations.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the delegation was extremely disturbed that for two consecutive years, our Ministers of Environment have not been attending the High Level Segment component of the Conference of Parties meetings. This creates a gap in the provision of policy direction to our negotiators. In one of the consultation meetings at COP 21, some
Ministers almost walked out of a consultation meeting after a Permanent Secretary had taken the floor on behalf of his Minister who was not available. This created an unnecessary embarrassment to the bureaucrat.
In this regard, and taking cognisance of the centrality of climate change issues to human development and progress, the delegation recommends
that;-
National Assembly Environment Committee Recommendation
Number 3/2016
“…the Executive must ensure that a Minister responsible for Environment issues must attend all High-level Segments of the meetings of the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change.
Furthermore, the delegation submits that a Legal Expert conversant with and competent in climate change negotiations should always be part of the delegation that attends COP Meetings. Mr. Speaker Sir, your delegation noted with serious concern that the whole Zimbabwean Delegation from the Ministries had no person who was legally qualified to advise the delegation. We checked the composition of other delegations from Zambia, Botswana and South Africa, all being our neighbours and noted that each had a lawyer among the delegates. To make matters worse, the delegation further noted with concern that the funding for all the key negotiators from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate was provided by the United Nations. Treasury was not able to provide funding for almost all delegates and the question which arises is what would have become of us had the United Nations not provided funds for negotiators to attended this landmark conference. Mr. Speaker Sir, this is a question we will not attempt to answer, save to recommend that;-
National Assembly Environment Committee Recommendation
Number 4/2016
“…the Executive must consistently fund participation of our delegates so that they are empowered to speak freely on behalf of the country without fear or favour.”
9.0 Conclusion
Mr. Speaker Sir, COP 21 ended on the 12th of December 2015 with the adoption of the landmark agreement and a vote of thanks being extended to the Presidency of the Republic of France for successfully organising and hosting the 21st Session of the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Let me take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the United Nations Development Fund, its partners the European Union and Swedish International Development Agency as well as Parliament of Zimbabwe for funding our attendance of COP 21 in Paris, France. I also wish to thank the Administration of Parliament for flawlessly coordinating all the logistical arrangements. As a delegation, we certainly leant a lot from the conference and there is no doubt that the information gathered and experiences leant will be shared with fellow Members of Parliament in order to push forward the frontiers of executing effective Executive oversight functions in pursuance of our constitutional obligations as articulated in Sections 117,118 and 327 of the Constitution of
Zimbabwe. I thank you.
HON. SARUWAKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Let me add my voice to the report presented by our Chairperson Hon. Mashange on the trip to Paris. Let me say it is unfortunate that we have had to make this presentation seven months after the visit and also after the subsequent signing of the agreement in New York on the 22nd April 2016. However, I still have some comments to make on the trip on the important matter of climate change.
Hon. Speaker, I must start by thanking UNDP for making it possible for Parliament of Zimbabwe to send delegates to the important Climate Change Conference. It was a privilege that we were among the 4,000 delegates gathered in Paris to transact on the important subject of climate change. My Chairman has already indicated that in the history of mankind, the gathering was the biggest where over 150 heads of states congregated, which goes to show the importance the issue of climate change is being considered in the arena of world matters. Over 195 countries were also represented at that conference.
The Zimbabwe delegation was made up of Ministry officials, Members of Parliament and the civic society. The experience that I had was that working together as the different stakeholders really helped us in formulating and agreeing on particular country positions. I would want to applaud the delegation for managing to work cohesively. At times you find that when people go out, you begin to see differences but in this particular delegation, people really showed that indeed Zimbabwe can form a formidable team in dealing with international matters –
[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
The topic of climate change Mr. Speaker Sir is a fairly technical matter and I would want to take a few Hon. Members down memory lane, maybe a bit back to school so that we just unpack a few of the terms and move together. Over time, people begin to forget simple terms that help in understanding the climate change issues. While the topic might seem abstract in understanding it, the impacts are very real and everyone understands them and I just want to go a bit on the terms.
You would understand Mr. Speaker Sir that climate change talks about the weather. Weather to us relates to the particular condition of the atmosphere at any given time. Whether we talk of precipitation, temperature and wind, as we move forward, you will understand how these things impact on the phenomenon of climate change. On climate, we are referring to the average conditions of weather over a long period, maybe 10 to 30 years. When we are talking of climate change, we are talking about the change of these average weather conditions over time. Seasons have moved and I remember in past motions where people were giving real examples and problems that they are facing as a result of climate change. It is because of this climate change that leaders in this world realised that they must come together, put their heads together and see how they can mitigate the impacts of this changing phenomenon.
Today Mr. Speaker, it is not surprising that as a result of climate change, people are experiencing extreme weather conditions. We have got typhoons, droughts, floods. Only recently there was heavy hailstorm in Lower Gweru. These are things that never used to happen in this country. The phenomenon of climate change is real and we are experiencing it on a day to day basis.
Mr. Speaker Sir, climate change also has a lot to do with global warming. Scientists are pointing towards global warming as the major culprit of climate change. Global warming is just referring to the average rise in temperature over time. You would realise that in the arctic circle glaciers are melting, resulting in sea level rises. We are lucky that Zimbabwe is landlocked but there are countries along the coastlines that are threatened by the rise of the sea level. So, it is that serious that if the world does not take action to arrest climate change, this can result in a lot of conflicts as a result of the shrinking land surface.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I must say scientists have invested a lot of their time in trying to understand the climate change phenomenon. There is an organisation called the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which made a report in 2014. It was apparent from their report that scientists are indicating that 95% of global warming is caused by anthropogenic or human activities. What it means is only 5% of the causes of global warming are caused by nature. So, as humankind, there are opportunities for us to do something about climate change.
I must tell the House that through this panel, they also indicated that last year was the hottest year ever, so we must be worried as humankind that temperatures are continuing to rise due to our activities. The rise in temperatures is bringing a lot of problems to the survival of humankind. Indications are if nothing is done, the problem might actually get worse. This is why people congregated in Paris Mr. Speaker Sir, where state parties were trying to negotiate on what level of temperature rise could be permissible. What targets can we put for the whole world in terms of the temperature rises acceptable so that there will not be more disasters.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I must say human activities, especially those to do with fossil burning also are related to industrialisation. The argument that was put forward by industrialised countries that benefited from using irresponsible methods of carbon emissions, they were pushing an agenda where they want people to adopt clean energy. It is well and fine but clean energy is very expensive. Therefore, the argument was if developed countries want the developing countries to constrain their activities towards the two degrees limit, then they must also be able to sponsor the new technology which is not affordable at the present moment to the developing counties. That was the thrust of the argument to say developing countries have the right to develop, so if we have to develop using clean energy which is more expensive, the developed countries must be able to pay for the technology transfer into clean energy.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I am happy that as Members of Parliament a lot of us understand the impact of climate change because in our communities, we have had situations where we have to battle with the impacts. For Zimbabwe, I am aware that we now know that our weather pattern, especially in as far as rainfall is concerned – is now very erratic to the extent that droughts occurs more often. That has a direct impact on the survival of our nation since Zimbabwe is basically an agro-based country which is supposed to derive its survival from agricultural activities. Climate change has a very negative impact in that regard and we need as a country to come up with mitigating measures so that we reduce the impact of climate change. Climate change the world over is a threat to food security. Like I indicated earlier on, it causes conflicts around land because if the sea level rises, it means communities along the coast line are forced to push inwards and it puts a lot of pressure on the land that is already being occupied by others.
So, the thrusts of the debate in Paris was also to suggest to countries the technologies that are now available on the industrial level that help in cutting emissions since the emission of carbon dioxide is the major contributor to the rise of the average temperature in the world. The Conference came up with a target of two degrees celsius from preindustrial average temperature which was a fair target for the majority of the countries because the countries along the coast lines wanted 1.5 degrees celsius. Those in the desert that depend on oil production to fuel their development were actually looking for 2.5 degrees celsius, because if people move away from fossil fuels, it impacts on their means of revenue because they make money through the sale of fossil fuels. So the two degree target then became a fair target which according to scientists, will still help us manage the extreme impacts of climate change.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I think as a country we are lucky that we have got so many opportunities of harnessing clean energy. We have plenty of sunshine, so in terms of development, we have got opportunities to develop a network of solar energy which can help in supplying energy for our operations. I must hasten to say solar energy is very expensive. This is why we need the support of the developed, industrialised countries to bring in the technology at affordable cost so that we do not add towards global warming but at the same time we are not prejudiced in our developmental path. Also, we are blessed with many rivers that flow throughout the year. I am happy that as someone coming from Manicaland, I have seen a lot of effort towards the setting up of small hydro plants, which is moving very much in line with the thrust by scientists that we must go hydro because hydro produces very clean energy as compared to thermal energy.
In terms of another response which the world must do towards climate change other than mitigation, we must also adapt. We must develop resilience to the negative impact of climate change. When climate change then happens, how do our people survive under the negative impacts for example the extreme weather conditions? We are now aware that rains are erratic but when they come, the rains are very heavy. So, it means when it comes to construction, we must start building stronger houses. Mr. Speaker Sir, you know very well that when floods take place in rural areas, we have witnessed houses being swept away, it is because they were not built to withstand heavy rains. We must construct our houses with floods in mind, so that we build strong houses. Our engineers must be involved in the design.
We must also, as a country, research for short season varieties for agriculture because we no longer have the standard three months of rainfall. The rains are erratic, it rains for a few weeks and the rains disappear. So, through our research department in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, we should come up with species that can grow and bear fruit within the short space which is now available as a result of the climate change. We must also invest in irrigation infrastructure.
Mr. Speaker Sir, in conclusion, the signing was indeed a major success. It was our hope that after the conclusion of the agreement in Paris we were going to attend the signing ceremony was then held in New York. It was unfortunate because in Paris, we had been sponsored by UNDP and they could not fund the New York trip we, as Parliament, were then unable to send a delegation from Parliament for the signing ceremony. Parliament was then not represented. It is only the Executive which went to New York, which is a sad story that we seem not to attach a lot of value to the role of Parliament leaving us to depend on well wishers for us to participate in an important international fora. When things are tight, I want to suggest that the component of Parliament must still be accommodated by Treasury so that we do not have a situation where it would appear that this country can do without the Legislature. At the end of the day, whatever agreements that are signed by the President and the Executive they must still come through this House so that they are domesticated. Mr. Speaker, I am talking about lack of support by Treasury to the Legislature, otherwise I want to thank UNDP and other financiers who made it possible for us to go to Paris and become part of this momentous agreement where we strongly believe it sets out an agenda where Climate Change issues can be treated with more urgency. Thank you – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]
Hon. Zindi having stood up.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I want to add my voice to ….
*HON. ZINDI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker. I think you should consider gender balance.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MARUMAHOKO):
You may continue Hon. Nduna.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I stand here as the
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. It is very important that I add my voice because as a nation, we are importing 6 000 used vehicles from Asia, Japan in particular. Mr. Speaker Sir, 80% of carbon emission and carbon environmental ozone depleting substances come from carbon emissions, which come from automobiles. I make a clarion call that in the realm or in the programme of enforcement of the laws of this country that we also tutor the VID officers and the police, law enforcement agencies to the effect that the vehicles that are bellowing smoke like steam trains need to be outlawed from our roads Mr. Speaker Sir, thereby, protecting the ozone in particular Zimbabwe and globally in general.
I also want to say as there is compensation that comes to the developing nations because of the delinquencies caused by VW and Mitsubishi and other automobile entities or producers in the global community, Zimbabwe also needs to benefit in terms of compensation. We might not be the ones that are suing these multinationals because we do not have that capacity to sue them but we should also benefit from such compensation.
Those countries that are developed should not act like a bull in a China Shop. They should remember that Africa in particular as a continent plays a very big role in terms of numbers as a developing nation we are still archaic and historic and moribund of our development in particular as we utilise fossil energy such as coal and other antiquated ways of energising our communities. We are depleting the ozone layer hence a lot of resources should be given to the developing nations and
Zimbabwe in particular and Africa in general.
I want to speak to the electrification of NRZ. The Global
Community has moved away from the use of steam engines as a mode of transportation in terms of the rail systems. They have gone onto utilising the electron magnetic forces and the electrification of their trains. This is in order to enhance the issue of environmental protection. I want to add my voice in this way in that there should be less and less vandalism in terms of our electrification infrastructure when it comes to issues to do with NRZ. At some point, NRZ used to have tracts and tracts and kilometers of electrified network. Alas this is no longer the same and I also, in the same vein ask for the Executive to make sure that they open up NRZ for private players to come in, who are going to enhance efficiently and optimally the network in terms of electrification so that we move away from the fossil energy, thereby reducing in totality the ozone depleting substances that is coal.
Mr. Speaker Sir, as I conclude, I want to ask the Executive in particular the Ministry of Transport to expeditiously acquire the emission measuring units so that our vehicles are outlawed from the roads as long as they have emissions that are above and beyond the allowable emissions. That was we optimally protect our environment and thereby reducing our emissions that are dangerous to the environment. I thank you – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: In order to correct the gender imbalance I recognise Hon. Zindi. - [AN HON. MEMBER: Saka isu ve Committee hati debate saka ndakuenda zvangu ini.]- Order, Hon. Zindi, just a minute. Hon. Ladies, there is a lady who might have dropped a five dollar note in the Ladies it has been picked up by a Minister. If you find that you are missing a $5.00 note in your purse, you can call around and pick it.
HON. ZINDI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Thank you for having acknowledged my proposal for gender balance. I rise to also add my voice to the report submitted and moved by Hon. Mashange and supported by Hon. Saruwaka. I think the issue of climate change is a subject that should be taken very seriously. Why I am saying so is because it is something to do with the future generations well after us. I think the current generation should not be so selfish to the extent that we deny the future generations a well developed and conducive climate for all the possible developments that they should also undertake in order for that future to come. In my contribution, I would like to highlight the effects of Climate Change to Africa and in particular of course to Zimbabwe. I will also talk of remedies and the way forward which I think should be the way forward by the current generation of leadership of the world in as far as climate change is concerned.
In terms of the effects of climate change, I want to say climate change is very real and we need to acknowledge that. For example, Zimbabwe in particular, we experienced snowing. We received snow in lower Gweru and to many of us, that is a new phenomenon and that phenomenon we do not understand to what extent it is going to have on our environment because this is a new phenomenon. Due to lack of resources we never undertook or assigned some scientist in order to study that effect and what caused that. Of course, generally we understand that this was due to climate change. Further, we also experienced a heat wave which is equally a new phenomenon to us as Africa and particularly here in Zimbabwe. The heat wave affected the whole of Africa as a continent and such a heat wave has got untold effects. For example, we saw rivers drying up, we saw livestock and people dying because of the drought which is the resultant effect of that heat wave. Mr. Speaker, that heat wave of the last season possibly has also contributed to the cold period that we are going through – we do not know. But, the cold period that we are going through this winter is equally something which is a new phenomenon and we all bunch this together as effects of climate change.
Therefore, with all what I have highlighted, they have got an effect on our crop production. In terms of crop production, if we do not have enough water for irrigation, then it means that the resultant effect is hunger and hunger leads to conflicts. A hungry man is an angry man.
What impact can that contribute to Zimbabwe? Currently, we know that Zimbabwe is under or going through a very difficult economic situation and we always say, if we have good rains, at least when people have food to put on the table, that is from good harvest; then money will be something else to supplement their food but at least the basic, which is the food is what we all say every family should be able to afford.
Now, we have the crisis of money, we have food shortages and all that combined lead to hunger and hunger leads to conflicts and civil unrest. We are saying the issue of climate change should be taken seriously, particularly when we are focusing on the remedies. Yes, the developed countries have or in one way or the other, said that we should stop developing all whatever contributes to the climate change as Africa. But, I tend to disagree with that approach because all the developed countries have contributed to the current climate change that we are talking or reeling under. Therefore, for them to then start dictating to us in terms of our development, I feel that it is very unfair. If they would like to dictate to us at the pace or how we should develop using our natural resources, for example coal, we have abundance of coal which we should exploit to our advantage. Now, if we are told not to utilise that coal simply because of its contribution to climate change; then the developed world should contribute in the form of alternative or renewable source of energy to Africa and of course, Zimbabwe should benefit in terms of that.
Mr. Speaker, for example in terms of remedies, I think that our system as a Government should consider the issue of harnessing water seriously. Whatever resources that we have at our disposal, we should get the largest chunk of it and sacrifice all other things at the expense of developing irrigation systems in terms of also harnessing and also the issue of dam desiltation which I think should be the focus by the Government. At least to allow every family to be able to irrigate and have food on their tables because of this issue of climate change, I see that it is very real and we need to start to take measures in order to mitigate against the effects of climate change. Therefore, the issue of water is very important.
The drip irrigation is the other way to go. Most of our farmers should actually have the drip irrigation and the Government can assist farmers through having to reduce or subsidise the drip irrigation installation on all farms and all the equipment that comes with drip irrigation. That is my contribution in terms of remedies or in terms of mitigating against the effects of climate change. Mr. Speaker, the developed countries as I said earlier on have contributed to the climate change that we are talking about. Therefore, they should be pressed upon in terms of having to contribute the largest chunk in order for Africa to actually keep pace with development other than being told not to develop because their development is contributing to effects of climate change. Again, us as Parliamentarians, we need to impress upon the Executive whether through motions, through the Portfolio
Committee as we are pressed upon through the sections according to the report here that Sections 117, 118 and 327 of the Constitution gives legislators the power to ensure that all what we envisage as a way to alleviate climate change is pressed upon legislators to ensure that, that is effected. That is how I should make a recommendation in my conclusion. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, there is a vehicle
registration number EDI 975, a jaguar which is blocking other vehicles. Can the owner please attend to that?
HON. MASHANGE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. In view of the fact that most of our recommendations were taken on board by the
Ministry, I now move that the report be adopted by this House.
Motion put that;
This House takes note of the report of the delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris, France from 29th
November, to 12th December, 2015.
Motion put and adopted.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
STATE OF CO-OPERATIVES IN ZIMBABWE
THE MINISTER SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
AND CO-OPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT (HON. NYONI): Thank
you Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish to make a Ministerial Statement on the state of co-operatives in Zimbabwe. Co-operatives in Zimbabwe fall under seven categories and these are: the housing co-operatives, fishing, manufacturing, agriculture, services which includes transport and catering, savings and credit co-operatives and mining cooperatives.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I will begin with the housing co-operatives. The first housing co-operative, Kugarika Kushinga was launched in 1989. The housing cooperatives are the largest sector contributing 83% of registered cooperatives in the country. Between 2010 and 2015, the housing cooperatives built 99 840 houses for themselves; 46 267 of which are at various stages of completion.
The following cooperatives have received their title deeds in
Harare alone: Mupedzanhamo in Glen Norah with 800 members, Three
Stars in GlenView with 40 members, Kambuzuma in Kambuzuma with
101 members, Mufakose in Budiriro 1 with 70 members, Sunshine in Crowborough with 71 members, Rutendo in Budiriro with 43 members and New Generation in Dzivarasekwa with 15 members.
Zimbabwe is being ranked as number 1 in housing cooperative development in the whole of Africa with over 4 000 registered housing cooperatives whose membership is over half a million nationwide. This is according to the International Cooperative Alliance Report of 2015. Malawi, South Africa and Uganda have visited Zimbabwe to learn from our experience.
2. Fishing Cooperatives
There are 127 Fishing Cooperatives.
Province | Cooperatives in the transport sector |
Mashonaland West | 62 |
Matabeleland North | 26 |
Masvingo | 4 |
Matabeleland South | 5 |
Manicaland | 5 |
Midlands | 5 |
Total | 127 |
Their contribution into the food basked is as follows:
Estimates of catches of Fishing Cooperatives under National
Parks and Wildlife per month
Area | No. of Cooperatives | Approximate catches per cooperative |
Chivero | 24 (bream) | 600 kgs |
Darwendale | 20 (bream) | 90 kgs |
Kariba | 14 (kapenta) | 2,475 tonnes |
4 (bream) | 4,500 tonnes | |
Binga | 26 (bream 7 tiger) | 1,800 tonnes |
Manufacturer Success Stories
The cooperatives have not been very much affected by the economic environment as prospective clients shy away from formal shops in town where prices are relatively higher than those charged by cooperatives.
Table below shows estimates of income of cooperatives at Siya
So Mbare January – December 2013
Name | Jan-Dec 2015 US$ |
Welders – Metal Fabrication | 196 560 |
Chieziya – Welding and Furniture Making | |
Tin Smith – Metal Containers | 140 400 |
Gumtree – Carpentry and Welding | 234 000 |
Roadside – Three legged post, buckles and coffin handles | 458 000 |
Carpenters – beds, wardrobes, kitchen units and dressing tables | 196 000 |
Simukai Tailoring – uniforms and worksuits | 63 040 |
Tisunungureiwo – plastic recycling for buckets and cups | 321 000 |
Kuzvitonga Leather Works – shoes and belts | 193 440 |
Best Multi-purpose – grinding mills and schools furniture | 369 400 |
GROSS TOTALS | 2 384 000 |
3. Arts and Craft Cooperative
There are 57 arts and craft cooperatives registered since 2009. They are involved in stone and wood carving patterns baskets and tie and dye. They are spread country wide as follows:-
Province | No. of registered Arts and Craft Cooperatives |
Harare | 10 |
Mashonaland West | 8 |
Matabeleland North | 2 |
Matabeleland South | 2 |
Bulawayo | 2 |
Mashonaland Central | 5 |
Mashonaland East | 2 |
Midlands | 10 |
Manicaland | 16 |
Total | 57 |
- Transport Cooperatives
Background
The Ministry has registered 19 transport cooperatives in
Mashonaland West, Bulawayo, Harare and Manicaland as shown below:
Province | No. of registered Arts and Craft Cooperatives |
Bulawayo | 7 |
Harare | 5 |
Manicaland | 6 |
Mashonaland West | 1 |
Total | 19 |
Transport cooperatives run taxis, buses, trucks and combies.
Success stories
- Transport Cooperatives especially Rixi Taxis run a fleet of 20 taxis.
- Tinzweiwo Buses and Liza Trans are cooperating Harare-
Gaborone and Francistown routes in Botswana.
- Tshova Mubaiwa Transport Cooperative is doing well in
Bulawayo.
5. Agricultural Cooperatives
There are 194 registered agricultural cooperatives since 2009 and these are spread across the country as shown in the table below:
Province | Registered Cooperatives in the agricultural sector |
Harare | 05 |
Masvingo | 15 |
Mashonaland West | 08 |
Matabeleland North | 05 |
Matabeleland South | 29 |
Bulawayo | 12 |
Mashonaland Central | 21 |
Mashonaland East | 34 |
Midlands | 31 |
Manicaland | 34 |
Total | 194 |
They are in piggery, cattle ranching and fattening, tobacco farming, goats and chicken raring, marketing and supply of agricultural produce. Let me give you another example of how much the Hurungwe Cooperative Union has delivered to the GMB. Their largest contribution was in 2013 and they were my pride. Their total alone was over 500,000 tonnes.
The Hurungwe Co-operative Union Maize Deliveries to the GMB
Depots.
Name of depot | Tonnage (tonnes | ||
2013 | 2014 | 2015 | |
Karoi | 174,106 | 67,498 | 15,765 |
Mkwichi | 66,968 | 4,442 | - |
Vuti | 105,109 | 10,882 | 30,675 |
Lions Den | 51,006 | - | - |
Magunje | 124,081 | 6,851 | 53,525 |
Collection Point | 10,657 | - | - |
Mudzimu | 2,224 | - | 27,085 |
Mhangura | 618 | - | - |
Total | 534,791 | 89,673 | 127,050 |
In the early 1980s, Government constructed 360 warehouses. 70 of them have been registered under the Central Association of
Agricultural Co-operatives (CACU) to give loans to its members. These warehouses are being used by co-operatives to store their wares.
Savings and Credit Co-operatives (SACCOs)
Since 2009, two hundred and fifty-four Savings and Credit Cooperatives have been registered as follows:
Province | No of Registered SACCOs |
Harare | 65 |
Mashonaland West | 5 |
Matabeleland North | 66 |
Matabeleland South | 14 |
Bulawayo | 8 |
Mashonaland Central | 14 |
Mashonaland East | 20 |
Midlands | 42 |
Manicaland | 20 |
Total | 254 |
The Ministry is encouraging every SME cluster and co-operative to form SACCOs to on-lend to their members. For instance, CACO has mobilized and bought agricultural inputs worth US$348,798 for its members.
Mining
There are 92 mining cooperatives, mainly in gold and chrome mining in five provinces.
Province | No of Registered Mining Cooperatives |
Mashonaland West | 20 |
Matabeleland South | 5 |
Mashonaland Central | 5 |
Manicaland | 20 |
Midlands | 42 |
Total | 92 |
Mining co-operatives have made a major contribution to the country’s gold and chrome production.
In conclusion, the world over, co-operatives have been found to be an economic model for the future. It strengthens principles and value based work ethics. To strengthen co-operatives, the Ministry offers preregistration and post registration training and support. Once a year, in July, Zimbabwe co-operatives observe International Co-operative Day to which co-operatives come from all over the country to showcase their work and achievements. This year this event will be held on 23rd July,
2016 at the Harare Agricultural Showground. The Hon. Vice President E.D Mnangagwa, will be the guest of honour. Hon. Members, you are all invited to attend this very important occasion. I thank you.
HON. NDUNA: I want to start by applauding the Minister for a statement well done. I think it is the first of its kind, to get to hear a Minister trying to make sure that we follow how funds have been utilized in the informal sector. She is trying to broaden the base in order to enhance revenue collection in terms of tax collection.
I now want to touch on the tail end of her statement. She touched on the 20 mining co-operatives in Mashonaland West and I want to say that 10 of those mining co-operatives are in my constituency namely;
Chegutu Gold, Kubatana, Danangwe, Gidi-7, Mutangi-ndimi, Pickstone Mine, Blue rock, Inezi Mine and Three Chairs Co-operative. Between them they have contributed more than 40% to the fiscus as she has alluded to. My clarification request is that the Ministry of Small to
Medium Enterprises harmonise their operations with the Ministry of Mines. This should be with a view to make sure that there is also a mining reform so that the co-operatives that she alludes to can optimally conduct their business without fear of law enforcement agencies, as they are operating without the said mining certificates, even if they have cooperative mining certificates from the SMEs sector. Can there not be a mining reform that skewers the mining co-operatives towards getting their licences only once from the SMEs department, so that they do not need to be licenced again by the Ministry of Mines?
HON. NYONI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. This is a very pertinent question. My Ministry registers co-operatives in the sector and activity of their choice. After that, we make sure that they go to the relevant authorities or Ministries because we cannot do everything. The Minister of Mines administers the Act under which anybody who does mining no matter who you are, large or small have to comply with. So we encourage any cooperatives that register with us to go back to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and if they are in agriculture, they should go back to the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development so that they are given the rightful papers. I think what we need to do, taking your point Hon.
Member is that we need to accompany them as a Ministry of SMEs.
We need to accompany and educate them so that they get those papers easier than if they are on their own. You also need to be aware that in the ease of doing business, SMEs are lobbying for all these stringent regulations that keep them from operating freely. I think this will be one of them that we need to deal with as a Ministry so that we push the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to make it easier for the SMEs to get licences for their mining activities. Thank you for the pertinent question.
+HON. B. TSHUMA: Thank you very much. I have heard of a lot of fishing cooperatives in the area of Binga. When I had a chance to be there, there was a complaint on the ownership of the cooperatives. People in Binga are complaining that as a local resource, people who own these fishing cooperatives are people from other regions. May I know what you are doing as a Ministry so that locals can participate in this fishing industry? That is the first thing on cooperatives.
Secondly, you talked of cooperatives in Matabeleland North. I come from there. Can you help me on the breakdown of information on the activities on the ground there? I have never seen them and I need that information. Can you help me? Again on the housing cooperatives here in Harare, there are big locations where there are indications that there was a housing cooperative which is here, but there is nothing in
Matabeleland North. I thank you.
+HON. NYONI: I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank the Hon. Member with the question. On ownership of cooperatives, when a person comes to register a cooperative, we do not ask where he hails from. The person simply comes, whether they are 100 and would like to register a cooperative on fishing. We have no right not to register such a person because he does not come from the area. I am sorry Hon. Member that is not our work.
If the Hon. Member loves that his people be involved in cooperatives of fishing, he is free to gather them and register them. They can also join others so that they can work together. We have no right to ask someone where he comes from. As for the savings and credits which come from Matabeleland North, I request the Hon. Member to put that in writing so that I can research and give proper feedback. I cannot have the information at my fingertips on me right now.
Even with the housing cooperatives, my Ministry does not make up these cooperatives, but people make up their own cooperatives. My Ministry simply registers those who would have approached us. When others are registering their cooperatives about 4,000 of them, what makes you not make your people register their cooperatives? If they approach us, we will register them. We do not form cooperatives but we simply register them. I thank you.
HON. P. D. SIBANDA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. Hon. Minister, you have indicated that people have got to gather on their own. Unfortunately if I speak in Tonga you will not hear. So I have to speak in English. You are on record Hon. Minister going into provinces including Matabeleland North Province where Binga is situated. You went there to do workshops for specifically ZANU PF members to form cooperatives – [AN HON. MEMEBR: Ah!]- Do not say ah, nyarara mhani iwewe.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Address the Speaker.
HON. P. D. SIBANDA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. You are on record and I can give you the date and time when you were in Lupane gathering ZANU PF members and telling them to form cooperatives. I appreciate that from those ZANU PF members that were in Lupane, there were two or three people that came from Binga. Why can you not do the same as an Hon. Minister of Government to communities in specific areas, without selecting those that come from your political party?
HON. NYONI: Thank you Hon. Member. The Hon. Member is correct that I was in Lupane invited by the ZANU PF youth and ZANU PF women. I give an outstanding workshop for them, not only to form cooperatives but also to enter into businesses. I want to emphasise that I was invited. Hon. Member go back to your constituency and invite me and I will be there – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
HON. P.D. SIBANDA: Hon. Speaker, I just want to express my gratitude to the Hon. Minister...
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: But I have not recognised you yet. Can you sit down – now you can stand up – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] – Order in the House.
HON. P. D. SIBANDA: Hon. Speaker I think my first reason of standing up is to appreciate the Hon. Minister for her genuine response. I do not need necessarily to be told to go back because I am already back and that is where I am. What I wanted to say to the Hon. Minister is that as Hon. Minister of Government, is it not possible for her to realise that in that particular area, we have resources. She has said that she is not responsible for putting the cooperatives that are there which come from Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and so on, that are fishing in Binga. Does she not feel like she has got an obligation to get down to the ground and say as a matter of trying to empower the people of that area, can you come together. I assist you as a Minister who is responsible for the formation and running of cooperatives and small and medium enterprises.
Hon. Speaker, before I sit down, let me acknowledge my brother Hon. Mupfumi. I am informed that he got a doctorate in philanthropy from some unrecognised college called IP or something of that sort. Dr.
Mupfumi, I acknowledge you. Thank you Hon. Speaker.
THE MINISTER OF SMALL AND MEDIUM
ENTERPRISES AND COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT (HON.
NYONI): Mr. Speaker Sir, let me reiterate to the Hon. Member that he is passing the buck. It is your responsibility Hon. Member as a representative of the people to go down to your constituency and educate your people on what Government offers. Once that happens, I have said to you I will be ready to come where I am called. Secondly, Binga is one of two districts in Matabeleland North that has an office of the SMEs. My officers are in Binga, so let the Hon. Member be educated from now on that you can go to my office. It is a Government office and the officers can assist you with tactics of organizing people to enter into cooperatives or be involved in SME activities. I thank you.
HON. J. TSHUMA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir.
Perhaps before I go on to air my views to the Minister, may I categorically correct this issue and say genuinely I want to congratulate our Hon. Member, Dr. Esau Mupfumi for being accorded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Philanthropy. It shows that our Members are doing good to the community and that is what we need for every Member to work well and be recognised like what he has done.
+ I am happy with the report submitted by the Hon. Minister on SMEs. It is good that we have a Minister who wants the people to develop. We appreciate the great work, please continue. I would like to inform the Minister that there are anomalies where people who are coming up are impeded by high prices on licencing. I will give you an example of those who are in the mining industry. When you want to go into a special grant, they want $5 000. These people are starting, so where do they get this amount.
I would like to request that when you are discussing with other Ministries, if they cannot reduce the price, may people be allowed to work and pay in installments because these people are just developing. If it is a once off payment, the people cannot develop. This is why people end up doing unlawful things. If people discover there is gold, they cannot access it because there is an impediment of a licence fee. In a one stop shop, can you allow people to pay in installments when they are starting up to finishing off. I thank you.
HON. NYONI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. The question is pertinent and the suggestion is positive. People who are developing should be helped on licencing fees so that they cannot be impeded by the issue. However, I advise you to direct the question to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. Having said that Hon. Member, at present we are talking of the issue of ease of doing business. After that all these things would have been clarified. I will help push some of the things so that those who want to go into mining or other areas in SMEs should not be charged high fees to access those areas. I thank you.
On the motion of HON. RUNGANI seconded by HON.
MUKWANGWARIVA, the House adjourned at Twenty-One Minutes
past Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 26th July, 2016.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 21st July, 2016
The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER
COALITION FOR PARLIAMENTARIANS AGAINST
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have to inform the House
that Hon. Members are invited to join a Coalition for Parliamentarians Against Trafficking In Persons (PATIP) in order to promote and enhance participation of all Members of Parliament in the fight against human trafficking. The contact person is Mr. Sheppard Manhivi in office number 509, Fifth Floor, Pax House – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Hon. Members behind there, did you hear what I said? We have to respect the House please.
INVITATION TO A COCKTAIL AT RAINBOW TOWERS
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I also have to inform the
House that the General Manager for Rainbow Towers is inviting all Hon. Members from outside Harare to a cocktail on Wednesday, 27th July 2016, starting at 1830 hours at the Rainbow Towers Hotel.
LIAISON AND COORDINATION COMMITTEE RETREAT
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have to remind Hon.
Chairpersons of Portfolio Committees, Chief Whips, Leader of
Government Business, Leader of the Opposition and members of the
Chairperson’s Panel that buses ferrying members to the Liaison and Coordination Committee Retreat in Bulawayo will leave Parliament Building at 0900 hours tomorrow morning.
*HON. MATANGIRA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.
My point of order is on the Opening Prayer. My request is that – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. We
want to hear what the Hon. Member is saying.
*HON. MATANGIRA: Thank you Madam Speaker. We have
been listening to this Prayer being said from the time we got into Parliament and we realised that the chaos and confusion that happens here in Parliament here in terms of representing the people comes from the fact that the prayer is in English not in vernacular. Hence, we do not understand the prayer not translate the values of Member of Parliament.
My request is, the prayer be made in vernacular, firstly, in Ndebele, Shona and Tonga. I say so because people do not understand the meaning of the prayer and what it says. The prayer is setting the tone for deliberations in this House. I thank you – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] –
*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Can we have order in the House. Hon. Member, I have heard your request. For us to pray five times for the same thing, I do not think it is proper but we pray using a language that everyone understands in this House. Parliament mostly conducts its procedures in English. We do not use all the languages, mainly English, Ndebele and Shona. If you want this practice to change, you can raise a motion in the House on the issue. I thank you.
CONSIDERATION STAGE
PAN-AFRICAN MINERALS UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY BILL [H.B. 10A, 2015]
First Order read: Consideration: Pan-African Minerals University of Science and Technology Bill.
Amendments to Clauses 2, 11, 12, 13, 16, 22, 23 and 28 put and agreed to.
Bill, as amended, adopted.
Third Reading: With Leave, forthwith.
THIRD READING
PAN-AFRICAN MINERALS UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY BILL [H.B. 10A, 2015]
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HIGHER AND TERTIAARY
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (HON. DR. GANDAWA): Madam Speaker, I now move that the Bill
be read the third time.
Motion put and agreed to.
Bill read the third time.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. RUNGANI: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 2 and 3 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. D. SIBNDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the
Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. RUNGANI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. MUKWANGWARIWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 26th July, 2016.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE
CONFERENCE
HON. MASHANGE: Madam Speaker, I move the motion
standing in my name that: this House takes note of the Report of the Delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in
Paris, France from 29th November, to 12th December, 2015.
HON. SARUWAKA: I second.
HON. MASHANGE:
1.0 Introduction
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Water, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Wonder Mashange led a delegation that travelled to Paris, France, to attend the Paris United
Nations Climate Change Conference. The landmark 21st Session of the
Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (herein after COP21) ran from the 30th of November 2015 to the 12th of December 2015. Other members of the delegation were;-
- L. Zemura, Member of Parliament;
- T. Saruwaka, Member of Parliament;
- Senator Chief F. Charumbira; Member of Parliament
- G. Kwaramba, Member of Parliament
- B. Mpofu, Member of Parliament
- N. Samu, Parliament Programme Coordinator 7. Mr. J. Gandiwa, Assistant Clerk of Parliament and
- Mr. J. Mazani, Committee Clerk.
2.0 Brief Background and Constitutional Justification of attending the Paris United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Mr. Speaker Sir, our attendance of COP 21 was principally motivated by the need to enhance the oversight role of Parliament as envisioned in section 327 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which provides that
“An international treaty which has been concluded or executed by the President or under the President’s authority-
- Does not bind Zimbabwe until it has been approved by Parliament;
and
- Does nor form part of the law of Zimbabwe unless it has been incorporated into the law through an Act of Parliament”
Standing Order 20(e) of the National Assembly, which enjoys constitutional recognition by virtue of Section 139 of the supreme law, makes it clear in peremptory terms that a Portfolio Committee must “consider or deal with all international treaties, conventions, and agreements relevant to it, which are from time to time negotiated, entered into or agreed upon…”
Mr. Speaker Sir, our attendance of the Paris Climate Change Conference was further actuated by the need to enhance the competence of Committee Members in understanding the technical and policy imperatives relating to multilateral environmental negotiations and agreements. This is instructive in view of the fact that Zimbabwe is a
State Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which has 195 State Parties, making it the largest membership based agreement of the United Nations. The other objective was for the
Committee to understand the geo-politics …..
THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. I
know you whisper to each other but I think you can lower your voices so that we hear what the Hon. Member is debating.
If you cannot lower your voice, it is better to go to the lobby or somewhere else. May you continue?
HON. MASHANGE: Thank you Madam Speaker maam. The
other objective was for the Committee to understand the geo-politics and geo-dynamics of climate change negotiations and how legislative activism and interventions can be deployed to help address the challenges posed by climate change.
Mr. Speaker Sir, climate change is one of the world’s most topical issues that is central to contemporary debate on socio-economic development and international relations. Thus, our participation as MP’s was further meant to sharpen our skills in understanding strategic issues relating to climate change. Such competencies will come in handy when Zimbabwe in general and Parliament in particular considers the approval for the ratification and implementation of the Paris Agreement as well as the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol.
2.1 Methodology and Operational Strategy
Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish to point out that all the delegates from
Parliament were registered by the National Focal Point as State Parties. This enabled us to have unrestricted access to all meetings and events, particularly to the meetings of COP21 that were being convened under the Conference of the Meetings of Parties (CMP), Meetings of the
Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), meetings of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP). Thus, for logistical arrangements and greater coverage of the concurrent meetings, we had to split ourselves into various teams. In order to enhance the objective acquisition and mobilisation of relevant facts and information, the delegation was briefed by the then Head of Negotiating Team for Zimbabwe, Mr. Washington Zhakata who himself is a seasoned negotiator and climatologist.
3.0 Key Outcomes of the Paris United Nations Climate
Change Conference
Mr. Speaker Sir, I am pleased to highlight that COP 21 delivered a historic Paris Climate Change Agreement that will ultimately supersede and replace the Kyoto Protocol that was concluded in 1997. In a summative form, it is important to note that since the conclusion of the
Kyoto Protocol, controversies arose over certain points of the Protocol. State Parties continued to negotiate on the areas of disagreement in subsequent years up to the adoption of the Paris Agreement. The landmark Paris Agreement has far reaching repercussions on the development trajectory of this country as well as that of other nations. The Paris Agreement, if fully implemented in its letter and spirit, will put the world firmly on track to a low-carbon neutral and sustainable future that will keep global temperature rise under 2 degrees Celsius. This will avert the most catastrophic impacts arising from the ruinous effects of climate change.
In its preamble, the Agreement identifies climate change as “an urgent and potentially irreversible threat to human societies and the planet”. This is principally because climate change has calamitous impacts on the human and other life forms as well as global environmental and climatic systems. As you may be aware, climate change is associated with extreme weather events such as unprecedented and unpredictable droughts and flood cycles. The increasing periodicity of droughts in this country show clearly how disruptive climate change can be to drivers of socio-economic development. Agriculture, which is the spinal cord of our economy, is fundamentally rain-fed and any negative deviation in rainfall patterns is likely to impugn efforts by the State to rejuvenate the economy through agriculture. In view of the foregoing, I now move to how the negotiating process was conducted up to the time a Paris Agreement was adopted.
4.0 Negotiating Framework: Setting the Tone for the
Negotiations.
Mr. Speaker Sir, for purposes of providing leadership and policy guidance to the Conference as well as the negotiating framework and context, the Paris United Nations Climate Change Conference was attended by more than 150 Heads of State and Government. This made it the largest gathering of Heads of State and Government at one place in the history of mankind. Close to 40000 delegates from both State and Non-State Parties to the Convention attended the conference.
His Excellency the President, Cde R. G. Mugabe, addressed the gathering on the 30th of November 2015. In his address, he emphasised the need for the provision of funding for adaptation for developing countries. President Mugabe castigated developed nations for shifting the burden for climate change mitigation to developing countries. The Africa Group and the Group of 77 plus China were totally against this shift in position owing to its propensity to stagnate economic development in developing countries. His Excellency the President, Cde R.G. Mugabe, called upon developed countries to honour their obligations of financing adaptation in developing countries as outlined in the United Nations Climate Change Convention which recognised as fundamental the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. In definitive terms, the principle states that developed nations, which historically have quantitatively contributed more to global warming, must bear a far larger share of the collective repair bill. The President further impressed upon the developed countries to accelerate their emission reduction activities in order to save this planet from the catastrophe caused by climate change.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MARUMAHOKO):
Order, order, order Hon. Members. Why do you not respect this Hon.
House Hon. Members. The Speaker has already said that if you want to chat with your friend, you can go to the lobby not in this Chamber. This Chamber is for debate and people want to hear the debates that are going on in this Chamber. If you need to chat as friends, please leave this Chamber and go to the lobby. You may proceed Hon. Mashange.
HON. MASHANGE: His Excellency, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt, who was representing the Committee of Heads of States on Climate Change for Africa, emphatically stated that the new agreement should not harm African countries’ efforts to eradicate poverty and their right to develop. His Excellency, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa called for a legally-binding agreement based on equity and differentiation that will enable ambitious action through the provision of Means of implementation (MOI). His Excellency President Barack Obama of the United States of America recognised the historical role of his country in contributing to climate change, stating that the
United States embraces its responsibility “to do something about it.” He called for the agreement to, inter alia, create a durable framework as well as pave the way for progressive ambitious targets and ensure support for countries in need.
President Xi Jinping of China stressed that the Paris Agreement should follow the principles and focus on the full implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, create institutional arrangements that compel concerted efforts, respect differences in countries’ economic structures and capacities and not deny the legitimate needs of developing countries to improve living standards and develop economically. President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation highlighted that it was possible to marry economic development with sustainable environmental management, saying Russia stands ready to exchange energy efficiency solutions. He called for the new climate agreement to build on the principles of the founding Convention and be legally-binding with the active participation of developing countries.
The United Nations Secretary General, His Excellency Dr. Ban ki Moon called for an ambitious agreement, inclusion of loss and damage, and transparency in implementation and monitoring of compliance. Mr. Speaker Sir, from the addresses by various other Heads of State and Government, the delegation noted that the common denominator in all the speeches was the fact that leaders were in full support of a binding agreement that will usher a paradigm shift in approaches to the dangers posed by climate change to human civilisation.
5.0 The Negotiating Process.
The Committee leant that Zimbabwe, in-order to leverage on regional and continental solidarity, was negotiating under the auspices of the Africa Group as well as the Group of 77 plus China. During negotiations, it emerged that the following were the sticking issues and areas of acrimonious divergence.
5.11 Differentiation
- The developed countries, led by the United States and the European Union preferred to have an Agreement which was wholly applicable to ‘all Parties’ of the Convention, whether developed or developing, in respect of mitigation, adaptation and provision of financial resources. The net effect of this would have been to dilute differentiation as prescribed by the United Nations Climate Change Framework Convention on Climate Change which recognised historical liability and the “principle of common but differentiated responsibilities”. Transitional economy countries including Zimbabwe and other non-Least Developed Countries were being omitted in the Draft Agreement and yet they are specified in the founding Convention as vulnerable. The draft text referred to Africa, Less Developed
Countries (LDC’s) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as highly vulnerable. However, Latin America would not accept an Agreement that excluded their region in terms of vulnerability. This created dissension between and amongst the developing countries. This was compounded by the fact that other developing countries were getting preferential treatment by the developed nations.
- Speaker Sir, it was disheartening to note that the developed countries created a ‘divide, rule and confuse’ approach. The delegation noted that this strategy was partially successful as witnessed by the consistent refusal by the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to move from their position advocating for 1.5 degree Celsius cap against the wishes of other developing nations which were advocating for a cap of 2 degrees Celsius. US$250 million was pledged to these nations to finance climate change adaptation. Nevertheless, G77 plus China remained resolute and unwavering owing to the brilliant diplomatic prowess exhibited by South Africa which was chairing the G77 plus China geopolitical group.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish to categorically state that South Africa, as Chair of the G77 and China, faced a lot of pressure from the leading developed countries. The South African Presidency was said to have been called several times by many Western leaders to try to sway South
Africa from the principled G77 and China positions on the Draft Agreement. The delegation applauds and salutes the leadership commitment displayed by South Africa.
5.2 Financing
Mr. Speaker Sir, your delegation was rattled by the consistent refusal by the developed countries, which bear a large historical responsibility for climate change, to commit themselves to unequivocally funding climate change mitigation and adaptation. In one of the Draft Agreement Texts on Financing, the European Union, New Zealand and the United States proposed climate change financing must be done only by those countries in “a position to do so…” Negotiators from the developed world also coined the use of the phrase developed countries “willing to do so” must provide providing support to developing country parties. This infuriated developing countries who wanted a firm commitment on climate change financing in respect of mitigation and adaptation.
5.2.1 Analysis of the Commitment by the Developed Countries to Providing Climate Change Finance.
Mr. Speaker Sir, G77 and China were not amused by the conduct of the developed countries and strenuous efforts were made to reject such machinations. Under financing, developing countries argued that developed countries must provide quantifiable resources for promoting the migration to climate neutral and clean energy pursuant to the need to limit the emission of greenhouse gases. The delegation perceives as unfortunate that the resultant document does not reflect the position of the developing countries and less developing countries in respect of climate change financing. As it stands, financing will be voluntary and most disturbing; all countries will be required to put something on the table to qualify for assistance for their Intended National Determined Contributions (INDCs). As usual, this may not be transparent and preconditions may be imposed and these can be prejudicial to countries like Zimbabwe that have been under a barrage of incessant sanctions by the Western Countries.
5.3 Ambition
- Ambition refers to targets in respect of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions, particularly Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Methane (NH4). The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) were pushing for the 1.5 degree Celsius target as opposed to more than 2 degrees Celsius target suggested by the oil producing states who fear real economic losses due to decreased demand of petroleum products if more renewable forms of energy are introduced drastically to meet demands of the SIDS. Ultimately, a target of not more than 2 degrees Celsius was agreed upon. This is a victory for developing countries whose carbon emissions are functionally correlated to the use of antiquated technologies. Thus, Effective mechanisms and significant resources to eliminate obstacles to technology transfer and development at affordable cost are needed for developing country parties. Energy efficient technologies are also required to reduce carbon emissions.
6.0 Overall Assessment of the Agreement
Mr. Speaker Sir, your delegation is of the view that the Paris Agreement is an ambitious and balanced agreement that would mark a turning point in the fight against climate change. The wheels of addressing climate change were turning slowly since the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. However, the delegation was pleased to note that in Paris, the wheels rotated. Six years after the previous Climate Summit in Copenhagen ended in monumental failure and unmitigated acrimony, the Paris Agreement appeared to have built much of the momentum required for concerted efforts to combat climate change. The Paris document is indeed a compromise accord that coalesced complex divergent positions into one acceptable outcome. It is a good starting point. Now that the document is in place, one may ask, what is our role as legislators in this complex governance matrix? Mr. Speaker Sir, the responses and answers to this question will occupy the rest of this
Report. Our work has just begun.
7.0 Legislative Intervention and Activism
Mr. Speaker Sir, it is of paramount importance to note that legislators from 80 National Parliaments and 20 Regional Parliaments attended the Parliamentarians Meeting on the Occasion of the Paris
United Nations Climate Change Conference. The legislators adopted an Outcome Document that reaffirms legislative concern over the consequences of Climate Change and the determination by legislators to formulate national laws that will address the scourge. It is instructive to point out that legislators share part of the responsibility for the effective implementation of climate change policies as well as developing, adopting and modifying legislation that deals with climate change. They also pass national budgets necessary for climate change mitigation as well as approving international agreements. In this regard, and in-order to show leadership commitment to the process, the delegation recommends that;-
National Assembly Environment Committee Recommendation
Number 1/2016
“…the Executive must urgently bring before Parliament the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol for approval before the end of July 2016.
This recommendation is consequent upon the realisation that between now and 2020 when the Paris Agreement is expected to be operationalised, the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol will be a bridging instrument meant to ensure there is no lacunae in the implementation of climate change emission reduction targets as well as other allied obligations. The Doha Climate Gateway, an outcome snatched at the last minute on the last evening of the 2012 Climate Conference, led to the adoption of the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol that records the Second Commitment Period in it. This commenced on 1 January 2013 and will end on 31 December 2020. The Committee leant at COP 21 that 56 State Parties had ratified the Doha Amendment and Zimbabwe as a State Party must join the family of nations that have ratified this Initiative. In this respect, Mr. Speaker Sir, your Committee will invite the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate to appear before it so that the Ministry gives us its position on how Zimbabwe will proceed on this matter.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the delegation further recommends that;-
National Assembly Environment Committee Recommendation
Number 2/2016
“…the Executive must urgently sign the Paris Agreement once it is open for signature on 22 April 2016 as well as secure its approval by
Parliament before the end of October 2016.
The delegation wishes to report to this august House that the Paris United Nations Climate Conference requested the Secretary-General of the United Nations to be the Depositary of the Paris Agreement and to have it open for signature in New York, United States of America, from 22 April 2016 to 21 April 2017. In pursuance and fulfillment of this mandate, the Secretary-General of the United Nations convened a highlevel signature ceremony for the Agreement on 22 April 2016 at the
United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States of America.
It is also pertinent to note that pursuant to Article 21 of the Paris Agreement, the Agreement shall enter into force on the thirtieth day after the date on which at least 55 Parties to the Convention accounting in total for at least an estimated 55 percent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions have deposited their instruments for ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. There is, therefore, need for us to show progressive leadership by being part of the pioneer group to sign the agreement. This is a duty we owe to posterity. Mr. Speaker Sir, it must be noted that there are many benefits which come with signing
both the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol as well as the Paris Agreement. If the country ratifies the Agreements, It stands to benefit from the resources and opportunities made available under the Agreement. The Doha Amendment has opportunities to enable the country to access financial resources from carbon trading under the Clean Development Mechanism.
8.0 Observations by the Delegation: Funding of attending COP Meetings and the Provision of Policy Leadership during
Negotiations.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the delegation was extremely disturbed that for two consecutive years, our Ministers of Environment have not been attending the High Level Segment component of the Conference of Parties meetings. This creates a gap in the provision of policy direction to our negotiators. In one of the consultation meetings at COP 21, some
Ministers almost walked out of a consultation meeting after a Permanent Secretary had taken the floor on behalf of his Minister who was not available. This created an unnecessary embarrassment to the bureaucrat.
In this regard, and taking cognisance of the centrality of climate change issues to human development and progress, the delegation recommends
that;-
National Assembly Environment Committee Recommendation
Number 3/2016
“…the Executive must ensure that a Minister responsible for Environment issues must attend all High-level Segments of the meetings of the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change.
Furthermore, the delegation submits that a Legal Expert conversant with and competent in climate change negotiations should always be part of the delegation that attends COP Meetings. Mr. Speaker Sir, your delegation noted with serious concern that the whole Zimbabwean Delegation from the Ministries had no person who was legally qualified to advise the delegation. We checked the composition of other delegations from Zambia, Botswana and South Africa, all being our neighbours and noted that each had a lawyer among the delegates. To make matters worse, the delegation further noted with concern that the funding for all the key negotiators from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate was provided by the United Nations. Treasury was not able to provide funding for almost all delegates and the question which arises is what would have become of us had the United Nations not provided funds for negotiators to attended this landmark conference. Mr. Speaker Sir, this is a question we will not attempt to answer, save to recommend that;-
National Assembly Environment Committee Recommendation
Number 4/2016
“…the Executive must consistently fund participation of our delegates so that they are empowered to speak freely on behalf of the country without fear or favour.”
9.0 Conclusion
Mr. Speaker Sir, COP 21 ended on the 12th of December 2015 with the adoption of the landmark agreement and a vote of thanks being extended to the Presidency of the Republic of France for successfully organising and hosting the 21st Session of the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Let me take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the United Nations Development Fund, its partners the European Union and Swedish International Development Agency as well as Parliament of Zimbabwe for funding our attendance of COP 21 in Paris, France. I also wish to thank the Administration of Parliament for flawlessly coordinating all the logistical arrangements. As a delegation, we certainly leant a lot from the conference and there is no doubt that the information gathered and experiences leant will be shared with fellow Members of Parliament in order to push forward the frontiers of executing effective Executive oversight functions in pursuance of our constitutional obligations as articulated in Sections 117,118 and 327 of the Constitution of
Zimbabwe. I thank you.
HON. SARUWAKA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. Let me add my voice to the report presented by our Chairperson Hon. Mashange on the trip to Paris. Let me say it is unfortunate that we have had to make this presentation seven months after the visit and also after the subsequent signing of the agreement in New York on the 22nd April 2016. However, I still have some comments to make on the trip on the important matter of climate change.
Hon. Speaker, I must start by thanking UNDP for making it possible for Parliament of Zimbabwe to send delegates to the important Climate Change Conference. It was a privilege that we were among the 4,000 delegates gathered in Paris to transact on the important subject of climate change. My Chairman has already indicated that in the history of mankind, the gathering was the biggest where over 150 heads of states congregated, which goes to show the importance the issue of climate change is being considered in the arena of world matters. Over 195 countries were also represented at that conference.
The Zimbabwe delegation was made up of Ministry officials, Members of Parliament and the civic society. The experience that I had was that working together as the different stakeholders really helped us in formulating and agreeing on particular country positions. I would want to applaud the delegation for managing to work cohesively. At times you find that when people go out, you begin to see differences but in this particular delegation, people really showed that indeed Zimbabwe can form a formidable team in dealing with international matters –
[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
The topic of climate change Mr. Speaker Sir is a fairly technical matter and I would want to take a few Hon. Members down memory lane, maybe a bit back to school so that we just unpack a few of the terms and move together. Over time, people begin to forget simple terms that help in understanding the climate change issues. While the topic might seem abstract in understanding it, the impacts are very real and everyone understands them and I just want to go a bit on the terms.
You would understand Mr. Speaker Sir that climate change talks about the weather. Weather to us relates to the particular condition of the atmosphere at any given time. Whether we talk of precipitation, temperature and wind, as we move forward, you will understand how these things impact on the phenomenon of climate change. On climate, we are referring to the average conditions of weather over a long period, maybe 10 to 30 years. When we are talking of climate change, we are talking about the change of these average weather conditions over time. Seasons have moved and I remember in past motions where people were giving real examples and problems that they are facing as a result of climate change. It is because of this climate change that leaders in this world realised that they must come together, put their heads together and see how they can mitigate the impacts of this changing phenomenon.
Today Mr. Speaker, it is not surprising that as a result of climate change, people are experiencing extreme weather conditions. We have got typhoons, droughts, floods. Only recently there was heavy hailstorm in Lower Gweru. These are things that never used to happen in this country. The phenomenon of climate change is real and we are experiencing it on a day to day basis.
Mr. Speaker Sir, climate change also has a lot to do with global warming. Scientists are pointing towards global warming as the major culprit of climate change. Global warming is just referring to the average rise in temperature over time. You would realise that in the arctic circle glaciers are melting, resulting in sea level rises. We are lucky that Zimbabwe is landlocked but there are countries along the coastlines that are threatened by the rise of the sea level. So, it is that serious that if the world does not take action to arrest climate change, this can result in a lot of conflicts as a result of the shrinking land surface.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I must say scientists have invested a lot of their time in trying to understand the climate change phenomenon. There is an organisation called the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which made a report in 2014. It was apparent from their report that scientists are indicating that 95% of global warming is caused by anthropogenic or human activities. What it means is only 5% of the causes of global warming are caused by nature. So, as humankind, there are opportunities for us to do something about climate change.
I must tell the House that through this panel, they also indicated that last year was the hottest year ever, so we must be worried as humankind that temperatures are continuing to rise due to our activities. The rise in temperatures is bringing a lot of problems to the survival of humankind. Indications are if nothing is done, the problem might actually get worse. This is why people congregated in Paris Mr. Speaker Sir, where state parties were trying to negotiate on what level of temperature rise could be permissible. What targets can we put for the whole world in terms of the temperature rises acceptable so that there will not be more disasters.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I must say human activities, especially those to do with fossil burning also are related to industrialisation. The argument that was put forward by industrialised countries that benefited from using irresponsible methods of carbon emissions, they were pushing an agenda where they want people to adopt clean energy. It is well and fine but clean energy is very expensive. Therefore, the argument was if developed countries want the developing countries to constrain their activities towards the two degrees limit, then they must also be able to sponsor the new technology which is not affordable at the present moment to the developing counties. That was the thrust of the argument to say developing countries have the right to develop, so if we have to develop using clean energy which is more expensive, the developed countries must be able to pay for the technology transfer into clean energy.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I am happy that as Members of Parliament a lot of us understand the impact of climate change because in our communities, we have had situations where we have to battle with the impacts. For Zimbabwe, I am aware that we now know that our weather pattern, especially in as far as rainfall is concerned – is now very erratic to the extent that droughts occurs more often. That has a direct impact on the survival of our nation since Zimbabwe is basically an agro-based country which is supposed to derive its survival from agricultural activities. Climate change has a very negative impact in that regard and we need as a country to come up with mitigating measures so that we reduce the impact of climate change. Climate change the world over is a threat to food security. Like I indicated earlier on, it causes conflicts around land because if the sea level rises, it means communities along the coast line are forced to push inwards and it puts a lot of pressure on the land that is already being occupied by others.
So, the thrusts of the debate in Paris was also to suggest to countries the technologies that are now available on the industrial level that help in cutting emissions since the emission of carbon dioxide is the major contributor to the rise of the average temperature in the world. The Conference came up with a target of two degrees celsius from preindustrial average temperature which was a fair target for the majority of the countries because the countries along the coast lines wanted 1.5 degrees celsius. Those in the desert that depend on oil production to fuel their development were actually looking for 2.5 degrees celsius, because if people move away from fossil fuels, it impacts on their means of revenue because they make money through the sale of fossil fuels. So the two degree target then became a fair target which according to scientists, will still help us manage the extreme impacts of climate change.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I think as a country we are lucky that we have got so many opportunities of harnessing clean energy. We have plenty of sunshine, so in terms of development, we have got opportunities to develop a network of solar energy which can help in supplying energy for our operations. I must hasten to say solar energy is very expensive. This is why we need the support of the developed, industrialised countries to bring in the technology at affordable cost so that we do not add towards global warming but at the same time we are not prejudiced in our developmental path. Also, we are blessed with many rivers that flow throughout the year. I am happy that as someone coming from Manicaland, I have seen a lot of effort towards the setting up of small hydro plants, which is moving very much in line with the thrust by scientists that we must go hydro because hydro produces very clean energy as compared to thermal energy.
In terms of another response which the world must do towards climate change other than mitigation, we must also adapt. We must develop resilience to the negative impact of climate change. When climate change then happens, how do our people survive under the negative impacts for example the extreme weather conditions? We are now aware that rains are erratic but when they come, the rains are very heavy. So, it means when it comes to construction, we must start building stronger houses. Mr. Speaker Sir, you know very well that when floods take place in rural areas, we have witnessed houses being swept away, it is because they were not built to withstand heavy rains. We must construct our houses with floods in mind, so that we build strong houses. Our engineers must be involved in the design.
We must also, as a country, research for short season varieties for agriculture because we no longer have the standard three months of rainfall. The rains are erratic, it rains for a few weeks and the rains disappear. So, through our research department in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, we should come up with species that can grow and bear fruit within the short space which is now available as a result of the climate change. We must also invest in irrigation infrastructure.
Mr. Speaker Sir, in conclusion, the signing was indeed a major success. It was our hope that after the conclusion of the agreement in Paris we were going to attend the signing ceremony was then held in New York. It was unfortunate because in Paris, we had been sponsored by UNDP and they could not fund the New York trip we, as Parliament, were then unable to send a delegation from Parliament for the signing ceremony. Parliament was then not represented. It is only the Executive which went to New York, which is a sad story that we seem not to attach a lot of value to the role of Parliament leaving us to depend on well wishers for us to participate in an important international fora. When things are tight, I want to suggest that the component of Parliament must still be accommodated by Treasury so that we do not have a situation where it would appear that this country can do without the Legislature. At the end of the day, whatever agreements that are signed by the President and the Executive they must still come through this House so that they are domesticated. Mr. Speaker, I am talking about lack of support by Treasury to the Legislature, otherwise I want to thank UNDP and other financiers who made it possible for us to go to Paris and become part of this momentous agreement where we strongly believe it sets out an agenda where Climate Change issues can be treated with more urgency. Thank you – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]
Hon. Zindi having stood up.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Mr. Speaker, I want to add my voice to ….
*HON. ZINDI: On a point of order Mr. Speaker. I think you should consider gender balance.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. MARUMAHOKO):
You may continue Hon. Nduna.
HON. NDUNA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I stand here as the
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. It is very important that I add my voice because as a nation, we are importing 6 000 used vehicles from Asia, Japan in particular. Mr. Speaker Sir, 80% of carbon emission and carbon environmental ozone depleting substances come from carbon emissions, which come from automobiles. I make a clarion call that in the realm or in the programme of enforcement of the laws of this country that we also tutor the VID officers and the police, law enforcement agencies to the effect that the vehicles that are bellowing smoke like steam trains need to be outlawed from our roads Mr. Speaker Sir, thereby, protecting the ozone in particular Zimbabwe and globally in general.
I also want to say as there is compensation that comes to the developing nations because of the delinquencies caused by VW and Mitsubishi and other automobile entities or producers in the global community, Zimbabwe also needs to benefit in terms of compensation. We might not be the ones that are suing these multinationals because we do not have that capacity to sue them but we should also benefit from such compensation.
Those countries that are developed should not act like a bull in a China Shop. They should remember that Africa in particular as a continent plays a very big role in terms of numbers as a developing nation we are still archaic and historic and moribund of our development in particular as we utilise fossil energy such as coal and other antiquated ways of energising our communities. We are depleting the ozone layer hence a lot of resources should be given to the developing nations and
Zimbabwe in particular and Africa in general.
I want to speak to the electrification of NRZ. The Global
Community has moved away from the use of steam engines as a mode of transportation in terms of the rail systems. They have gone onto utilising the electron magnetic forces and the electrification of their trains. This is in order to enhance the issue of environmental protection. I want to add my voice in this way in that there should be less and less vandalism in terms of our electrification infrastructure when it comes to issues to do with NRZ. At some point, NRZ used to have tracts and tracts and kilometers of electrified network. Alas this is no longer the same and I also, in the same vein ask for the Executive to make sure that they open up NRZ for private players to come in, who are going to enhance efficiently and optimally the network in terms of electrification so that we move away from the fossil energy, thereby reducing in totality the ozone depleting substances that is coal.
Mr. Speaker Sir, as I conclude, I want to ask the Executive in particular the Ministry of Transport to expeditiously acquire the emission measuring units so that our vehicles are outlawed from the roads as long as they have emissions that are above and beyond the allowable emissions. That was we optimally protect our environment and thereby reducing our emissions that are dangerous to the environment. I thank you – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: In order to correct the gender imbalance I recognise Hon. Zindi. - [AN HON. MEMBER: Saka isu ve Committee hati debate saka ndakuenda zvangu ini.]- Order, Hon. Zindi, just a minute. Hon. Ladies, there is a lady who might have dropped a five dollar note in the Ladies it has been picked up by a Minister. If you find that you are missing a $5.00 note in your purse, you can call around and pick it.
HON. ZINDI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Thank you for having acknowledged my proposal for gender balance. I rise to also add my voice to the report submitted and moved by Hon. Mashange and supported by Hon. Saruwaka. I think the issue of climate change is a subject that should be taken very seriously. Why I am saying so is because it is something to do with the future generations well after us. I think the current generation should not be so selfish to the extent that we deny the future generations a well developed and conducive climate for all the possible developments that they should also undertake in order for that future to come. In my contribution, I would like to highlight the effects of Climate Change to Africa and in particular of course to Zimbabwe. I will also talk of remedies and the way forward which I think should be the way forward by the current generation of leadership of the world in as far as climate change is concerned.
In terms of the effects of climate change, I want to say climate change is very real and we need to acknowledge that. For example, Zimbabwe in particular, we experienced snowing. We received snow in lower Gweru and to many of us, that is a new phenomenon and that phenomenon we do not understand to what extent it is going to have on our environment because this is a new phenomenon. Due to lack of resources we never undertook or assigned some scientist in order to study that effect and what caused that. Of course, generally we understand that this was due to climate change. Further, we also experienced a heat wave which is equally a new phenomenon to us as Africa and particularly here in Zimbabwe. The heat wave affected the whole of Africa as a continent and such a heat wave has got untold effects. For example, we saw rivers drying up, we saw livestock and people dying because of the drought which is the resultant effect of that heat wave. Mr. Speaker, that heat wave of the last season possibly has also contributed to the cold period that we are going through – we do not know. But, the cold period that we are going through this winter is equally something which is a new phenomenon and we all bunch this together as effects of climate change.
Therefore, with all what I have highlighted, they have got an effect on our crop production. In terms of crop production, if we do not have enough water for irrigation, then it means that the resultant effect is hunger and hunger leads to conflicts. A hungry man is an angry man.
What impact can that contribute to Zimbabwe? Currently, we know that Zimbabwe is under or going through a very difficult economic situation and we always say, if we have good rains, at least when people have food to put on the table, that is from good harvest; then money will be something else to supplement their food but at least the basic, which is the food is what we all say every family should be able to afford.
Now, we have the crisis of money, we have food shortages and all that combined lead to hunger and hunger leads to conflicts and civil unrest. We are saying the issue of climate change should be taken seriously, particularly when we are focusing on the remedies. Yes, the developed countries have or in one way or the other, said that we should stop developing all whatever contributes to the climate change as Africa. But, I tend to disagree with that approach because all the developed countries have contributed to the current climate change that we are talking or reeling under. Therefore, for them to then start dictating to us in terms of our development, I feel that it is very unfair. If they would like to dictate to us at the pace or how we should develop using our natural resources, for example coal, we have abundance of coal which we should exploit to our advantage. Now, if we are told not to utilise that coal simply because of its contribution to climate change; then the developed world should contribute in the form of alternative or renewable source of energy to Africa and of course, Zimbabwe should benefit in terms of that.
Mr. Speaker, for example in terms of remedies, I think that our system as a Government should consider the issue of harnessing water seriously. Whatever resources that we have at our disposal, we should get the largest chunk of it and sacrifice all other things at the expense of developing irrigation systems in terms of also harnessing and also the issue of dam desiltation which I think should be the focus by the Government. At least to allow every family to be able to irrigate and have food on their tables because of this issue of climate change, I see that it is very real and we need to start to take measures in order to mitigate against the effects of climate change. Therefore, the issue of water is very important.
The drip irrigation is the other way to go. Most of our farmers should actually have the drip irrigation and the Government can assist farmers through having to reduce or subsidise the drip irrigation installation on all farms and all the equipment that comes with drip irrigation. That is my contribution in terms of remedies or in terms of mitigating against the effects of climate change. Mr. Speaker, the developed countries as I said earlier on have contributed to the climate change that we are talking about. Therefore, they should be pressed upon in terms of having to contribute the largest chunk in order for Africa to actually keep pace with development other than being told not to develop because their development is contributing to effects of climate change. Again, us as Parliamentarians, we need to impress upon the Executive whether through motions, through the Portfolio
Committee as we are pressed upon through the sections according to the report here that Sections 117, 118 and 327 of the Constitution gives legislators the power to ensure that all what we envisage as a way to alleviate climate change is pressed upon legislators to ensure that, that is effected. That is how I should make a recommendation in my conclusion. I thank you Mr. Speaker.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order, there is a vehicle
registration number EDI 975, a jaguar which is blocking other vehicles. Can the owner please attend to that?
HON. MASHANGE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. In view of the fact that most of our recommendations were taken on board by the
Ministry, I now move that the report be adopted by this House.
Motion put that;
This House takes note of the report of the delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris, France from 29th
November, to 12th December, 2015.
Motion put and adopted.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
STATE OF CO-OPERATIVES IN ZIMBABWE
THE MINISTER SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
AND CO-OPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT (HON. NYONI): Thank
you Mr. Speaker Sir, I wish to make a Ministerial Statement on the state of co-operatives in Zimbabwe. Co-operatives in Zimbabwe fall under seven categories and these are: the housing co-operatives, fishing, manufacturing, agriculture, services which includes transport and catering, savings and credit co-operatives and mining cooperatives.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I will begin with the housing co-operatives. The first housing co-operative, Kugarika Kushinga was launched in 1989. The housing cooperatives are the largest sector contributing 83% of registered cooperatives in the country. Between 2010 and 2015, the housing cooperatives built 99 840 houses for themselves; 46 267 of which are at various stages of completion.
The following cooperatives have received their title deeds in
Harare alone: Mupedzanhamo in Glen Norah with 800 members, Three
Stars in GlenView with 40 members, Kambuzuma in Kambuzuma with
101 members, Mufakose in Budiriro 1 with 70 members, Sunshine in Crowborough with 71 members, Rutendo in Budiriro with 43 members and New Generation in Dzivarasekwa with 15 members.
Zimbabwe is being ranked as number 1 in housing cooperative development in the whole of Africa with over 4 000 registered housing cooperatives whose membership is over half a million nationwide. This is according to the International Cooperative Alliance Report of 2015. Malawi, South Africa and Uganda have visited Zimbabwe to learn from our experience.
2. Fishing Cooperatives
There are 127 Fishing Cooperatives.
Province | Cooperatives in the transport sector |
Mashonaland West | 62 |
Matabeleland North | 26 |
Masvingo | 4 |
Matabeleland South | 5 |
Manicaland | 5 |
Midlands | 5 |
Total | 127 |
Their contribution into the food basked is as follows:
Estimates of catches of Fishing Cooperatives under National
Parks and Wildlife per month
Area | No. of Cooperatives | Approximate catches per cooperative |
Chivero | 24 (bream) | 600 kgs |
Darwendale | 20 (bream) | 90 kgs |
Kariba | 14 (kapenta) | 2,475 tonnes |
4 (bream) | 4,500 tonnes | |
Binga | 26 (bream 7 tiger) | 1,800 tonnes |
Manufacturer Success Stories
The cooperatives have not been very much affected by the economic environment as prospective clients shy away from formal shops in town where prices are relatively higher than those charged by cooperatives.
Table below shows estimates of income of cooperatives at Siya
So Mbare January – December 2013
Name | Jan-Dec 2015 US$ |
Welders – Metal Fabrication | 196 560 |
Chieziya – Welding and Furniture Making | |
Tin Smith – Metal Containers | 140 400 |
Gumtree – Carpentry and Welding | 234 000 |
Roadside – Three legged post, buckles and coffin handles | 458 000 |
Carpenters – beds, wardrobes, kitchen units and dressing tables | 196 000 |
Simukai Tailoring – uniforms and worksuits | 63 040 |
Tisunungureiwo – plastic recycling for buckets and cups | 321 000 |
Kuzvitonga Leather Works – shoes and belts | 193 440 |
Best Multi-purpose – grinding mills and schools furniture | 369 400 |
GROSS TOTALS | 2 384 000 |
3. Arts and Craft Cooperative
There are 57 arts and craft cooperatives registered since 2009. They are involved in stone and wood carving patterns baskets and tie and dye. They are spread country wide as follows:-
Province | No. of registered Arts and Craft Cooperatives |
Harare | 10 |
Mashonaland West | 8 |
Matabeleland North | 2 |
Matabeleland South | 2 |
Bulawayo | 2 |
Mashonaland Central | 5 |
Mashonaland East | 2 |
Midlands | 10 |
Manicaland | 16 |
Total | 57 |
- Transport Cooperatives
Background
The Ministry has registered 19 transport cooperatives in
Mashonaland West, Bulawayo, Harare and Manicaland as shown below:
Province | No. of registered Arts and Craft Cooperatives |
Bulawayo | 7 |
Harare | 5 |
Manicaland | 6 |
Mashonaland West | 1 |
Total | 19 |
Transport cooperatives run taxis, buses, trucks and combies.
Success stories
- Transport Cooperatives especially Rixi Taxis run a fleet of 20 taxis.
- Tinzweiwo Buses and Liza Trans are cooperating Harare-
Gaborone and Francistown routes in Botswana.
- Tshova Mubaiwa Transport Cooperative is doing well in
Bulawayo.
5. Agricultural Cooperatives
There are 194 registered agricultural cooperatives since 2009 and these are spread across the country as shown in the table below:
Province | Registered Cooperatives in the agricultural sector |
Harare | 05 |
Masvingo | 15 |
Mashonaland West | 08 |
Matabeleland North | 05 |
Matabeleland South | 29 |
Bulawayo | 12 |
Mashonaland Central | 21 |
Mashonaland East | 34 |
Midlands | 31 |
Manicaland | 34 |
Total | 194 |
They are in piggery, cattle ranching and fattening, tobacco farming, goats and chicken raring, marketing and supply of agricultural produce. Let me give you another example of how much the Hurungwe Cooperative Union has delivered to the GMB. Their largest contribution was in 2013 and they were my pride. Their total alone was over 500,000 tonnes.
The Hurungwe Co-operative Union Maize Deliveries to the GMB
Depots.
Name of depot | Tonnage (tonnes | ||
2013 | 2014 | 2015 | |
Karoi | 174,106 | 67,498 | 15,765 |
Mkwichi | 66,968 | 4,442 | - |
Vuti | 105,109 | 10,882 | 30,675 |
Lions Den | 51,006 | - | - |
Magunje | 124,081 | 6,851 | 53,525 |
Collection Point | 10,657 | - | - |
Mudzimu | 2,224 | - | 27,085 |
Mhangura | 618 | - | - |
Total | 534,791 | 89,673 | 127,050 |
In the early 1980s, Government constructed 360 warehouses. 70 of them have been registered under the Central Association of
Agricultural Co-operatives (CACU) to give loans to its members. These warehouses are being used by co-operatives to store their wares.
Savings and Credit Co-operatives (SACCOs)
Since 2009, two hundred and fifty-four Savings and Credit Cooperatives have been registered as follows:
Province | No of Registered SACCOs |
Harare | 65 |
Mashonaland West | 5 |
Matabeleland North | 66 |
Matabeleland South | 14 |
Bulawayo | 8 |
Mashonaland Central | 14 |
Mashonaland East | 20 |
Midlands | 42 |
Manicaland | 20 |
Total | 254 |
The Ministry is encouraging every SME cluster and co-operative to form SACCOs to on-lend to their members. For instance, CACO has mobilized and bought agricultural inputs worth US$348,798 for its members.
Mining
There are 92 mining cooperatives, mainly in gold and chrome mining in five provinces.
Province | No of Registered Mining Cooperatives |
Mashonaland West | 20 |
Matabeleland South | 5 |
Mashonaland Central | 5 |
Manicaland | 20 |
Midlands | 42 |
Total | 92 |
Mining co-operatives have made a major contribution to the country’s gold and chrome production.
In conclusion, the world over, co-operatives have been found to be an economic model for the future. It strengthens principles and value based work ethics. To strengthen co-operatives, the Ministry offers preregistration and post registration training and support. Once a year, in July, Zimbabwe co-operatives observe International Co-operative Day to which co-operatives come from all over the country to showcase their work and achievements. This year this event will be held on 23rd July,
2016 at the Harare Agricultural Showground. The Hon. Vice President E.D Mnangagwa, will be the guest of honour. Hon. Members, you are all invited to attend this very important occasion. I thank you.
HON. NDUNA: I want to start by applauding the Minister for a statement well done. I think it is the first of its kind, to get to hear a Minister trying to make sure that we follow how funds have been utilized in the informal sector. She is trying to broaden the base in order to enhance revenue collection in terms of tax collection.
I now want to touch on the tail end of her statement. She touched on the 20 mining co-operatives in Mashonaland West and I want to say that 10 of those mining co-operatives are in my constituency namely;
Chegutu Gold, Kubatana, Danangwe, Gidi-7, Mutangi-ndimi, Pickstone Mine, Blue rock, Inezi Mine and Three Chairs Co-operative. Between them they have contributed more than 40% to the fiscus as she has alluded to. My clarification request is that the Ministry of Small to
Medium Enterprises harmonise their operations with the Ministry of Mines. This should be with a view to make sure that there is also a mining reform so that the co-operatives that she alludes to can optimally conduct their business without fear of law enforcement agencies, as they are operating without the said mining certificates, even if they have cooperative mining certificates from the SMEs sector. Can there not be a mining reform that skewers the mining co-operatives towards getting their licences only once from the SMEs department, so that they do not need to be licenced again by the Ministry of Mines?
HON. NYONI: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. This is a very pertinent question. My Ministry registers co-operatives in the sector and activity of their choice. After that, we make sure that they go to the relevant authorities or Ministries because we cannot do everything. The Minister of Mines administers the Act under which anybody who does mining no matter who you are, large or small have to comply with. So we encourage any cooperatives that register with us to go back to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and if they are in agriculture, they should go back to the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development so that they are given the rightful papers. I think what we need to do, taking your point Hon.
Member is that we need to accompany them as a Ministry of SMEs.
We need to accompany and educate them so that they get those papers easier than if they are on their own. You also need to be aware that in the ease of doing business, SMEs are lobbying for all these stringent regulations that keep them from operating freely. I think this will be one of them that we need to deal with as a Ministry so that we push the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to make it easier for the SMEs to get licences for their mining activities. Thank you for the pertinent question.
+HON. B. TSHUMA: Thank you very much. I have heard of a lot of fishing cooperatives in the area of Binga. When I had a chance to be there, there was a complaint on the ownership of the cooperatives. People in Binga are complaining that as a local resource, people who own these fishing cooperatives are people from other regions. May I know what you are doing as a Ministry so that locals can participate in this fishing industry? That is the first thing on cooperatives.
Secondly, you talked of cooperatives in Matabeleland North. I come from there. Can you help me on the breakdown of information on the activities on the ground there? I have never seen them and I need that information. Can you help me? Again on the housing cooperatives here in Harare, there are big locations where there are indications that there was a housing cooperative which is here, but there is nothing in
Matabeleland North. I thank you.
+HON. NYONI: I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to thank the Hon. Member with the question. On ownership of cooperatives, when a person comes to register a cooperative, we do not ask where he hails from. The person simply comes, whether they are 100 and would like to register a cooperative on fishing. We have no right not to register such a person because he does not come from the area. I am sorry Hon. Member that is not our work.
If the Hon. Member loves that his people be involved in cooperatives of fishing, he is free to gather them and register them. They can also join others so that they can work together. We have no right to ask someone where he comes from. As for the savings and credits which come from Matabeleland North, I request the Hon. Member to put that in writing so that I can research and give proper feedback. I cannot have the information at my fingertips on me right now.
Even with the housing cooperatives, my Ministry does not make up these cooperatives, but people make up their own cooperatives. My Ministry simply registers those who would have approached us. When others are registering their cooperatives about 4,000 of them, what makes you not make your people register their cooperatives? If they approach us, we will register them. We do not form cooperatives but we simply register them. I thank you.
HON. P. D. SIBANDA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. Hon. Minister, you have indicated that people have got to gather on their own. Unfortunately if I speak in Tonga you will not hear. So I have to speak in English. You are on record Hon. Minister going into provinces including Matabeleland North Province where Binga is situated. You went there to do workshops for specifically ZANU PF members to form cooperatives – [AN HON. MEMEBR: Ah!]- Do not say ah, nyarara mhani iwewe.
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Address the Speaker.
HON. P. D. SIBANDA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. You are on record and I can give you the date and time when you were in Lupane gathering ZANU PF members and telling them to form cooperatives. I appreciate that from those ZANU PF members that were in Lupane, there were two or three people that came from Binga. Why can you not do the same as an Hon. Minister of Government to communities in specific areas, without selecting those that come from your political party?
HON. NYONI: Thank you Hon. Member. The Hon. Member is correct that I was in Lupane invited by the ZANU PF youth and ZANU PF women. I give an outstanding workshop for them, not only to form cooperatives but also to enter into businesses. I want to emphasise that I was invited. Hon. Member go back to your constituency and invite me and I will be there – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]-
HON. P.D. SIBANDA: Hon. Speaker, I just want to express my gratitude to the Hon. Minister...
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: But I have not recognised you yet. Can you sit down – now you can stand up – [HON. MEMBERS:
Inaudible interjections.] – Order in the House.
HON. P. D. SIBANDA: Hon. Speaker I think my first reason of standing up is to appreciate the Hon. Minister for her genuine response. I do not need necessarily to be told to go back because I am already back and that is where I am. What I wanted to say to the Hon. Minister is that as Hon. Minister of Government, is it not possible for her to realise that in that particular area, we have resources. She has said that she is not responsible for putting the cooperatives that are there which come from Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and so on, that are fishing in Binga. Does she not feel like she has got an obligation to get down to the ground and say as a matter of trying to empower the people of that area, can you come together. I assist you as a Minister who is responsible for the formation and running of cooperatives and small and medium enterprises.
Hon. Speaker, before I sit down, let me acknowledge my brother Hon. Mupfumi. I am informed that he got a doctorate in philanthropy from some unrecognised college called IP or something of that sort. Dr.
Mupfumi, I acknowledge you. Thank you Hon. Speaker.
THE MINISTER OF SMALL AND MEDIUM
ENTERPRISES AND COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT (HON.
NYONI): Mr. Speaker Sir, let me reiterate to the Hon. Member that he is passing the buck. It is your responsibility Hon. Member as a representative of the people to go down to your constituency and educate your people on what Government offers. Once that happens, I have said to you I will be ready to come where I am called. Secondly, Binga is one of two districts in Matabeleland North that has an office of the SMEs. My officers are in Binga, so let the Hon. Member be educated from now on that you can go to my office. It is a Government office and the officers can assist you with tactics of organizing people to enter into cooperatives or be involved in SME activities. I thank you.
HON. J. TSHUMA: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir.
Perhaps before I go on to air my views to the Minister, may I categorically correct this issue and say genuinely I want to congratulate our Hon. Member, Dr. Esau Mupfumi for being accorded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Philanthropy. It shows that our Members are doing good to the community and that is what we need for every Member to work well and be recognised like what he has done.
+ I am happy with the report submitted by the Hon. Minister on SMEs. It is good that we have a Minister who wants the people to develop. We appreciate the great work, please continue. I would like to inform the Minister that there are anomalies where people who are coming up are impeded by high prices on licencing. I will give you an example of those who are in the mining industry. When you want to go into a special grant, they want $5 000. These people are starting, so where do they get this amount.
I would like to request that when you are discussing with other Ministries, if they cannot reduce the price, may people be allowed to work and pay in installments because these people are just developing. If it is a once off payment, the people cannot develop. This is why people end up doing unlawful things. If people discover there is gold, they cannot access it because there is an impediment of a licence fee. In a one stop shop, can you allow people to pay in installments when they are starting up to finishing off. I thank you.
HON. NYONI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. The question is pertinent and the suggestion is positive. People who are developing should be helped on licencing fees so that they cannot be impeded by the issue. However, I advise you to direct the question to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development. Having said that Hon. Member, at present we are talking of the issue of ease of doing business. After that all these things would have been clarified. I will help push some of the things so that those who want to go into mining or other areas in SMEs should not be charged high fees to access those areas. I thank you.
On the motion of HON. RUNGANI seconded by HON.
MUKWANGWARIVA, the House adjourned at Twenty-One Minutes
past Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 26th July, 2016.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Friday, 19th August, 2016
The National Assembly met at Half past Nine o’clock a.m.
PRAYERS
(THE ACTING SPEAKER in the Chair)
MOTION
ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE HON. RUNGANI: I move that the House do now adjourn.
HON. MUKWANGWARIWA: I second.
HON. MUNENGAMI: Thank you Hon. Speaker. On a point of
order, we have students in the Gallery, whom we have not even recognised. I am so surprised that we rush to adjourn the House when we have visitors in the Gallery. I was thinking that even if we were going to adjourn the House, at least we are supposed to recognise those students, then we adjourn the House. Honestly Chief Whip, mungadaro vana vari kumusoro uko, handiti munova mhorosavo?
THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. MARUMAHOKO): It had
not come to the attention of the Chair. – [HON. MEMBERS: Members from the opposition wanting to debate] – Order! The House has been adjourned.
HON. CHAMISA: Thank you Hon. Speaker. You said is there
any debate in terms of the adjournment of the House and at that point, I wanted to stand up but there was a point of order from Hon.
Munengami, which I respected, but now I think it is my time. My point is, this is a very serious matter. We have had to use tax payers’ money on a Friday. Naturally, we were not supposed to sit today had we transacted the business of Parliament appropriately and normally yesterday. This is an extra ordinary measure which had to be taken to try and deal with delinquency on the part of certain Members of Parliament who absconded and avoided the national duty to deliberate upon issues.
I hope this is going to be taken to the Chief Whips of political parties, but more importantly, the Leader of Government Business is going to take this matter seriously because this is not the first time. This is probably the third or fourth time we are abusing resources. When we have meager resources, we must preserve them instead of wasting them through delinquent behaviour on account of cheap point scoring. You can see that the benches are empty, particularly at the back. This is a very serious issue Hon. Speaker. We hope that you are going to take note of it and you are going to address it with the relevant political parties. But also as Parliament, we must put a stop to this kind of behaviour. It is inconveniencing, we have to debate this motion on police brutality. It affects the nation, the public and all of us, even war veterans were victims of this kind of brutality.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order Hon. Member, are you
debating or you are just raising a point of order? – [HON. CHAMISA: I am not debating] – So, just raise your point of order and sit down. –[
HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] – Order! Hon. Members, we have only one Speaker here and I am the Speaker. You are not debating, you are raising a point of order. Be brief and to the point.
HON. CHAMISA: I am sure you have heard my point; this cannot be allowed to continue Hon. Speaker Sir. We want a very strong statement from Parliament to deal with this kind of behaviour and conduct. In other jurisdictions, you would not have Members of Parliament running away from duty, only to appear and resurface to come and claim coupons. This cannot be allowed. – [HON.
MEMBERS: Hear, hear] –
Hon. Gonese having stood up to debate
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I have not yet responded, what is your excitement? I need to respond Hon. Gonese – [HON. GONESE: It is not a point of order, can I correct you Mr. Speaker] – You do not tell me what to do please. – [HON. GONESE: But if you are mistaken, we should correct each other] – Let me respond to what he has said. –
[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] – Order, order! Hon.
Gonese, take your seat. Hon. Maridadi, behave yourself. Hon. Gonese, before you take the floor, I gave it to your Vice President who stood before you. – [AN HON. MEMBER: Our Vice President] – Yes, your Vice President.
HON. GONESE: Thank you very much Hon. Speaker Sir. I rise to support the point raised by our Hon. Vice President, Hon. Nelson Chamisa. I also want to add my voice; the point which I want to reiterate is that we are the representatives of the people. We were elected to perform three primary functions in this august House. We have a legislative, oversight and also a representative function. In terms of that function…..
HON. SAMUKANGE: On a point of order. Mr. Speaker Sir, you
have ruled that he must only deal with his point of order –[HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] – Mr. Speaker, can I be heard.
An Hon. Member having shouted you are independent, you do not have a constituency.
HON. SAMUKANGE: I represent a full constituency… –[HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] –
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order! Let us hear his point of order. Hon. Members, we are few in here, I do not want to ask someone to leave the House. Please, let us behave and let us hear each other. You may proceed.
HON. SAMUKANGE: On a point of order Mr. Speaker. Hon.
Gonese is debating instead of dealing with the point of order -[HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]-
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order please! The debate here is
about adjournment and nothing else. Before you stand up, I have an announcement to make.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING SPEAKER
VISITORS IN THE SPEAKER’S GALLERY
THE ACTING SPEAKER: I recognise in the Speaker’s Gallery,
the presence of students and teachers from Goromonzi Community
Primary School, from Mashonaland East Province -[HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear]-
Order please, order please. Hon. Maridadi please, you are an Hon. Member. You have done what you have done and it is over. Let us stick to business now. You may proceed Hon. Gonese.
HON. GONESE: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. I believe
that in terms of that representative capacity today, Friday the 19th of August, 2016, we have an Order Paper and Members of Parliament must be cognisant of the consequences of their actions. Yesterday, when they employed a strategy to try to kill a very important motion by calling for a quorum and creating an inquorate House, deliberately by walking out as ably demonstrated when Hon. Chamisa made his observations; within five minutes, more than 32 Members of Parliament started walking out of this House to ensure that, that important motion was not going to be debated.
But, they must be aware of the consequences of their actions which are that today, we are supposed to sit and we have an Order paper which has Questions Without Notice. On a Friday, the Orders of the Day are actually set out in terms of our Standing Orders that we start with Questions Without Notice, then Questions With Notice. I believe that members of ZANU PF from where the Ministers come from should have been aware of the implications of what they did yesterday. Today, the Hon. Ministers should have been filling those benches for Question
Time because that is what is provided for in terms of the rules. It is not appropriate for the Hon. Madam Deputy Chief Whip to stand up to move for the adjournment of the House when we have business to transact.
So, we are demanding that the Ministers should be here because that is the first Order that we are supposed to deal with – Questions Without Notice, thereafter, we go to Questions With Notice. If they are not here, your office as the Chair, must impress upon those Ministers that when the House is adjourned on a Thursday to a Friday, Ministers must be in attendance in terms of the provisions of Section 107 of our Constitution where they are obliged and required to answer questions posed by Members of Parliament. Those Members who are here came prepared to ask questions to the Hon. Ministers as provided for in terms of the Order Paper. So as it stands, we demand and we insist and it is within our rights as the representatives of the people that let us transact the business of Parliament.
The taxpayer pays for us to sit and we are here, the Ministers are not there and if you look at the total membership of this House, we have 270 members. Out of those 270 members, 214 are from ZANU PF and they are 215 including Hon. Jonathan Samukange. Out of 215 Members of Parliament, there are six. When you look at it proportionately, we have done very well if you look at our numbers in terms of our total membership. Look at them, there are six out of 215 including Hon. Samukange. So, this is deplorable and must be condemned. We insist that this must be placed on record. If members call for a quorum and the House adjourns because of lack of quorum, then they must be prepared to come to Parliament on a Friday as we have done as genuine representatives of the people. We insist that we cannot agree to the adjournment. We must proceed. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Hon. Gonese, your point has been
heard. Point taken and I thought that you are part of the Whips. This is really part of your duty. You should have liaised with your other colleague and made sure that your members are in attendance.
HON. MUNENGAMI: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. -[HON.
CHIPATO: Inaudible interjection]- Hon. Chipato, I am not going to say much and surely, I will make sure that whatever I speak is what I am supposed to be speaking.
Hon. Speaker, I do not know whether it was also a deliberate arrangement even from the Administration of Parliament itself as well regarding this day. Because as we are here in Parliament right now, we have other Members of Parliament who are actually doing e-learning in the Library of Parliament and they are from ZANU PF. So, I honestly do not know whether it was a deliberate attempt by the Administration of Parliament as well, in order to sabotage this day in order for us not to form a quorum. I have been to the Library and I saw Members of Parliament. Hon. Musabayana is here, he can also vouch for me because we were together in the Library and they are still there as I speak right now. So, what is surprising is that, surely is it possible when we have business of the day to day, then we have Members of Parliament who are doing e-learning in the Library of Parliament. That is only what I wanted to say Hon. Chipato. Thank you very much Hon. Speaker.
HON. CHAMISA: Just a point of order. Noting that we have no quorum, if bells could be rung!
THE ACTING SPEAKER: Order please. We are debating on the adjournment of the House. That is the debate.
HON. CHAMISA: No, there is no quorum. So, I am raising a no quorum issue so that those who are in the Library may actually be summoned to come here. If they insist on not coming, at law and in terms of the rules, we will then have to adjourn to Tuesday.
THE ACTING SPEAKER: May you ring the bells please?
[Bells rung].
Notice having been taken that there being present fewer than 70 members, the bells were rung for Seven Minutes and a Quorum still not being present, THE ACTING SPEAKER adjourned the House without question put at Two Minutes to Ten O’clock p.m. pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order Number 56.
NOTE: The following Hon. Members were present when the
House adjourned: Bhebhe, A.; Bunjira, R; Chamisa, N.; Chibaya, A.;
Chinanzvavana, C.; Chipato, A.; Chisorochengwe, T.; Dube, S.; Gonese,
- T.; Gumbo, E.; Khumalo, T.; Kwaramba, G.; Machingauta, C.;
Majaya, B.; Maondera, W.; Maridadi, J.; Matsunga, S.; Mtingwende, T.;
Mudzuri, E.; Mufunga, A.; Mughido Machirairwa.; Mukwangwariwa, F.
G.; Munochinzwa, M.; Musabayana, D.; Murai, E; Musundire, A.L.;
Mutseyami, P. C.; Muzondiwa, E.S.; Ndlovu, N.; Rungani, A.; Saruwaka, T. J. L.; Tarusenga U.D.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 19th July, 2016
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’ clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE in the Chair)
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE SENATE
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: I move that Order of the Day
Number One be stood over, until the rest of Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. MARAVA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Second Order Read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TAWENGWA: I move that the debate do now
adjourn.
HON. SEN. MASUKU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th July, 2016.
MOTION
REPORT ON THE TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
SEMINAR HELD AT KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Transformational Leadership Seminar held at the Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. MANYERUKE: Thank you Mr. President for giving me the opportunity to make my contribution on a motion raised by Hon. Senator Mutsvangwa who is the Chairperson of Zimbabwe
Women’s Caucus.
We had a safe and interesting journey to Kenya and I would like to thank all female Members of Parliament, from both Houses who attended this conference. It was exciting flying to Kenya and we were given an honourable reception, and VIP treatment. I would also like to thank the Government of Zimbabwe for the support they gave us so that this conference was a success. We had a very educative and informative conference at the Kenyatta University. What was most exciting was, it was like back to school because we were at a university. We had very good food and pleasant treatment, which I could call VVIP treatment.
It showed that women of Zimbabwe were very constructive. One of the lessons I learnt is that, as female members, we have to support each other in any programme we have. We also need to continue with our education instead of being contented with what we are. After the deliberations at the conference, we were given certificates of appreciation for what we had done. I urge female Parliamentarians to keep going back to school. We know that as elderly people we may have problems in reading the books because of our eye sight but we can visit opticians and get reading glasses.
On the graduation day, we were congratulated by highly learned people, doctors and professors. To me, this was great and I have risen to offer my gratitude to Hon. Mutsvangwa for the clarity in the report which was presented. Thank you Mr. President.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF NEMBIRE: Thank you Mr. President. I would like congratulate the delegation of women Parliamentarians who went to Kenya. Thank you Hon. Sen. Mutsvangwa for leading this delegation to Kenya. As Chiefs, we have five female chiefs and may not be part of a delegation which includes men, but we are saying they should be included in whatever we do. We have four female chiefs in
Matabeleland and one in Mashonaland.
The delegation which went to Kenya was involved in a lot of productive programmes. We have policies in Zimbabwe which encourage women to take any business they want, women in farming, women in mining and women in construction. We would like to say the information gathered on leadership, imparted to the parliamentarians in Kenya, may this be implemented in our programmes in Zimbabwe and this will lead to the uplifting of the women in Zimbabwe.
We also have some other policies which are in the SADC Protocol. We would appreciate it if these are also implemented in our developmental programmes is Zimbabwe. by so doing, there will be progress in Zimbabwe. I also urge women parliamentarians to support the Zimbabwe anti-domestic violence. We will have peace in Zimbabwe because as women, they are very influential and they can control their men. You can fight domestic violence in our homes. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MURWIRA: I would like to thank you Mr. President for giving me the opportunity to make my contribution. I am also grateful to Hon. Sen. Mutsvangwa for the report presented in this august House on the visit to Kenya. As a woman, I am very much elated. It pleases me very much to find that we have women who go to
Kenya and gain information and education on the progress of women. Out of the report given, I was very much interested by the gender balance which is equal opportunities between men and women. This is unlike in the past whereby women were down trodden from birth till death. We have seen that in Zimbabwe women have been put on equal footing with men and receive equal opportunities. I say thank you to His Excellency for affording women this opportunity and also get women who are members of the Senate.
The report also included debates on early marriages. I am glad to know that Zimbabwe is one of the countries which is fighting child marriages and yet on the other hand, in some countries, when the girl child is eight years old, she is married off. I say a very big thank you to Zimbabwe because it is upholding the girl children’s rights.
We were also taught about the dress code on the etiquette and decorum because if you are not properly dressed and you go to some gathering there is a problem in trying to pull up whatever dress or skirt so that it is properly positioned, which is uncomfortable. Hence, we have been given this information, let us dress properly and dress according to the situation. If there is a place where you are going to, you should study the kind of congregation and put on your clothes accordingly because if you are improperly dressed, you are uncomfortable. You will be trying to correctly position whatever dress you are putting on.
I also want to thank the men of Zimbabwe because they have realised the potential in women and they have said that let us have equal opportunities both men and women. I will not leave out our chiefs. Our chiefs are also gender conscious. They want the up-liftment of women and equal opportunities for both sexes. I would urge fellow women that if you are receiving information from members who have represented us in other for a, let us implement that. As women, let us avoid ‘the pull her down syndrome’ and let us operate with no separation of political influences but just as women, we should be one. I thank you. *HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI: Thank you Mr. President. I would
like to make my contribution on the report which was presented by Hon. Sen. Mutsvangwa and her seconder. Thank you Chairperson of the women’s Caucus Hon. Sen. Mutsvangwa because of the sterling job which you are carrying out and it is leading to the progress and development of women. We are accessing knowledge which we were not aware of. We are aware of the fact that before independence, women were minors. They were not allowed to have identity cards and in some instances, when a woman wanted to open up a bank account, she was denied, instead she would be encouraged to use the identity of her boy child. Therefore, Hon. Sen. Mutsvangwa, thank you for sharing the knowledge with other women in Kenya and you brought us some constructive and progressive ideas. I am sure we are going to develop. Whenever we have such gatherings, it is a place of sharing ideas, development and a chance of looking into the future.
Let me just quote what was said by the previous speaker. The previous speaker talked about the etiquette and decorum. When we watch out television, especially the African movies, they have a national dress.
We always admire them because of that national dress. It is unlike us in Zimbabwe, who are very much colonised by the British. We are people who are always putting on costumes and suits and we gather information on the etiquette and decorum. It is going to help us in shaping our future.
The women’s caucus has done well. We plead with the media to support and publish some of the developmental programmes and progress done by the women so that people are aware. The previous speaker Hon. Sen. Murwira thanked the male members of this country for supporting women, that is why we are in this House. May I beg you men folk that in our next elections in 2018, may we please have more women in Parliament because with your support, there is going to be progress? Support the women and give them ideas on the progress and development of Zimbabwe. A very big thank you to our men. At times in politics, you need to have financial prowess but I know our men are going to support us.
As women, we are also grateful to our Government which supported the big delegation which went to Kenya. There were a lot of countries which attended that conference and they really praised Zimbabwe for such a delegation which attended that conference. It shows that Zimbabwe has many women in the legislative process. Therefore, we plead with our Chairperson Hon. Sen. Mutsvangwa to go and fundraise so that we may send a big delegation with as many as 80 women to such conferences. This will show that Zimbabwe really has a very big quota set up for women. You are representing Zimbabwe and Africa and when you go to those areas, it is showing that we are bringing progress to the country and we also develop at the same time with the progress in other countries.
HON. SEN. CHIMHINI: I stand to support the report presented by Hon. Senator Mutsvangwa and just add a few comments. As we approach elections, we may have Women’s Assembly in MDC-T and the Women’s League in ZANU PF, my appeal is that these women groupings should be exemplary in terms of leading towards peace – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – if we then see women being in the forefront to perpetuate violence, either by instigating, in singing or utterances, then I think we lose direction. So, it is important that we walk the talk. We can come here and present very good speeches, ululate and thank those who went and learnt, but if we do not practice what we learnt then we are missing a very important point in our political life.
Secondly, I want to appeal to all women that we stop gossiping because once you start gossiping and talking ill of other women then you are not promoting what you learnt. Let us practice what we learnt and we will be seen to be serious in our political activities. When we have a woman who is doing well, let us praise and support that individual. We are not in competition but we are in a process where we are learning from one another. I think this is what we should see happening from the women who went out to learn and our women who are around who have received the report so that we can say we learnt something to be positive.
Last but not least, we expect women to rise on merit and not rise because men will promote and at times abuse the women in the process of rising. My appeal is that women must stand up and there must be a real merit to be promoted. Through capacity building, it must help the women to say I am here and I can do it and I am doing it because I am capable of doing it. I really want to thank those who went to learn and that you came back and are sharing with us, but I think let us have a change in mind and attitude, then we can move forward as a country. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MAKORE: I want to thank you Mr. President for
affording me this opportunity to add my voice. I want to thank Senator Mutsvangwa with this issue that she brought from Kenya where she went with other women to learn from the University of Kenya. A lot of things have been shared in this House but I stood up to emphasise on the issue of influence. Women have got a lot of influence and are respected and listened to, even in the homes we listen to them. Seeing us well dressed and looking well like this, it is because of the women who cook for us but when it comes to the issue of influence it is very important.
If you influence the children well, it will build the nation. If you influence like what the previous speaker has said, if it impacts negatively on the children it becomes bad. Talking about influence from where you have been, you talked about influence as representatives who have rights which we were given and we should respect those rights. We want to say to the women and men, we should not abuse these rights because if we are not very careful, those rights can destroy our homes if people are not wise. So, with your influence you should teach others which rights are being referred to and how we should go forward so that our children’s homes stand.
With all these rights, you can see us with our grey hair and we are still with the women we got married to. Even these jackets that we are putting on are from our children because we taught them well. It is our desire that these rights are being mishandled because of the homes which are being broken. So, we want to encourage those we went to learn to go down to the grassroots and teach our children about our culture.
You talked about dressing, you see that young women nowadays are now putting on trousers that are too tight that you can see their body structures and you cannot even look twice at them. Long back, people would treat all children like their own. You could be beaten by a stranger as long as they are your elders. Mothers, fathers, grandfathers and grandmothers were fathers and mothers to all, but these days you find you cannot even chastise the children because they will ask who you are. So bad is prevailing. We are saying, when it comes to dressing and it is not only about trousers but some of the things we are copying from the West and it is not part of our culture and it is rampant. I think with your influence, you should go down to the grassroots and teach people the right things.
There is a thing that I call rationality, which means that you are able to copy what is right and also share what you know is good. This issue of rationality, we should encourage it to women so that we uphold one another and uphold their talents because they help us as a society. When it comes to rationality, it is very important because it is the one which makes us appreciate other people. If you focus on the bad only, you will see that but you should give credit where it is due because those who cannot do things, do not want people who are able to, to do them.
The other thing that is important is respect. In the homes that we come from we are fathers. I want to thank you because you have given the fathers their position. They have given you the liberty to attend these workshops but when you are in your homes you should respect the husband and also try to uplift his life. For example, if you change the way you cook they will give credit where it is due. So, things that uplift the family are very good. So, if you respect us as men we will support you because you will teach your children to respect and also respect the elders. Elders are respected no matter how. They are respected in a good manner. We know that there are some men who are running away from their homes because of domestic violence. I am encouraging whoever is in this situation not to be violent but to sit down and talk to each other.
Some women when they are talking to their husbands do not show any respect at all because they speak on top of their voices. Raising your voice does not solve anything because if you do that you are destroying your own home.
The last point that I would want to say is on our representational role. We are here because we are coming from somewhere. The people who voted for us should see it befitting that they should vote for women because of their good works so that they will know that something good is coming from Parliament and not that women just go there to tell us about law making system but you should be able to teach these women how to cook and bake. Long back, there were women’s clubs where women would be taught how to make bread. It is very important that women should be taught to be recreational. It really helps them. Women should also be involved in sport, cultural activities, singing and dancing so that they enjoy living. Nowadays, people are tense and they die from stress related illnesses because they are always thinking about problems.
There are a few things that are exciting. People no longer live long because they are always thinking of problems. They should get some refreshing moments.
Long back we used to dance when there was a full moon in what we used to call “jenaguru”. It was very good and we would while up time. People would come from all areas and we would meet at night. If you look at me you can see that I was well groomed. There are a lot of things to do in Zimbabwe and it is not only politics that entertains people. I want to thank you for your motion because it is very important. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MUTSVANGWA: I move that the debate do now
adjourn.
HON. SEN. MUMVURI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th July, 2016.
MOTION
LEVELS OF CORRUPTION IN THE COUNTRY
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on monitoring the Executive performance in dealing with reported cases of corruption.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. NCUBE: Thank you Mr. President. I would like to add my voice on the motion on corruption that was brought before this Senate by Senator B. Sibanda. I appreciate the opportunity given to me and before I continue Mr. President, I plead with the interpreters to listen carefully to Ndebele since they are native speakers of the language and say exactly what we are saying. It disturbs us a lot that after the sitting we have to go and correct our speeches. I believe they are so much educated and I know that if they are not able to interpret exactly what we are saying, if they cannot interpret properly it is better we hire those who are competent on the job. Most of the times when we adjourn you will be told that your speech was not captured properly. I think it is our right to use the language one is comfortable with, for it is our mother language.
The Constitution affords us an opportunity to use the 16 languages. You will realise that this actually disadvantages other Senators because after contributing and going through the Hansard, you take it back to the people who voted for you, you become a laughing stock. I really want to say this Mr. President because the things that are written in the Hansard are not actually what would have been said. If the interpreters are not able, they should say so, so that we hire people who are able to speak the language and are able to interpret. They said that we are too fast when we are contributing our debates. We have tried by all means and in my view I think this is sabotage. I do not know whether it is by choice so that we don’t contribute during the debates but I will not stop talking for our core job at Parliament is debating. I want them to understand this very well and they interpret what we would have said verbatim. I thank you.
Mr. President, I realise that Zimbabwe is among the ten countries that have so much corruption. It is counted amongst the ten countries that have too much corruption. A lot has been said by the speakers who have spoken before me that as it is we are facing so many challenges because of corruption. Those who are corrupt in this country, where are they? What is it that is being done to them? What is the end result?
When God created this country, he gave us so many riches. There is nothing that we do not have in this country. We have all the things in this country. We have been given all the minerals in this country. Before
I realised where the riches were coming from, the late Vice President Dr.
Joshua Nkomo said when you reverse the word “lima”, you get the word money. All the riches that we have in this country, my question is how many people are rich in this country. The minerals that we have in this country are not supposed to benefit just a few but everyone. If this country was being led in a proper way, you will realise that we will not be in a situation that we are right now. We are a laughing stock in the world because of our situation.
When I heard that people where not being paid, it was more like a story, a folk tale that is being said and I could not understand it. There are so many people that we have seen coming out from the newspapers because of stealing or taking something that does not belong to them and nothing was done to them. In Zimbabwe, they say that when we have a tender, you will realise that is where there is so much of corruption when giving tenders. It is difficult for you to accuse someone of stealing if you do not have evidence. There is a day when we had oral evidence in the Committee of Peace and Security. Those that we have called to come and give oral evidence, one of them mentioned that when tenders are called, they come with different amounts and they are supposed to choose where there is less money.
We realise that most of the tenders, especially to Government; they do not take a cheap tender. A tender was called to put curtains in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology
Development offices. There was a tender for $25000, $43000 and $56000. Even when you do window shopping, there are cheap quality materials that you can find and there is no way you can buy the most expensive curtains when it is something that can be done by any tailor and it is not done using gold. This is just an example that I am giving you. It is another way of bringing corruption.
There are so many boards that we have in our country. These are other areas where there is corruption where you realise that one person belongs to different boards. He or she can be a chairperson or a secretary and one person has more than 10 positions while there are so many people seated at home in our country and are not working. Why should one person occupy all those positions? Are you the only person possessing all the knowledge?
There is an issue of Mr. Muchechetere and also Cuthbert Dube. Nothing was done to them. There was a time when we were not able to be treated in hospitals. We had to make co-payments of US$5 and nothing was done to them. There is also the issue of Air Zimbabwe. There are a lot of examples of corruption and you realise that nothing was done to all those people. There are some instances where when people are availing themselves to give evidence, just disappear.
At the National Railways of Zimbabwe, the people who were employed there went for a long time without being paid. Where are we going as a nation? There are some students who get educated or do their courses, but for them to get vacancies either at college or for nursing, it is very difficult. You will realise that someone with 10 points will not get a vacancy, while the one with three points will be given a vacancy. Yes, both of them would have passed, but for as long as you do not bribe, the child will struggle to get a vacancy. After the child has completed his or her studies, they will struggle again while a parent would have struggled a lot selling cows as a way of trying to further the education for the child. At the end, as long as you are not known by those in leadership positions or would have bribed, they will not get employed. Where are we going as a nation?
Such motions, when they are tabled in the House, people will be watching. People are so educated; they try even to google over the internet. As Members of Parliament, we do not even know some of the things but nothing is being done.
The last thing that I want to say is, we are cash strapped as a nation. We are being told that there is a cash crisis. We do not know whether it is not there, but that is what we are being told. When we try to start counting from all the scandals like Willowvale or GMB, nothing was done and you realise that there are some people who are busy causing corruption and nothing is being done to them. If one is able to get lot of money and build a big house, that will surprise everyone. Your kids are getting their education outside the country, where are you getting the money whilst we are saying the nation is cash crapped.
It came out from the newspapers that Hon. Chinamasa’s son had US$8 million at the border and there is US$15 billion that just disappeared but nothing was done. Now, people are not being paid. Almost everyone in this House took a loan from the bank and we are not able to pay back the loans. As an MP, if you are failing to give someone a dollar or there is a funeral in your constituency and you fail to buy even cabbages when you go for 6 weeks without being paid, what I know is there is money in this country. If it is not there then maybe, it might have been externalised to other countries. I know that people whom I mentioned, there is a lot that has happened. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MUSAKA: I thank you Mr. President. I wish to make a positive contribution to this debate raised by Senator Sibanda. Mr. President, we all attended this seminar against corruption together. I hope you all have this card. It is illuminating that Hon. Sibanda brings up this debate on corruption. My point is, this House, when we stand up to raise motions and when we debate motions; let us not be parochial, let us not be narrow but let us be deep and understand what we are doing.
What I am trying to say here is, we were recalled on Thursday, 30 June on a Bill exactly meant to fight corruption together, but what we got in that debate – a concerted effort to oppose that Bill. Here is a Bill intended to fight corruption at all levels of governance; national, local or urban, but what we got in that debate was a bit disturbing. It is inconsistent. When we bring this, we are actually calling for a Minister to bring about legislation to fight corruption. Here is a case that was brought here and we had our Hon. Members of the opposition boycotting, refusing to pass the Bill. Let us be consistent when we sit here.
HON. SEN. MARAVA: On a point of order, Mr. President Sir.
Last week’s debate which the Hon. Senator is pointing at, the opposition was refusing the point of personalising a legislation. The opposition was against the legislation being passed as caused by one particular individual, in that respect the Mayor of Harare. So, we did not want the law to work in retrospect. So, the Hon. Member should debate what he has stood up for.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE (HON.
SEN. TAWENGWA): Hon. Musaka, please stick to the issue.
HON. SEN. MUSAKA: Thank you Mr. President. Yes, I will continue. Like I said let us not be narrow but let us be broad. The Bill was never intended to mention a particular individual. It can be ZANUPF, it can be anyone who is corrupt and you will face the law. That was the intention of the Bill. Then we get so parochial and narrow minded and it is stifles debate. It stifles – [HON. SENATORS: Inaudible interjections.]-
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Hon.
Musaka, please concentrate on the motion. The Bill, which we discussed last week was about the Local Government.
HON. SEN. MUSAKA: I thank you Hon. President. Anyway, all I can say is, it is nice that together we should fight against corruption. It is a nice motion and let us be consistent. When Bills come, we pass them. I thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIPANGA: Mr. President, I rise to air my views on this important motion which was raised by Hon. Sibanda. Mr. President, I was really amused to hear Hon. Sen. B. Sibanda for the first time saying, “we want to say”, “we” not “they” when he debated this issue. It was amusing in that in the past, I had known him as a person who always say “they”. Although at the end of the debate he cleverly quotes Professor Mete who says, “If they do not have the capacity to deal with this issue then they must stand down”, “they”.
Mr. President of the Senate, I want to say, whilst I agree totally with everything that was said in the motion, what I want to raise here is the fact that we do not seem to look at the definition of corruption before we debate. We do not seem to worry about the distinction between theft and corruption. All we say is, if someone steals money from where he works that is corruption. We also want to say if someone negotiates his or her salary with a board that sleeps on duty then we say that is corruption. Here I am looking at the case of Cuthbert Dube which has been repeatedly referred to as corruption which Government did nothing
about.
Mr. President of the Senate, Mr. Dube negotiated his terms – I am not defending him but these are facts. He negotiated his terms with a board that was sleepy and allowed him to receive over half a million dollars per month – he did not steal. To call that corruption I think is a misnomer. You cannot compare that for instance with the director of
CMED who connived with someone and then they paid that someone for fuel which was not delivered, that is criminal. We cannot also compare those with other cases like NSSA or Net One.
Mr. President of the Senate, having said that, the point I want to make is that corruption is one of those difficult cases to deal with. Corruption in the whole world is one particular case where you do not have a complainant. It is where two or three involved are all guilty parties and in cases like that you cannot get a witness and where there is no witness a case cannot be proved. Unfortunately, our Constitution and the laws of this country embrace the principle that every individual is presumed innocent until proved guilty. What that means basically is that until someone comes with evidence that someone stole then that person is not guilty.
I am going to quote or use the name Sibanda, not our Hon. Sen.
Sibanda here. In other words, if we lived with a Mr. Sibanda in Magwegwe for 20 years and he was suffering like the rest of us, all of a sudden Mr. Sibanda buys a house in a suburb called Khumalo, a five acre plot, he is now driving a Pajero, he buys his wife a Mercedes Benz C-class, the children now go to school in their small cars and he is now able to go to Kariba and Cape Town on holiday. We do not know how he is getting this money but we know something is wrong somewhere. Can we then say the Government must arrest and send him to jail? No, because there ought to be evidence and someone who comes with proof that when he was employed as some manager at the NRZ, he then gave a contract to some South African company who in the process, gave him some money which enabled him to buy a house in Benside, a five acre plot. He now has five horses. If you cannot get someone to come with this evidence, you cannot send that person to jail.
This is why we have so many cases where we believe that, that person is corrupt. That person corruptly got what he has but we cannot send him to jail. What then do we need to do? Mr. President of the Senate, I am suggesting that as legislators, we need to come up with a different set of legislation which deals particularly and specifically with corruption. My view will be that, that law should get away from where the State is supposed to prove its case but that the accused should prove – in other words, we will go to Mr. Sibanda and say Sibanda, here is a form, fill in and tell us where you got the money, how you got the money and where you bought all this property from.
It will be then for him to prove that he legally got the money and if he fails, he shall be said to be guilty of corruption. That has to be a separate set of legislation. As things stand now, I am sorry to say so, squeal, complain, shout and say the Executive is not doing enough. There is nothing that the Executive can do as long as we have this piece of legislation which says every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. How can you prove if you do know where Mr. Sibanda got his money from or how he got it? How can you send him to jail for something you do not know? My suggestion therefore is, we need to look back and say whilst the laws as they stand are democratic and constitutional, there is need to deal with corruption and corruption cannot be dealt with the laws as they stand.
We can name – some people have tried to go as far back as
Willowgate but for as long as there is no evidence and as long as there is no one particular individual who says in the process someone got money from me illegally and in the process, I lost this because this person got that from me, there is no way you can get this person convicted. I agree that a nation that is corrupt will never prosper. I agree totally but I would want to suggest that instead of keeping on saying “they”, which I said I was happy for the first time to hear Hon. Sen. B. Sibanda said no, let us get away from that and say “we” as a nation need to look at this issue and say what shall we do. My suggestion is that we need new legislation to deal with corruption. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MUTSVANGWA: Thank you Mr. President of the
Senate. I stand up to support the motion which was moved by Hon. Sen. B. Sibanda, a very important motion and I also want to thank the seconder. It is true corruption has affected our slackening revenue collection in this country. ZIMRA Chair of the board is on record saying eliminating corruption could easily increase revenue threefold. Meaning that, if that is the case, then our National Budget could have been around US$12 billion – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – then we could have fully bankrolled ZIM-ASSET within the three years, but because of corruption, we are stuck.
Mr. President, corruption is the main reason why our economic growth is decreasing. We are not living the lives that we are supposed to live. The citizens of this country are the richest in the world, going by the natural resources per capita income – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – Mr. President, as Members who have been elected by the people to represent them, it is critical that we do our work to uphold the Constitution. Members of Parliament do read. In the past, we have been reading about leading medical aid societies unsustainably remunerating themselves with hundreds of thousands of dollars every month. At the end, those who contribute end up failing to access the service.
Mr. President, to demonstrate how corruption is now deeply entrenched in our mental faculties, young children do not want to study medicine, engineering or being a pilot but they want to be a ‘dealer.’ Commuter omnibus drivers, bribe cops in broad day light. What are we teaching our children as mothers and fathers? What are we teaching them to become when they grow up as leaders? We applaud one of the Vice Presidents of the country who was on record saying, it is high time we walk the talk on corruption and ensure that those who are on the wrong side of the law are ruthlessly punished irrespective of their position or standing in society. There should not be any sacred cows when it comes to corruption.
We need to weed out corruption, especially from our public institutions. The Finance and Economic Development Minister, Hon. Chinamasa once said, and I quote, “the tendering system in Zimbabwe is the capital city of corruption.” We do not also forget our audit reports that the Comptroller and Auditor-General had been announcing on our public institutions. Our country needs strong and accountable institutions that meaningfully contribute to economic growth.
Mr. President, we are aware that the Constitution provides for the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZAC). ZAC is therefore a constitutional body. It is this Parliament, it is us as Members of
Parliament who should never ever take a back seat in upholding that Constitution. We applaud the recent move of ZAC to OPC, this lifts it above Ministerial turf wars, accusations of undue manipulation, selective investigation, settling of scores – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – ZAC should announce an open door policy to all whistle blowers from all walks of life, all political groups, all factions if there are any or any party. Let us all move and help ZAC to stamp out corruption in our society. If you hate someone and decide to report a case against them, is it also not possible for the other hated party to report to ZAC. I am sure they do not decline such information which is helpful to stamp out corruption in our system.
Countries with very strict anti-corruption regimes like Sweden, Singapore, Hon Kong and Germany actually notch high in national development. So, we cannot develop if we do not stamp out corruption. Our parastatals in this country used to be admired continentally for their service delivery in terms of economic enablers, in terms of water, transport, electricity, telecoms and many others. Now, they are a laughing stock.
We need a strong ZAC with sharp teeth to root out pervasive culture of theft and abuse of tax payer and public funds in this country. As legislators, we need to also have eagle eyes to make sure that we do stop this rot in our society if we can all come together. I liked it when somebody said, ‘it is not about they, it is about us altogether.’ – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – We need to work together to root out corruption so that our economy can develop. We can give back what our people are supposed to get from this society. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: Thank you Mr.
President. I want to thank Hon. Sen. Sibanda who moved this motion and the seconder. I was not ready but as I was following the debate, things started coming up. I know that there are people like leaders who speak. We are all leaders, if there is money; cars are bought for us under the Parliamentary schemes for us to move about as we serve people.
There are some who said that we work for money but we die for a cause.
There are times when you work for money but I do not think you only came for money; you also came for a calling representing the people. It should not just end on getting money; we are also here for a cause.
However, in that cause, you also have to survive. This means that the people who voted for you should live well. This issue was raised, and everyone from the Head of State talks about the bad practice of corruption. This is not a political issue. It is wrong; this is not a political issue because President Mugabe attacked corruption on a number of times. The Vice Presidents have done so, everybody has done so; do not be intimidated when you are debating an issue like this. Two years ago, one of our relatives died in South Africa. So, they had to spend the whole day at the Beitbridge Border Post because there was something that the health officials at the border had to check on the corpse and the Zimbabwean side was demanding an amount of 3 000
Rands, so they had to pay for the body to be repatriated to Zimbabwe.
We then come into this august House and fail to condemn such a thing.
So, what are we here for?
Even if it is politics, sometimes some of us are going to miss heaven because of these political issues. So you should be very wary of things that you support. We meet a lot of corrupt activities. Someone wanted to get a driver’s licence. So, he went on to do about eight lessons then proceeded to a road test. I told him that I was prepared to give him more money for lessons but he said my instructor said you can give me US$370 then get your licence. However, I told him that you have not trained enough. In other words, he bought the drivers licence and those are the kind of drivers who cause accidents on the roads.
So, when things like those are taking place in society, I think as people’s representatives, let us be true leaders of the people – this is not good. These days, it is better at the Registrar General’s office. A few years back, one had to pay so that their papers will be processed quickly but this would mean that the country is at the cross roads.
As Chief Charumbira and also some of you Hon. Senators, no one wants to take our money for corrupt gains because they know that they will be in trouble. However, this happens to the poor, it is the poor who are in trouble when it comes to this. They do not have any money yet they are the ones who have to go and sell their goats so that their papers will be processed. A country which survives on dealings is not good but you should know that when it comes to corruption, countries are not at the same level, some are really bad and some are mediocre. So, as leaders we should do our part. It is our role that we should stamp out corruption as leaders, especially when we come to Parliament where we say we are representatives of the people.
There are two people who debated before I stood up, Hon. Senator Chipanga is a very experienced man and has seen a lot. However, he has talked about Cuthbert Dube of which he has said the truth but technically and legally, Dube was given a contract by a board which he had to sign. Yes, Dube is corrupt but the most corrupt people are the ones who made him to sign the contract yet I have never had Parliament making deliberation on suing that board. No one wants to dare touch that board and up to now, Parliament is just debating like a toothless dog. There is nothing that happens yet people are crying about Dube’s case. He was given a contract which he signed. He was not getting that money from the safe but it was written. No one wants to dare touch that board and up to now, Parliament is just debating like a toothless dog.
There is nothing that happens yet people are crying about Dube’s case. He was given a contract which he signed, he was not getting that money from the safe but it was written in the contract. The contract stipulated the money which he was supposed to be given. So, the person who should be sued is the person who made him to sign the contract.
How come we are quiet as Parliament? We should push and redirect the case to the people who made Dube to sign the contract. There was a point that was raised that corruption needs proof beyond any reasonable doubt but I think it is two sided. If we want to convict a person who has committed a crime, it is simple but when it comes to workplaces and you are the Minister, you are the Permanent Secretary and there is a scandal which is clear, we cannot point a figure that you were involved. However, because you are the leader, you should resign from that job. The criminality aspect is not in the open, we cannot prove it, we cannot pinpoint the person but we know that US$3 million is missing. That is enough for management to be sacked so that that US$3 million is repaid and that is a civil matter. We do not need proof beyond reasonable doubt but proof on probability.
In terms of labour laws, one should be sacked but to put one in prison, we cannot. When it comes to prison, they want proof beyond reasonable doubt. So, wherever corruption is rampant, if we give you some work to do and some money is missing, even if we do not have much proof but because funds are missing, one should just step down since you would have not handled your job properly.
I know two people who have been in scandals but when it comes to criminal law, there is a problem. It says if someone is convicted, you should go and arrest that person. If the money is in his account, it remains his. I know a lot of people who were jailed and served for 12 years then after their jail term, they started buying property with those funds and they have become rich that people are even begging money from them. Ours now, the African court that is where we come in, we should amend our laws because we do not operate that way. If you are convicted, you should return the things. So you cannot build a House when you were convicted. If you do anything with the money, you will be convicted. If our children think that if they obtain their degrees and see that they will not be able to proceed, they think of stealing and bank the money somewhere, then you convict me – send me to jail, after my release I will use my money. That law will promote people to steal. We can cry loud but Parliament is to blame. If you visit our Constitution, you will find that Parliament as one of the three arms of Government is the one with an oversight role because the courts only interpret the laws that we make from here. So, we need to make good laws, to ensure good oversight and also make a follow up on the oversight. As of now, we are not doing that oversight.
We can pacify each other but the fact is that Parliament is the problem. If you look where Parliament came from, the reason why you are here is because of Montesquieu who argued that – long back the
King was the one who had all powers in the country but he said that we should separate the powers and should not have one centre of power. There should be an Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. Long back the King was everything, the Executive, Judiciary and Legislature. That is why it is being separated from the King, and then comes us who are elected so that we represent the people and look at the laws but we are doing nothing. We cannot practice it, people are crying, they are losing money through bribes because if you do not pay a bribe it will be stagnant, but the Parliament is there – nothing is coming up. Five years it lapses, then some Members of Parliament are elected but people keep on crying. What I am only saying is Honourable Senators, it is high time we have muscles.
There are certain issues we need to incorporate, whether you are from which party because it is bad for the people. If you want to be a good leader – we say we work for money but when we are here it is for a cause because people have entrusted us. Our people are suffering, we have talked about road blocks; I once asked a combi driver how much they make a day, he told me that they make about US$30 but US$5 is for the police and they have to budget that on a daily basis. Parliament is there and this is happening under their nose and you are being referred to as Honourables; driving your Ford Rangers but people are crying out loud and you are not doing anything. Mr. President, the poor are crying out there. I meet them every day and they tell me about the bribes they pay and they wonder why we come here every week if we are not protecting them. Thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN. B. SIBANDA: I move that the debate do now
adjourn.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th July, 2016.
MOTION
DETERIORATION IN THE ROADS AND RAILWAY
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on alarming incidents of road carnage due to dilapidated infrastructure, obsolete vehicles and human error.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUSAKA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHIPANGA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th July, 2016
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION TO THE FIRST AFRO-ARAB
LEGISLATORS AND BUSINESS SUMMIT
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the First Afro-Arab Legislators and Business Summit held in Addis Ababa.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUMVURI: I move that the debate be now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th July, 2016.
MOTION
CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS CENTRED ON
DEVOLUTION OF POWER
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the call for
Government to implement the devolution of power as provided for in the Constitution.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: I move that debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th July, 2016.
MOTION
RESUSCITATION OF THE ZAMBEZI WATER PROJECT
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the resuscitation of the Zambezi Water Project.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. B. SIBANDA: I move that the debate do now
adjourn.
HON. SEN. MARAVA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th July, 2016.
MOTION
FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION CHALLENGES
Ninth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on malnutrition among urban and rural communities.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. D.T. KHUMALO: I move that debate do now adjourned.
HON. SEN. MARAVA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th July, 2016.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE 133RD ASSEMBLY OF THE
INTERPARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU)
Tenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Zimbabwe
Delegation Report on the 133rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Question again proposed.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF MEDIA, INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. SEN. MATHUTHU): I
move that debate do now adjourned.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th July, 2016.
MOTION
REHABILITATION OF WAR SHRINES AND RECOGNITION OF
DEPARTED WAR LIBERATORS
Eleventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion calling for the rehabilitation and maintenance of War Shrines.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I move that debate do now adjourned.
HON. SEN. CHIMHINI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th July, 2016.
MOTION
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE
PRESIDENT AS CHAIRMAN OF AFRICAN UNION
Twelfth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion to congratulate
His Excellency, the President Cde. R.G. Mugabe and the Government of
Zimbabwe on successfully leading the African Union (AU) and
Southern African Development Community (SADC) as Chairperson.
HON. SEN. CHIEF MUSARURWA: I move that debate do
now adjourned.
HON. SEN. MUMVURI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th July, 2016.
MOTION
TRADITIONAL CHIEFS MANDATE
Thirteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the role of traditional leaders.
HON. SEN. MAWIRE: I move that debate be now adjourned.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 20th July, 2016.
On the motion of THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF MEDIA,
INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. SEN.
MATHUTHU), the Senate adjourned at Five Minutes past Four o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 20th July, 2016
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’ clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE
A LIAISON AND COORDINATION COMMITTEE MEETING
RETREAT
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: I wish to inform
the Senate that there will be a Liaison and Coordination Committee Retreat to be held at the Rainbow Hotel, Bulawayo from Friday, 22nd to Monday, 25th July, 2016. The following are expected to attend:
All Portfolio and Thematic Committee Chairperson, Parties’ Chief
Whips and their Deputies, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Legal
Committee, President and Deputy President of the Chief’s Council, Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Women’s Caucus, the Leader of Government Business, the Leader of Opposition and members of the President of the Senate Panel.
Buses will leave Parliament from Nelson Mandela Avenue at 0900
hours.
CANCELLATION OF THEMATIC COMMITTEE MEETING
THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: You are also advised
that Thematic Committee meetings scheduled for Monday, 25th July, have been canceled.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: I move that Order of the Day
Number One be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. B. SIBANDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
FIRST REPORT OF THE THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON
PEACE AND SECURITY ON THE STATE OF THE
COUNTRY’S BORDERS
HON. SEN. MUMVURI: I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the First Report of the Thematic Committee on Peace and Security on the state of the country’s borders.
HON. SEN. CHIEF NGUNGUBANE: I second.
HON. SEN. MUMVURI: Thank you Madam President. I rise to give a report from the Thematic Committee on Peace and Security about the state of the country’s borders. Madam President, according to the requirements of Standing Rules and Orders, let me start by thanking you for allowing the Committee to go round and do its investigations and then table a report in this House.
1.0 Introduction
In the wake of reports that national borders have become porous and conduits of smuggling which have cost the nation millions of dollars due to inefficiencies and operational deficiencies, the Committee visited two border posts, namely Beitbridge and Plumtree to get a more comprehensive understanding of the problems.
2.0 Background
National borders have become porous and fraught with many logistical irregularities which have compromised expedient human movement, human security and amount of money remitted to the national treasury by Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. Such a situation compromises national security and local industries development as cheaper commodities will be found in the market.
3.0 Objectives
The Committee’s fact finding visit was guided by the following objectives:
- To ascertain the state of the country’s border posts.
- To appreciate and understand the operations of the security and the immigration departments to ensure peace and security at our ports of entry.
- To appreciate measures put in place at ports of entry to curb human trafficking; and
- To understand the process involved in dealing with deported Zimbabwean citizens.
4.0 Methodology
The Committee conducted a fact finding visit and held meetings with various stakeholders at the border posts such as ZIMRA officials, Immigration officials, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Ministry of Social Welfare.
5.0 Committee Observations
5.1 Beitbridge Border Post
At the Beitbridge Border Post, the Committee interacted with the
DA’s office where the major concern raised was that there are too many stakeholders at the border post demanding passports. These include the police, soldiers and immigration officers. It was highlighted that whilst it was the mandate of the Immigration officers and the Police to request for one’s passport, the soldiers, security guards, central intelligence officers among others also demanded passports.
The Beitbridge Town Council also submitted that ZIMRA was making US$2 million a day from Beitbridge border post and the Town council would need a stake in the form of a community share ownership to develop the town. During the meeting with ZIMRA, it was confirmed that it was making about $2 million a day.
The Department of Immigration submitted that Beitbridge Border Post operates 24 hours through shifts with each shift having 14 immigration officers and 10 security guards. Their duties include, facilitating safe passage for genuine emigrants and immigrants, deportations, receiving deportees, processing voluntary repatriation, apprehension and prosecution.
It was noted by the Committee that the infrastructure at Beitbridge is no longer in keeping with the volumes of traffic at the border post as it also processes traffic in transit to Malawi, Zambia, DRC and
Mozambique. The border post is the only point of entry shared with South Africa. Month ends, public holidays are the busiest times. The movement is concentrated in the evening between 6-7pm till the early hours of the day. Beitbridge border clears an average 450 000 travellers a month with the peak in December 2014 reaching 765 000 travellers. There are supposed to be various clearing points for the different travellers, buses, lorries, pedestrians and motorists but all this is currently being processed through one checkpoint which causes congestion at the border.
It was also submitted to the Committee that sometimes buses bring in undocumented persons from South Africa and that the South African authorities do not accept TTD’s and border passes anymore. This has caused problems at the border post as those denied entry into South
Africa are found loitering at the Zimbabwean side of the border. The
Committee was also informed that the buses are no longer passenger transport as they are now carrying commercial goods from South Africa, a scenario which delays their clearing and movement of genuine travellers.
The Committee was also informed of the procedures involved in handling deported persons from South Africa brought from Lindela Camp. The Immigration Department related that there is a vetting process to confirm the nationality status of the deportees at a facility formerly manned by IOM but which has since been handed over to the department of Social Welfare. This vetting process ensures that genuine Zimbabwe citizens are given free passage into the country.
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officials informed the
Committee that Beitbridge is the busiest border in Southern Africa. They cited the challenge of infrastructure as the main stumbling block limiting their capacity to process the safe passage of more human and vehicle traffic. Another challenge submitted was low staffing levels as a result of staff accommodation shortages.
ZIMRA bemoaned the porosity of the Beitbridge border post
which has seen a lot of goods going through the river and finding their way into the black market. Consequently, much revenue is being lost. The Committee was also informed that the border post is too close to a residential area which creates a lot of unnecessary human traffic of touts and vendors loitering around the border post. There is rampant smuggling by cyclists and the rate of compliance with regulations is very low. Smuggling of hazardous substances like fuel and the abuse of the rebates were noted as prevalent.
It was also submitted that the Container depot at the border is full and courts were taking a lot of time to finalise cases so that goods held in the depot can be released. These are goods that would have been recovered from people smuggling and false declarations.
5.2 Plumtree Border Post
At Plumtree Border Post, the Committee was informed that this exit point averaged a million migrants in 2014 and it is the second largest in the country. It also handles the only tourist train that comes from Zimbabwe to South Africa, the Rovos train, which accounts for
30% of the revenue at the border.
It was submitted to the Committee that deportations from Botswana had declined in the past three years although year on year figures from 2014-2015 are on the increase and rose by 45%. Botswana has since intensified their inland system of removing illegal immigrants. The Committee managed to witness a group of Zimbabweans at the no man’s land between Zimbabwe and Botswana who had been deported. They could hardly walk and had wounds all over their bodies. They submitted that they had been beaten up by both the Botswana police and the traditional chief courts.
There are problems of touts and vagrants and the Immigration
Department suggested an amendment of the Protected Places and Areas Act so that all border posts can have the status of protected places accorded to them.
It was further submitted that the geographical location of the nearest passport office in the province (Gwanda and Bulawayo) lead to a lot of illegal migrations. There is need to consider district registries as possible passport application points. This, it was submitted may help cut down the volumes of illegal migrants due to unavailability of passports.
The Committee was also informed that Maitengwe border post has been under construction since 2009 but has not been completed. There is no electricity at this border post and the roads leading to it are in bad state and the place is inaccessible during the rainy season. Also the tarred road to Mphoengs is not finished and this has a negative impact to the travellers using these border posts.
It was also submitted that the Immigration Department retains
$100 000 a month to cover all the 23 border posts in the country. Maitengwe border post was allocated $200 000 in the 2014 blue book, but not even a cent was released.
The Committee further noted that there is no road to enable the police and other security agents to patrol the entire border line. On the other hand, Botswana has an immediate road running along the entire border making their patrols efficient and reliable. Limited resources hamper creating an effective border patrol network. Smugglers now realise the potential of these unpoliced border crossings and therefore smuggle mostly fuel and electrical appliances through illegal crossing points along the border. Vehicles to patrol the border are also not adequate and most of the personnel will be patrolling on foot. There is also smuggling of goods through under invoicing to pay lesser duty.
6.0 Committee Recommendations
- Government, through the Ministry of Finance should urgently ensure that all border posts have modern equipment such as heavy duty scanners so that the use of fake travelling documents and smuggling is curbed by the end of 2016.
- A lack of coordination and accountability at the border posts has created a lot of room for inefficiency and ineffectiveness. Government should therefore urgently set up a national ports authority, a body that will coordinate operations and attend to challenges at Zimbabwe’s ports of entry. This will ensure all operational, health, administrative and security issues are dealt with.
- Ministry of Finance should expedite full implementation of the one-stop border post concept between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
(like the one at Chirundu border post between Zimbabwe and
Zambia)
- Government to undertake a comparative study to find out which model would be the best between the retaining of part of the proceeds recovered from illegal mineral activities and poaching or forwarding them to Treasury by the first quarter of 2017.
- Government should prioritise the rehabilitation of roads along the borders to enable the police and other security forces to curb cross border crime through effective border patrols by the availing of funds in the 2017 National budget.
- Government, through the Ministry of Finance, should set up an accreditation body for customs clearing agents and freight forwarders as there are many bogus customs clearing agents, touts and conmen that have contributed to madness and chaos at border posts especially Beitbridge.
- Government should put in place stringent and robust mechanisms (For example, all staff at the borders to wear name tags) to stamp out corruption at the country’s border posts by fourth
quarter of 2016.
- ZIMRA should, with immediate effect, open more cash points within the border to enable travelers to have their goods assessed for duty and pay their levies at the same point, unlike the current situation whereby people are moving from one counter to another causing delay for importers.
- Adequate financial and human resources must be allocated to border control and management by Treasury in the 2017 National budget. (Currently ZIMRA has a staff compliment of 307 against a requirement of 526 at Beitbridge)
- The Minister of Home Affairs to immediately engage his
Botswana counterpart to regularise the issue of mistreatment of
Zimbabwean citizens in Botswana during the deportation process.
7.0 Conclusion
The Committee realises that there is a greater need to address the problem of porous borders and weak border control and management mechanisms in order to ensure sustainable revenue generation at ports of entry and also stem out effectively the problem of both human and goods smuggling. Adequate resources have to be availed to the relevant departments by Treasury to ensure peace and security is secured in and around Zimbabwe.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON PRESIDENT OF THE
SENATE
WINDING UP OF MOTIONS
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: I wish to remind
Hon. Senators that in terms of Standing Order Number 101, a motion can only remain on the Order Paper for a maximum of 21 sitting days. Accordingly, those Senators whose motions have reached the time limit are kindly requested to wind up debate, otherwise their motions will be dropped off the Order Paper. So that means we have until tomorrow and next week before this session comes to an end.
HON. SEN. CHIEF NGUNGUBANE: Thank you Madam
President for offering me this opportunity to second the motion raised by Hon. Mumvuri, the Chairman of the Committee.
Madam President, all borders and ports of entry in the country are the face of the nation. They give you an impression of what the country looks like, whether you are arriving at the airport or at the various border posts. So, they give you an impression. But Madam President, if you look at Beitbridge border post, the infrastructure leaves a lot to be desired. It is old, dilapidated and does not give a good impression about
Zimbabwe. It is important that the border post gets a face-lift as the Chairman indicated that the concept of a one-stop border post will enhance efficiency.
Mr. President, our country’s borders are very porous as evidenced by massive human smuggling and the smuggling of goods at most border posts. Plumtree is no exception. There have been cases of stock theft, animals being stolen from either side of the border. I do not need to emphasise about Beitbridge. We have had newspapers write stories about corruption and the massive smuggling that is there.
Mr. President, I happened to watch a documentary about our border post last week on a channel called African News Network 7, where the reporter showed the massive corruption and smuggling that is happening at that border post. They dwelt mainly on the South African side. They were showing routes or indhlela where people walk to smuggle goods and one of the commodities that was smuggled into South Africa from Zimbabwe were cigarettes. It was shocking. If these smugglers can bribe South African officials and security details, what would stop them from doing the same on the Zimbabwean side? This alone shows that there is rampant smuggling and corruption at our border posts.
Mr. President, porous borders are a threat to national security as the country can be attacked at any time using those border posts and there is a threat to global peace if we talk of insurgence nowadays. One turning point that comes to mind is the invasion of the DRC by the rebels. They crossed from Rwanda using a porous border post and they attacked that country.
Government is challenged financially. We appreciate Mr. President that the Government should invest more to realise more revenue from our countries border posts. At one time, our Zimbabwe
Chamber of Commerce revealed that the country was losing more than US$2 billion a year through smuggling. I think that accounts to about half of our national budget. The country would do better if that money had found its way to the country’s coffers.
A lot has happened from the time we went to Beitbridge. We need to commend Government for the effort that it has put in acquiring scanners and enhancing security at Beitbridge, but Mr. President, security should not be enhanced at the ports of entry alone, the border we share with other countries, a lot needs to be done. We need to enhance security there.
The Committee also realised that the Beitbridge border post is very close to the residential areas – which in turn compromises the security of the border, leaving little room for the border to expand. The Beitbridge border post is one example where Government departments should liaise when it comes to town planning as this showed that there was lack of serious planning of Beitbridge. If you look at Plumtree, the border post is more than 10km away. There is better security compared to Beitbridge. At Beitbridge you find vagrants and touts and you ask yourself whether this border post is a protected area. A lot is needed to address the issue of touts.
The report also revealed that the courts were taking their time in dealing with the cases of people who were smuggling goods and those with false declarations. We would encourage the courts to expeditiously deal with these issues as a matter of urgency. Mr. President, the Government should finish the construction of the Maitengwe border post as it has been work in progress since 2009. The road leading to the border is in a very bad state and does not give a good impression to the travelling public and the tourists.
The country should be proactive in dealing with issues of corruption. We should not play the blame game and end there. We should name and shame all those people whether in the public or in Government spheres who are involved in smuggling syndicates and are involved in corruption. Deterrent sentences should be given to those people who are involved in smuggling and corruption. Mr. President, as a chief, I strongly believe that corruption has been on the increase as a result of a plethora of causes, but the main cause that comes to mind is the erosion of our cultural values. People no longer value ubuntu kana hunhu.
Mr. President, in closing, the immigration officers highlighted the shortage of staff accommodation and it is imperative that Government provides decent accommodation so that they are able to work with zeal. With those few words, Mr. President, I lay the motion before the Senate for consideration. Thank you.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President. I would like to thank Hon. Senator Mumvuri seconded by Senator Chief Ngungubane for bringing in this report. Mr. President, when we talk about these borders, what comes into my mind is the issue of the deportees who are deported from either Botswana or South Africa, most of them being deportees from South Africa.
Mr. President of the Senate, these deportees are brought at the border area and when they get there, after they have been cleared by immigration Zimbabwe they are just left there. Some of them will be coming from as far as Mashonaland West or Mashonaland Central or any other place in Zimbabwe. Some of these deportees will be arrested when they are on their way to work without any money in their pockets. When they are deported, before they get to their final destination which is their homes, they are just left there at Beitbridge. They have nowhere to sleep, they have no money to go to their homes and they have no money to eat. As a result, they will end up thieving, stealing, waiting for people along the roads and taking money from them because they will be in need of money so that they go to their homes.
Mr. President of the Senate, I do not know what we can do. As Zimbabweans, we should put our heads together so that we assist these people. We know some of them of course, make a u-turn but it is not their intention to do so because they would not be having any money to go any further. They think that the best thing to do is to go back to South Africa as it is nearer.
Also looking into the issue of undesignated crossing points, I do not want to dwell much on it but I just want to highlight this august Senate what has been happening recently, in about a month or three weeks ago when the Ministry of Industry and Commerce introduced the ban on the Statutory Instrument (SI 64, 2016), you find that the cross borders instead of using the proper border even though it is as porous as it is, they have used undesignated crossing points as areas of smuggling.
As the chief has pointed out, you find that it is not only the cigarettes that are smuggled. They are smuggling nearly everything.
The big trucks that we used to see crossing through the borders are now crossing all over the shore as the river has no water. It is an eye sore to look at the situation which is taking place especially around the
Beitbridge border; it is not interesting at all. I do not know how much Government is losing per day through these undesignated points, something has to be done.
Mr. President of the Senate, people go to an extend of smuggling sables crossing the river, live animals. I do not think it is no more used as an undesignated point, they are rather entry points. You will find that there were some sables that were caught around the Nottingham area crossing to South Africa, about 28 of them. So, there is much into it and as a Committee on Peace and Security, There is more to be done at those crossing areas. If it was my wish, the Committee would go back to the border towns, this time not even visiting the border posts themselves but getting deeper into these undesignated crossing points and see for themselves what is happening there.
Mr. President, it would take me the whole day if I were just to elaborate on what is happening but I think we should put our heads together and assist each other. Also looking at the border to Mozambique, you find that our farmers around Beitbridge who are nearer to Mozambique lose a lot of cattle through the same manner because as long as cattle can be driven and cross the Limpopo River to Mozambique, you would never get them again and a lot of farmers are losing their cattle. When we look at areas like Beitbridge which are in region 5 who solemnly rely on livestock and their livestock being stolen in large quantities, you find that those people will remain poor especially people around the Chikwalakwala area.
I want also to thank the Minister of Home Affairs and others who recently visited the border town and assisted the border post with some funds so that even though it is not enough, at least they can renovate some of the dilapidated things that need immediate upgrading. I thank them for that because they saw it for themselves without being told by anyone. I think there is more to do with the Committee itself so that there is peace and security along the borders. With these few words Mr.
President, I thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHABUKA: Thank you Mr. President of the
Senate, for giving me this opportunity to make my contribution on the report from the Peace and Security Thematic Committee. I congratulate the Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Sen. Mumvuri and the seconder Hon. Sen. Chief Ngungubane. My contribution is that as Government, we should put our words together so that whatever we are debating and making resolutions to have to be implemented. The situation at our various border posts is in a sorry state because what I noticed is that there is no security at these border posts.
Corruption is at its highest. We also noticed that deportees and illegal cross-borders are the worst enemies of the country’s economy. The deportees from South Africa are deported in the morning and put in a holding camp, fed and put up there. When they are told to go to their homes, within two hours, they will have found their way back into South
Africa.
We asked why they are not given transport to ferry them to their respective homes and we were told that Government had no money to pay transporters to ferry them to their rural areas. The only transporter who is prepared to ferry these people to their homes is the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO). People come from various areas in this country, some come from as far as Mutoko, coming from South Africa. As a deportee, they would not have prepared for that journey and they will not have money. Even when they are transported by ZUPCO from Beitbridge to Mutare, they will not be able to continue with their journey to areas like Nyanga because they will not have money.
We asked Treasury whether there was no money which can be given to these people so that they have bus fare. However, the sources are saying there is no money because Treasury is saying that the economic situation is so bad such that they cannot afford money to give to these people so that they can be transported to their rural areas. We juxtaposed these two positions, the borders are earning funds for the State and yet these illegal immigrants on the borders are destroying the economy because they are bringing contraband into the country.
The officials manning the border posts are saying that they are not able to effectively police the border. As a result, they are relying on whistle blowers from South Africa who tell them that there are petrol tankers which bring petrol to the border which is carried into the country by cyclists. I think as a matter of priority, Government should use the money to reinforce the security at the border.
When we look at what is happening in the eastern border, it is a hilly place but there are a lot of illegal crossing points which are used by these people who are bringing in contraband. This should be closed. At the Plumtree border post, we saw a sorry sight where the citizens of Zimbabwe are tortured and tormented by the officials in Botswana because they would have gone to seek for greener pastures in that country. However, Zimbabwe expect Botswana to reciprocate the goodwill of the Zimbabwean people; we do not torture or torment the citizens of Botswana. We expect them to reciprocate this hand of friendship and give good care to our people.
As Government, we need to take measures to eradicate corruption which we discussed yesterday. There is a lot of corruption happening at the border posts which is financially bleeding the economy. Mr. President, I feel we could be given another chance to go back and check whether there has been a change on what we observed because there are two things which are happening; the smugglers who are externalising money and people who are coming into the country with contrabands. The border posts are near residential areas because of the high traffic of people. When they smuggle in things, they quickly hide them in the houses which are located near the border posts. In order for Government officials to go into those houses, they should obtain search warrants.
There is therefore need to strengthen security at the border posts as a Government. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI: Thank you Mr. President for giving me the opportunity to make my contribution in support of this report moved by Hon. Sen. Mumvuri and seconded by Hon. Sen. Chief Ngungubane. Mr. President, it is true that what we discovered at the border post is a sorry sight. We talked to the Officer-In-Charge of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and we were saying South Africa has tarred roads and on the Zimbabwean side, we have dusty roads. The officer told us that they move distances of about 50 km on this dead road. Such a situation has prompted the morale of the security officers to go down. Whereas they are dedicated to their duty, they face the danger of being assaulted or attacked by illegal immigrants to the country or wild animals.
As Government, I think we should treat the Beitbridge Border Post with the importance it is attached to. What really mesmerised us was the fact that there was a new scanning machine on the Zimbabwean side but they were not using it because there was no one trained to use it. they were using manual methods of checking goods. In such a situation, it is promoting corruption. I am saying, as Government, if we are purchasing these machines for such important places, we need to start by training the operators of these machines so that they can be utilised.
We also realised that electric communication cables in those offices were cut and we wonder who could be responsible for such vandalism. As such, I say thank you to Hon. Sen. Mumvuri who introduced this motion and Hon. Sen. Chief Ngungubane for seconding it. It is our oversight role to ask for a quick solution to such problems. Since there is corruption, the officials are reluctant to ask for a quick training session on the operation of such machines.
I emphasise, this is promoting corruption. As a mother, I was very hurt and felt like crying because there were nursing mothers carrying babies with bags in their hands. They were so dirty as if they were vagrants. When we asked why they were in such a state, they said that they had gone to Botswana to seek for greener pastures but towards month-end, instead of being paid their salaries and wages, they were reported to the chiefs as illegal migrants. In turn, the chiefs in Botswana have a culture of saying that whoever is seen to be on the wrong side of the law is physically assaulted, they have to be thrashed. Surprisingly, as countries which are sharing borders, we also share cultures, we have intermarriages, we have inter-business ventures and therefore, we should be living in harmony. As a Committee on Peace and Security, we are calling on the Government that in the next coming 10 years, you will find that the Beitbridge environs will have encroached into the Limpopo River. We had two of our Members who managed to get into the houses nearby and they were intimidated and almost terrorised by those people saying they knew who they were despite the fact that they wanted to go clandestinely into those areas. This proved that there were look outs, whistle blowers who told these illegal importers that we were around.
Mr. President, the kind of load which will be carried by those bicycles will be so huge, equivalent to a small van but that will be carried by a bicycle and one would wonder how those bicycles are manufactured that even the police could not push that bicycle. It showed that this was a well organised criminal syndicate with check points at various areas for their security so that they could go on with their illegal business without any interference. As Government, we are calling for the State to work hard in seating these porous border posts because they are the cash cows of the State and this is going to build the wealth of the country and the welfare of the people. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MAWIRE: Thank you Mr. President for according
me this opportunity to add my voice to this motion which has been raised by Hon. Mumvuri, seconded by Hon. Chief Ngungubane. I want to thank you for raising this issue. It is very true that our borders are porous and we cannot deny what this Thematic Committee has, report brought into this House that our borders are porous. I think everyone is aware of it, even visitors, strangers, when they look at our borders, they cannot tell whether it is a boarder or growth point or a dancing group because of the environment. It does not reflect that there are
Government offices there. The roads are not tarred, there are dirty roads and it is a health hazard to people there. If we look at the Council houses that people stay in and look at the border where big trucks and buses pass through, one will be very sorry at the situation. We also discovered that when passports are being demanded, you see that it is all corruption because we know that the immigration have got their duties, the police and the army have their duties but all these people leave all their designated posts and start engaging in corrupt activities.
We get a lot of reports from those who go abroad; even ourselves when we go for public hearings, when we visit our constituencies, we hear about the challenges they are facing. We bring those issues to in this House and deliberate on it. However, at the end of the day, whatever we are doing here seems like game. As Parliament, I believe that we are not experts in the delivery of our duties but one of our roles is that of legislation. So, why are we not taking action on what is happening? We should stand up as Parliament, if we can summon the Minister to come to this House; probably he is not aware of what is happening around his Ministry. We should also take them to the borders so that they will see it for themselves and desist from giving out reports which probably they do not read.
When we talked to the police, on the opposite side they are well protected, their roads are tarred along the border and they use vehicles to patrol in their areas but on the Zimbabwean side, it is not fenced and they only use their eyes to check. So, they do not know where to end when they are patrolling hence they are also weary of their security as well. When somebody is engaging in smuggling, it means they have become very dangerous. So we will end up losing our police force. There are some things that we blame our police but they are also human beings and they are State workers, hence they should enjoy their work.
The Government should do something at our borders so that it curbs this smuggling of things. We just talk about it and nothing happens. If you look at how our cities are being built, people are building on wet lands but we are not solving such situations as is happening at Beitbridge border post. It is about 100 metres from the border to the residential areas. So, people can smuggle things and hide them in their houses right there. It is just like we are watching from the terraces then cry later. However, as Government, I think we should look for places to relocate these people. We should desist from just saying it is dangerous but the Government should look for a place to re-locate those people who are along the border. If it were possible we could move the border itself. So, what is only left is for us to re-locate those people so that they will be moved from those areas and a new town will be built for the displaced people.
We were told that two million dollars a day is being paid. If that money was being collected on a one stop shop borderpost, I think we could be getting a lot of money. If you multiply that money per month, you find that you could get about $60 million which would go a long way. If you look at their staff, the reports that they produced between the Beitbridge and Plumtree, you find that the Plumtree border staff is very confident and all their things are well documented as compared to the Beitbridge Border. When we asked the supervisor something, it looked like they were not confident and did not know. They would look at each other and you would know that things are not right.
I know that from my experience as a civil servant there were a lot of transfers. With the corruption that we are experiencing, I think it is not proper that civil servants should be at one place for about 30 years. I think they should be transferred even if it is costly. You find that these days, people do not even want to be promoted because they want to stay at that same place because they would have acquired wealth through fraudulent activities.
As Members of Parliament, I think we are also to blame. Let us not look away. I read a paper from Mr. Speaker. We are talking about corruption nearly every day but the very people who are pointing and denouncing corruption are the ones who are being involved in corrupt activities as well. Some of us do not attend workshops but just come and collect money from donors. I think we should start with ourselves. Mr. President, thank you for according me this opportunity.
*HON. SEN. MACHINGAIFA: Thank you Mr. President
for giving me this opportunity to make my contribution. I also want to thank Hon. Ngungubane for seconding this motion on this report. Mr. President, we travelled right round the country checking on our borders and we kept our eyes and ears open. When we called at the Beitbridge Border Post, the head of administration in that place was surprised and showed that he was not comfortable with the delegation which had paid him a visit. We observed that it was in an unhygienic environment yet they were informing us that they raise an amount of $2 million per day. That money is not ploughed back into their coffers so that they can be taken care of and have a good welfare.
When you look at the no-man’s land between Zimbabwe and South Africa, there was a difference in that in Zimbabwe the border post is built near residential areas and this is posing an economic risk because smugglers are taking advantage of bringing goods and hiding them into their houses. As a Committee, we are recommending the relocation of these people to areas which are a distance from the border post.
On the other hand, when we paid a visit to the Plumtree Border Post, the place was spic-and-span, and they welcomed us and we knew that they were in a good state of mind. They took us to the crossing point at the border post. We saw about 23 Zimbabweans who were being deported from Botswana. Their age groups I would say, there was a young girl of nine years. They had crossed the border into Botswana and were doing household chores as domestic workers. At month end, instead of being paid their wages or salaries, they were taken to the chiefs who would apply corporal punishment on them because they were illegal border jumpers.
When these people are taken to Bulawayo through these repatriation processes, Government does not take care of them. As soon as they are in Bulawayo, it is up to them to find the monies to take them to their respective homes. The police were also complaining that the roads are so bad that it is not easy for them because at the moment, it is a dangerous situation. Even if we have these roads, will we not find ourselves fighting again with the police because we are used to this smuggling. As a result, what we need to do is to create employment so that people have jobs and will not go out in such a humiliating way to the neighbouring countries.
If the people who have businesses are not employing people, it means we are not getting anywhere and the country will still be in a sorry sight and people will be in poverty. The
Government of Zimbabwe and the people should hold awareness campaigns so that people avoid these illegal dealings because they are bringing misery to the country. In the past, Government put together some fund which was used to go and collect these deportees. As soon as these deportees landed in Zimbabwe, they quickly nicodimously slipped back into the countries they had been deported from.
I think it is worthwhile for a country to look for ways and means of fighting this illegal crossing business. What also is of great pain is we have machines at the border posts which are new and modern technology but they are not in use because of lack of operational knowledge. As a result, corruption is rampant because officials who are supposed to be doing the searching are now doing it manually and this becomes a breeding ground for corruption. We were told by the officials about the problems they face in their day to day operations. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MASHAVAKURE: I would like to support the Peace and Security Thematic Committee for introducing this report. I hear that there is a scanning machine which is supposed to be used in the searching process at the border post and wonder why it is that we have educated people at the border post who are exposed to such a machine but are failing to read the manual and operate that machine. One can easily conclude that this is because of corruption. They want to benefit by using manual methods of scanning the imports and exports. If you go and buy a refrigerator from shops like OK that a refrigerator comes
with a manual of operation. I am saying these people are being unfaithful and unfair because they are hiding the truth. We have been told that these deportees are not given the chance to collect any monies for onward transmission but we have international rules and regulations which give rights to these deportees or illegal settlers.
In countries like South Africa where people are picked On the streets and deported to places like Lindela, they should use that right of the illegal settler and take them to their place of residence and collect their goods or any other possessions which they have so that when they are going back to their countries, they will be able to fend for themselves and travel to their home areas in Zimbabwe. The current situation where an individual is picked at random and taken to detention centres, that is the reason why as soon as they alight from the bus they sneak back illegally into the country where they were operating from because the reason is that they want to collect their possessions and this becomes a cat and mouse game. As a result Government should find a way where these deportees are given a chance to collect their possessions and some of that cash may also be used in paying for the services rendered in the deportation of that individual.
As far as I am concerned there is corruption which is going on in countries like Botswana whereby a Zimbabwean has rendered some services and come month end instead of paying them, you arrest them and take them to the chiefs where they are physically tortured and receive corporal punishment and then deported. This is inhumane. We need to accord people their decent human rights. As has been stated before, we are one and the same people. We have the Kalangas in Botswana and we also have the Kalangas in Zimbabwe, so we are one and the same people. We need to be a cultured people. We need to practice ubuntu and protect these people.
During the Constitution-making process, we were told that there were people who would indulge in stock theft and when these cattle are driven into Mozambique you would be threatened with gunshots. You will not be able to follow your cattle and this is because it was said of
Botswana that it was not a member of Interpol, as a result, it is easier for people to access ammunitions and weapons such as guns which are used for stock theft. Even if your entire herd has been stolen, you may not be able to make a follow up on an armed thief because you may be killed or lose your cattle. I think the Government should hold meetings regarding relief from such crimes. At times there is a problem in that if a country is infested with insurgencies as could be happening in Mozambique, that area which is filled with bandits has no Government control and there are no peaceful methods which can be followed but it is an exercise worth trying.
One of the speakers said that the way the Beitbridge Border Post was planned in regard to the residential areas, the town planner really did a bad job and it is not right for people to be allocated stands at an unsuitable place. Government should relocate these people to a safe distance from the border post so that the officials who are manning our border posts can work in peace and conducive atmosphere. This will prevent the country from losing billions of dollars through smuggling as what obtains in Beitbridge where goods are diverted to residential areas.
The District Administrators and town planners should be aware that these settlements will expand and even in Harare we have a situation whereby you cannot tell the difference between residential areas and industrial sites because they are in the same environment. We need to have planners who have foresight and not only think about today.
We need to talk about people who are economic refugees and we should look for ways of avoiding that so that people stay in Zimbabwe because if you look at it, some of these people do menial jobs such as herding cattle and yet if you were to ask that person to herd cattle in Zimbabwe, he will think that you are looking down on him. To tell the truth, these jobs are available in Zimbabwe. You can look after cattle in Zimbabwe and still be paid a living wage. We need to hold an awareness campaign and tell people that being in the diaspora may not be all that rosy. Life out there is difficult and when you are here and you indulge in small to medium enterprises, you may make a living because if you are in your country, and should there be any problems, the state can look after you. Even if you are faced with a problem, you can easily find transport to go to your home area.
Let us not just go to the diaspora for the sake of it. Sometimes when these people go to the diaspora they speak ill of their country. They badmouth their country and as a result, the people who will be hosting you will take advantage of the bad words you have said about your country and they will ill treat you because you cannot go back to your country because there is poverty, rebellion, bad governance and resultantly, you have no comfort. The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. We need to create these awareness campaigns that the diaspora is not always rosy. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MUMVURI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 21st July, 2016.
MOTION
SECOND REPORT OF THE THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON GENDER
AND DEVELOPMENT ON THE STATUS OF CHILDREN’S HOMES
HON. SEN. MAKORE: I move the motion standing in my name;
THAT this House takes note of the Second Report of the Thematic
Committee on Gender and Development on the status of children’s
homes.
HON. SEN. BUKA: I second.
1.0 Introduction.
Children's homes provide the safest and conducive environment for abused children to grow up. The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Care is responsible for the deployment of needy children to various children's shelters as well as disbursement of government grants for their operations. However, children's homes have been characterised by deteriorating standards. In view of the above, the Thematic Committee on Gender and Development resolved to conduct an inquiry on the challenges being faced by children's homes and to assess the functional status of the various children's homes where a number of abused children end up living.
2.0 Objectives.
The Committee was guided by the following objectives;
- To identify and appreciate the challenges being faced by children accommodated at children's homes;
- To assess the status of children's homes;
- To explore legislative and policy considerations regarding children's homes and;
- To offer policy recommendations for improvements.
- Study Tour.
In an effort to appreciate first hand experiences of children housed in orphanages, the Thematic Committee on Gender and Development conducted a fact finding visit to children's shelters from 4th to 8th of April 2016. Children homes visited are; Mathew Rusike, Ivordale, Chirinda, Alpha Cottages, SOS Children's village, Midlands' Children's home, Maryward and Kadoma Training Institute.
4.0 Committee's Findings
4.1 Mathew Rusike Children's Home
On 4th April 2016, the Committee visited Mathew Rusike
Children's Home, Epworth, Harare. The Committee was informed that
Mathew Rusike Children's Home was established by late Rev Mathew Rusike in 1950. Initially, the orphanage was providing residential care in dormitory styles for orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) in Epworth for children aged 3 to 18 years. The Committee was informed that currently the home operates a multifaceted programme that combines residential care from infant to 18 years and is caring for over 2000 under residential care. Projects that are run by the orphanage include poultry, piggery, fishery, and gardening. The Committee was informed of challenges affecting the operations of the orphanages, which are: (i) shortage of land for income generating projects such as growing of maize; (ii) lack of computers for the children including those doing ECD lessons; (iii) lack of sewing machines since there is a training center registered with HEXCO; (iv) shortage of financial support to acquire more machinery and tools; (v) financial assistance to construct laboratory block for secondary students; and that (vi) government grants were no longer being disbursed to the orphanage.
4.2 Ivordale Children's Home
The Committee visited Ivordale Children's Home, Goromonzi, Masholand East, on 4 April 2016. The Committee was informed that the orphanage, established by Compassion Ministries of Celebration in 1980, initially to cater for children affected by civil war in Mozambique, had 28 children. Challenges that were mentioned to the Committee were: financial challenges since the home requires $160 000 in order for it to operate normally, currently the nearby farm owner, Mr. Pasco, assists with food and other basic necessities; need of a bus for transportation of children to schools which are far away; require financial assistance to refurbish the buildings which are old; Government stopped disbursing grants for the orphanage in 2014 and; the premises require security fence.
4.3 Chirinda Orphanage Home
The Committee visited Chirinda Orphanage Home, Mt Selinda, Manicaland Province. The Committee was informed that the home was established in 1955 by Mrs. Hohodza Dube and that the overall authority was the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe (UCCZ) formed in 1893.
There were 29 children at the orphanage, 15 girls and 14 boys.
The Committee was informed that the administration of Chirinda
Orphanage Home was being assisted by the administrator from Mt Selinda Hospital, making it easy for children to access medication. The home budget depends on donations from the UCCZ church, and the World Food Programme, among others. Challenges communicated to the committee include the following: (i) the last payment done to volunteer care givers was in 2014; (ii) Government stopped the payments of grants, $15 dollars per child per month in 2012; (iii) there was acute shortage of funds for school fees for children; (iv) the home had no proper income generating projects to supplement donations towards its operations budget requirements, although there was a very small piggery and 5 cattle; (v) no adequate land for the orphanage to carry out income generating projects such as maize production, a 12 hectare farm was said to have been identified at Mamombe farm but construction had not begun due to financial constraints; (vi) there was no reliable source of clean water and was rationed during the day. In addition, it was reported that the children were facing difficulties in accessing birth certificate documents. This was reported throughout the tour.
4.4 Alpha Colleges Children's Home
The Committee visited Alpha Colleges Children's Home, Masvingo Town. The Committee was told that the home was a community institution established in 1954 and used to cater for colored children and started to receive other vulnerable children after 1980.
There were 35 children, 22 boys and 13 girls, of which 2 were disabled.
Ten were attending primary school, 4 were going to pre-school and 2 were not going to school.
The home budget, which should be about $8 000 per month, is not well funded, and to a greater extent depends on donations from Montana Meats and some churches. The home has some projects which include a grinding meal, poultry project, market gardening, rents the hall to churches to generate some cash to fund the operations of the home. In terms of personnel, there are 4 mothers, 2 groundsmen, and 1 secretary. The home requires a matron but the post was vacant, due to lack of funds to fill the post.
In terms of challenges the Committee was informed that: (i) the orphanage sometimes hires volunteers who need to be paid some allowances and there was $22 000 salary arrears; (ii) NASA contributions arrears of $9000 which accumulates interest; (iii) truck at the home was too old and in need of urgent repair; (iv) the home is stuck with 2 children who had reached 18 years, and according to policy should be discharged, yet they were still in need of assistance to proceed to 'A' level and have nowhere to go even if they are released from the institution; (v) the institution had difficulties in acquiring birth certificates for children, as it was indicated that 20 out of 35 children had no birth certificates; (vi) government grants were last paid in 2012, after a non-payment period that stretched since 2005.
Interestingly, the Home acknowledged the assistance offered by the Masvingo City Council, where they are exempted from paying water rates among others.
4.5 SOS Village Lodge
The Committee visited SOS Village Lodge, Bulawayo, on 7 April 2016. It was established in 1949 after World War 2, by H. Gemein, originally to cater for children who lost parents during the war. Similar homes in Zimbabwe are in Bindura and Harare. There are similar homes in 132 countries in the world. SOS children home are operated in line with the family concept system, where there is a mother, father, sisters and brothers.
The Committee was told that the center had 112 children being catered for in 15 different family set up at the center. The national budget of $8 000 is shared by the 3 centers in Zimbabwe, and is also supplemented by donations and Government grants as per policy requirements. Challenges at the institution include: shortage of water; SOS Village Lodge continues to assist children for their education at tertiary levels; the institution faces challenges of obtaining birth certificates for children, a child since 1995 and now at university has not been given a birth certificate; the SOS Village Lodge mourns the slow decision making by the Department of Social Welfare whenever they sought permission for children to attend sports, tours, go on holidays to foster parents, a long-drawn- out process which takes time and more often than not, children at the institution end up failing to attend sport events with other children; and the home last received grants from Government in 2013.
4.6 Midlands Children's Home
The Committee visited Midlands Children's Home. Established in 1962, the orphanage currently caters for 60 children, 34 girls and 27 boys, and there are 10 workers. Its budget heavily depends on donations from well wishers. The orphanage offers an 'after care' programme called 'Home Ino' for children discharged at 18 years who have nowhere to go, particularly in terms of accommodation. The main challenge mentioned to the Committee was need for more land and that Government grants were last paid in 2015.
4.7 Maryward Children's Home
The institution was established in 1981, and currently catering for 68 children, in four different housing units, that is 15 to 17 children per house. 9 children are doing grade zero, 27 doing primary education while 22 are at secondary. Three of the children do not have birth certificates. The budget of the home, at $10 000 for school fees, food, medication, depends on donations. The institution is in need of more land to allow it to carry out different income generating projects. The other challenge reported to the Committee was that government grants were last paid 5 years ago. The institution also gives after care assistance, namely practical skills and equipment and pay their rentals for up to 6 months for children discharged at 18 years and with nowhere to go.
4.8 Kadoma Training Institute
The Committee visited Kadoma Training Institute, in Kadoma. The Committee was informed that the institute, located at 105 hectares, caters for young offenders of the age 14 to 18 years. There were 42 children and the institute has capacity to care for 250 children. In terms of staff, there were 18 social service workers and 9 teachers.
Challenges mentioned to the Committee include: (i) need for more equipment that is a tractor, plough, reaper and trailer; (ii) need for irrigation equipment since there is dam nearby; (iii) need of a car since the one given by CMED is a pool car that is often taken for other duties; (iv) a pump to boost water provision; (v) telephones need repair for they have not been working for 5 years; and (vi) there is need for funds to refurbish the premises.
5.1 Committee Findings: Children's Homes
- Most children’s homes do not have enough land available, as a result they find it difficult to implement 'family set up' model, where care mothers are given a number of children to live with. The situation also results in limited space for income generating projects.
- The government is not consistently disbursing the $15 per child per month for children at orphanages, leavings these institutions financially stressed. Most children's homes last received these grants 3 to 5 years ago. This means that the availability of basic needs for children such as food, medication, and education are compromised.
- The Department of Social Welfare does not maintain a constant periodic supervision and monitoring of children's homes in the country, and thus different homes have different standards that they adhere to and this further exposes children at these institutions to food shortages and other necessities.
- Most children's home institutions are experiencing difficulties in getting birth certificates for their children, a process which is supposed to be handled by the Department of Social Welfare which brings these children to orphanages in the first place. Yet, Chapter 4, Part 3, Section 81 of the Constitution provides that every child has a right to be given a name and family name and prompt provision of a birth certificate.
- There is shortage of government social workers and this makes it hard for those few officers available to facilitate the provision of birth certificates for children at orphanage institutions in all provinces in addition to other duties that they are supposed to execute.
- It is government policy that at 18 years children at orphanage institutions should be discharged. However, the Committee found that most children's homes found that rather awkward to follow since at 18 most children are still vulnerable, still attending school or tertiary education and or are without vocational skills and have nowhere to go. As a result, without assistance from government,
most children's homes implement 'after care' programmes in which they continue to give care and vocational skills and start-up accommodation, in order to assist discharged children to make a decent beginning on their own.
- Chirinda Children's Home is being run without a distinctive budget of its own, but rather depends solely on the well wishers especially members of the UCCZ. In addition, there is no specific administration for the home but it is being serviced by the hospital administration.
- Urban or Rural Councils can play a crucial role in assisting Children's homes under their jurisdiction for instance Masvingo Town Council.
- The Constitution specifically states that everyone has a right to birth certificate, hence the Departments of Social Welfare and Registra General must issue birth certificates to the children before they turn 12 years.
6.1 Recommendations: Children's Homes
- Scholarships such as the Presidential Scholarships Schemes should deliberately target vulnerable and talented students form disadvantaged background, especially from children's homes.
- The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Services to immediately resume payments of the $15 per child per month in order to ensure that the children have basic necessities such as food, medication, and school fees by end of August.
- The government in conjunction with other stakeholders such as
NAC and Ministry of Health and Child Care should immediately
(end of July being suggested) roll out training programmes in ART, HIV and AIDS service delivery for all care givers at children's homes since there are HIV positive children that they are taking care of at their institutions.
- The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Services should consider crafting an after care programme to cater for children that attained the age of 18 years, and so should be discharged from children's home as a matter of policy, yet they are still in need of
care and assistance to make a beginning in their lives. At the moment, different children's home shave different after care programmes that they are running without any assistance from government. Provision of vocational skills in areas such as carpentry, garment making, and related tools and equipment is critical before a child is discharged from children's home.
- Due to shortage of care givers at most children's homes due to the fact that these institutions have no reliable budgets from which to pay care givers, the government should consider identifying core and critical staff for all orphanage homes and pay them from the fiscus, in order to guarantee quality care for the children at these homes.
- The Department of Social Welfare should do more, in partnership with the Department of Registrar General, to ensure that all children at orphanage institutions have the birth certificates in time and in accordance with the provisions of the new Constitution. Certain conditions or requirements for orphanages should be relaxed to facilitate easy production of birth certificates by end of July.
- There is need to decentralise decision making from Harare to provinces and districts on matters to do with permission of children movement from their respective homes to foster parents during holidays and to different places with their respective schools for education and sports purposes.
- The Department of Social Welfare should intensify its supervision and monitoring of all children's homes in Zimbabwe to ensure that these institutions adhere to policy prescribed standards in terms of children diet, accommodation, education and health.
- The Department of Social Welfare should attend to Chirinda Children's Home by end of July to avoid further deterioration of standards and also offer assistance where necessary
- The Department of Social Welfare should consider raising the age of discharge to levels where children can complete their tertiary education without hindrance.
7.0 Conclusion
Children's homes provide the safest environment for abused children to grow up. Most of the children's shelters are struggling due to financial constraints. In addition, the Government's policy that children should be discharged upon attaining 18 years, disadvantages the child as they struggle to stand on their own.
Challenges raised include of birth certificates, accommodation, school fees among others. The Department of Social Welfare should do more, in partnership with the Department of Registrar General, to ensure that all children at orphanage institutions have the birth certificates in time, in accordance with the provisions of the new Constitution. The government is not consistently disbursing the $15 per child per month for children at orphanages, leavings these institutions financially stressed. I thank you.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 21st July, 2016.
*HON. SEN. BUKA: Thank you Mr. President. I rise to second the report which was introduced by the Thematic Committee Chairperson. We were given the chance to go and get first hand information on the residential status of children in orphanage homes. We worked hard for the progress of those areas. I will take a step-bystep analysis of the things which we observed.
It was painful to observe some of the situations under which some of these children’s homes are being run. Some of these homes are doing well whilst some have children living a miserable life. I noticed that some of the founders of these children’s homes have children at heart and intend to provide good welfare for these vulnerable children. Unfortunately, when these founders pass on, the people who take over come in to loot whatever they found.
We visited the Chirinda Orphanage Home whose founder was a lady who had the children at heart whom she took good care of during her life time. However, when she passed on, children began to live a miserable life. When we got there, we were told that they had nothing to eat. They were being fed with left-over food from a nearby hospital. Even the administrative structure at that home was very poor because everyone was doing whatever they wanted. What happens is that the children who grow up in such a home lack proper orientation and they lack socialisation in the family culture.
We noticed that there are adolescent girls who need guidance from elderly women so that they can be well socialised into the Zimbabwean culture and family life. We feel that it is Government duty to oversee the operations of these homes. We were so much pained that we found it considerate to make contributions from our pockets so that the children could have an evening meal. As Zimbabweans, we need to establish homes which can be run efficiently rather than what we observed at the Chirinda Orphanage Home. I think that the visit that we made will create an impact on the responsible Ministry when they receive this report.
The other observation we made on these orphanages is that
there are rules and regulations which say after attaining 18 years, they are charged out of the homes. These children have this attitude inculcated in them that if you are naughty and have reached 18 years, they will be chucked out of the homes. This continuous reminder that you are misbehaving, you are a delinquent yet you are an orphan, so when you get up to the age of 18 years, you will no longer be suitable to be a resident of this Home.
So, we need to have a situation where the children receive a culture which is good and conducive to a future citizen of Zimbabwe. The children who are given this culture of fighting for their benefits leads to children who even when they are released into the society, are always fighters and have this bitterness. As a result they live a miserable life and yet under normal circumstances, in our homes we do not remind our children that when they attend the age of 21, we chuck them out of the homes but they can stay for as long as they want. Even when they go for employment, we take them as children who need our shelter.
However, in these orphanages, attaining the age of 18 years, they are taken out of the home but in a normal set up, when a child attains 18 years, he will still be going to school, universities and colleges. Upon attaining the age of 24, then they may be regarded as adults because they would have attained some degree or some qualification which is contrary to what is happening in these homes. When a girl child is released from this home at 18 years, she quickly rushes, unprepared to family life and gets married to that person who takes advantage of their background. So, we are saying, we should not say out this language which torments spiritually, physically and socially to these children in orphanages.
The Government has to take measures to protect these children so that even if they attain 18 years, the Government has this law which is within our statutory instruments which says, at attaining the 18 years, you have attained the legal age of majority but we are calling upon the Government to establish vocational and training schools so that at that age, they are trained into those colleges in order for them to have lifelong skills which will help them when they would have attained their independence from the homes. This will improve them and make them become good citizens because they would have attained education.
We also noticed that despite the fact that the Constitution says it is a right of every child to have a birth certificate but these children in these orphanage homes do not have. What boggles the mind is that these children in these orphanages are taken care of by civil servants; the birth certificates are given out by those same civil servants through the Home Affairs and the Registrar General. So, why is it that these documents cannot be given to these children as soon as they are admitted into these homes? We feel that it should be recommended that the Ministry of Home Affairs and Social Welfare, should work on this documentation programme so that these children can easily access the birth certificate.
With regards to projects, we realised that Mathew Rusike and SOS have well established projects which train the children the skills to be used in future so that when they establish their homes, they would have gained the skills. This is so because SOS and homes like Mathew Rusike have their own lands to carry out such projects. We are saying as a Committee, the Ministry of Lands should be in a position to allocate at least some five hectares of land to these homes so that they can carry some subsistence projects and train these children. This will be an advantage, a double header in that on one hand; they are growing their own food. Secondly, they are getting skills to be used in the future. We noticed that at Mathew Rusike, the orphans are involved in piggery, gardening, farming and they are living in a family life structure just like in any home. The children also grow their own food and they are given support which subsidises the food which they will be getting. However, this is contrary to what is happening at Chirinda.
We are aware that economically, Zimbabwe is in a tight situation but we would urge the Government to look into the affair of giving grants to these children – the per capita grant. Unfortunately, we have gone for years without getting any grants allocated to these children.
These are not a problem in areas such as SOS and Mathew Rusike. We have discovered that in Kadoma and Chirinda homes, they should be given their per capita grant because it is a child’s right to have access to food. We are the representatives of the people and we play an oversight role on these homes. Therefore, let us call for the full support of these children in these orphanages so that they are assured of receiving a decent meal on a daily basis. We are urging Government to take this as a matter of urgency. Even if the Government will not be in a position to pay the US$15 as per capita grant, even a lesser amount will be a good subsidy and will benefit these homes.
I am also grateful to the people who established these homes like the Mathew Rusike and the Chirinda. We visited the Midlands Province and there is a very good orphanage home which is operating there. So, we are grateful to SOS for such homes. We are also grateful to the churches which have established the homes such as the one in Mashonaland East. There is a difference between a home that is run by a church and an individuals’ home because in a church environment, the
Christian culture is inculcated, therefore they are also protected socially.
I would also want to urge the business Community in Zimbabwe to help these vulnerable children in these orphanages. We know from our culture that people would go in their environment, in their local areas to support these vulnerable. This culture should be resuscitated and revived so that we take care of these orphans because some of them are abused. If these caregivers are not well paid, they will end up abusing these children or tormenting them. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MAKORE: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. B. SIBANDA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 21st July, 2016.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MASUKU seconded by HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA, the Senate adjourned at Nineteen Minutes to Five o’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Tuesday, 26th July 2016
The Senate met at Half-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON PRESIDENT OF THE
SENATE
BILL RECEIVED FROMT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
THE HON PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: I have to inform
the House that the Senate has received the Pan-African Minerals
University of Science and Technology Bill (H. B. 10A, 2016.)
INVITATION TO A CATHOLIC CHURCH SERVICE
THE HON PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: I also wish to
inform the Senate that there will be a Catholic Church Service tomorrow 27th, July 2016 at 1200 hours in the Senate Chamber. All Members are invited. Non-Catholic members are welcome.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
First Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the
Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TAWENGWA: I move that the debate do now
adjourn.
HON. SEN. MASUKU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 27th July, 2016.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move that Order of the Day, Number 2 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. MARAVA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
FIRST REPORT OF THE THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON PEACE
AND SECURITY ON THE STATE OF HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION
IN ZIMBABWE
HON. SEN. GEN. NYAMBUYA: I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the First Report of the Thematic
Committee on Peace and Security on the State of Human Rights Situation in Zimbabwe.
HON. SEN. CHIEF SIANSALI: I second.
HON. SEN. GEN. NYAMBUYA:
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 As part of its oversight role, the Thematic Committee on
Human Rights conducted an inquiry into the state of human rights in Zimbabwe in order to have an in-depth appreciation of the subject matter.
1.2 The Government of Zimbabwe must be commended for having embraced the spirit of the respect, promotion and fulfilment of human rights through the ratification of a number of regional and international instruments.
1.3 Some of the key human rights instruments that come to mind include the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
1.4 The State has also taken legislative, policy and administrative steps, to some extent, to give further legal safeguards to the enjoyment of the rights contained in the various regional and international instruments that the country is party to. A good example is the
Constitution of Zimbabwe of 2013 that provides an expansive Bill of Rights that strengthens the various civil and political rights and includes protective provisions of some economic, social and cultural rights that were not previously justifiable.
1.5 However, it is pertinent to note that there have been some violations of social and economic rights as well as civil and political rights due to a number of factors. Key drivers for the violations include the deteriorating economic situation and the El nino induced drought and the ongoing political polarisation.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
In its inquiry the Committee was guided by the following objectives:
2.1 To appreciate the state of Human Rights in Zimbabwe;
2.2 To assess the levels of public confidence in the Government’s enforcement mechanism of fundamental human rights and freedoms;
2.4 To appreciate the challenges being faced by the Zimbabwe
Human Rights Commission in the execution of its mandate, if any; and
2.5 To make appropriate recommendations in respect of possible solutions to the challenges identified.
3.0 METHODOLOGY
3.1 In order to fully appreciate the subject under consideration, the Committee invited the following stakeholders to provide both written and oral submissions:
- The Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs;
- The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Services;
- The Zimbabwe Republic Police;
- The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Commission;
- Law Society of Zimbabwe;
- Zimbabwe Association of Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation;
- Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights; and
- The Zimbabwe Environmental Lawyers Association;
4.0 KEY FINDINGS AND OBSERVATIONS
4.1 Progress in realising human rights
4.1.1 The ratification and domestication of some of the major regional and international human rights treaties by the Government of Zimbabwe must be commended. Zimbabwe is part to the main human rights instruments as stated above
4.1.2 The domestication of the various international and regional human rights treaties is a positive step by the Government as it gives domestic legal safeguards where human rights are violated or are under threat
4.1.3 A cursory glance at Sections 48 to 84 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe reveals a robust cocktail of substantive rights that everyone in Zimbabwe is entitled to.
4.1.4 The Bill of Rights is much more expansive and comprehensive. Not only does the New Constitution strengthen the civil and political rights, it makes social and economic rights mandatory. This is progressive and commendable as it is consistent with accepted regional and international standards that Zimbabwe ascribes to.
4.1.5 The Government of Zimbabwe has also actively participated in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Process – a voluntary human rights peer review mechanism coordinated by the United Nations Human Rights Council. After undergoing the Universal Periodic Review by the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, the Government set up a mechanism to monitor implementation of the UPR recommendations that it accepted. It is commendable that the Government is preparing for the next review that is scheduled for October 2016.
4.1.6 There have been efforts by the Government to engage strategic stakeholders such as civil society, to further human rights protection of the citizens.
4.1.7 The courts have played a positive role in ensuring that some victims in some cases of human rights violations access remedies. This is particularly true in cases of violations of rights of accused persons by the police. In some of the claims filed against perpetrators that have been finalised, awards have been honoured by the State in some cases. This is critical as it reinforces the principles of rule of law as articulated in the constitution.
4.1.8 A number of key judgments both in the superior courts and the lower level courts have been handed down reflecting the letter and spirit of the rights regime in the new Constitution.
4.2 Violations of human rights
Social and economic rights violations have been observed, with some cases being attended to over the last twelve months. Of concerns are violations of the rights to;
4.2.1 Shelter
This has, by far, been the biggest challenge from the legal and socio-political perspective.
- Forced evictions – Forced demolitions continue. At the moment, it is taking place in some areas of Harare and Chitungwiza.
- The case of the Chingwizi villagers is one of tragic proportions as the villagers who are victims of internal displacement continue to suffer further violations of their social and economic rights without a clear solution in sight.
- Other victims of forced evictions have been cases of some former farm workers who have been displaced. This has been done through the application of the Gazetted Lands (Consequential
Provisions) Act, and through the civil courts. The Thematic Committee bemoans the lack of a clear policy to resettle this group of people who clearly constitute an indigenous vulnerable group deserving of some form of constitutional protection.
- Eviction of informal traders – This is another challenge, with those eking out a living by way of informal employment being at the mercy of authorities. The current economic decline continues to result in growing formal unemployment and increased informal trading, which the Government has attempted to formalise with various challenges, including disrespect for constitutional protections. These populations are at risk of repression and political manipulation. Running battles continue to be experienced between this group and the municipal police and the Committee regrets that at times, the action taken by authorities has been
arbitrary leading to loss of wares by the informal traders even when the law is clear on how confiscated goods must be dealt with.
4.2.2 Education
Education -Economic conditions continue to make it difficult for parents to meet their obligations at secondary schools and primary schools remain inaccessible to many. Many children continue to face challenges. Some schools are withholding results from pupils due to non-payment of fees by parents. Schools must take appropriate action to deal with the issue that does not affect the best interest of the child, a principle that is entrenched in our Constitution.
4.2.3 Health
Public health – The facilities are failing to cope with demand; patients are being subjected to rights violations through denial of proper treatment, access to medication, and arbitrary detention as a result of inability to pay fees for services.
4.2.4 Food
Food and water– There continues to be cases of discrimination in the distribution of food aid, even in instances where it is being distributed by Government departments such as Social Welfare. Some people have been arrested and charged with violating the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act after insisting on accessing food aid that is being distributed on alleged partisan lines. It is trite that relevant Government departments ensure that vulnerable groups have access to clean water to prevent the outbreak of water borne diseases.
4.2.5 Civil and political rights
Civil and political rights continue to be undermined by the conduct of some state actors. The situation of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) remains particularly dire. In most instances, the arrests are arbitrary and unjustified. In most of these cases, they have been charged with violating provisions of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act
– such as trespassing, criminal nuisance etcetra.
4.2.6 Freedom of assembly
Meetings and gatherings -The disruption of peaceful protests that are guaranteed in the Constitution due to application of Section 37 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, and POSA in very few cases – is of concern. It is particularly distressing to note that in some cases the police have misinterpreted the requirements in POSA against non-political gatherings. In any event, POSA has to be repealed as it does not comply with the Constitution. The disruption of such gatherings has been done in a very heavy handed manner in defiance of rights of those affected.
4.2.7 Rights of vulnerable people
Children –While child marriages have been outlawed by the Constitutional Court, in a progressive judgment. A lot of measures still have to be taken to ensure that this is fully implemented. Also of concern is the increase in exploitation of children. There are a lot of children who are not attending schools but spending the whole day at traffic light intersections begging for money. Other than the fact that these children must be in school as they have a right to education, failure by Social Welfare to act on this exposes the children to abuse and exploitation.
5.0 INSTITUTIONS
5.1 The Courts and the Justice Delivery System
5.1.1 The court system is an important institution in protection of human rights. While some work is being done as part of long-term efforts to reform the justice delivery system, courts should deliver judgements timeously as justice delayed is justice denied.
5.1.2 The exorbitant court fees are also a barrier to access to justice
5.1.3 While there is a multi-stakeholder initiative ACT – Against Corruption Together – that was launched by the Judicial Services Commission, corruption still exist. There is a need for a specific plan on how to combat it. There is need for comprehensive legislation to combat corruption effectively.
5.2 The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services
Conditions in prisons still need to be reformed to comply with decisions of the courts as well as international standards. The Committee notes the need to increase funding on the part of Government to the correctional services so that detention facilities’ infrastructure could be upgraded, provision of adequate nutrition, clothing and other social amenities could be enhanced so as to meet humane standards of treatment for prisoners and detainees.
5.3 The National Prosecuting Authority
The arrest of the Prosecutor General may make it impossible for future exercise of the prosecutorial discretion without fear or favour. This also has a knock-on effect within the judiciary and legal practitioners in private and public sector.
5.4 The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission
The Government must avail adequate resources to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission. This would help to minimise institutional lethargy, motivate employees, and promote greater effectiveness and efficiency.
6.0 COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 The Executive should urgently harmonise laws that have a bearing on the promotion and protection of human rights
6.2 The Executive speed up the process of harmonising laws with the Constitution and regional and international human rights instruments;
6.3 In aligning laws with the Constitution, Parliament must take note of the decisions of the courts in interpreting whether certain provisions of the law are ultra vires the Constitution. Criminal defamation laws that have been declared unconstitutional must not find their way back into the statute books via Parliament.
6.4 There is need to constitute resources and ensure that Commissions with a mandate of promoting and protecting human rights such as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the National
Peace and Reconciliation Commission are fully operational;
6.5 There is need for a multi stakeholder initiative to protect the right to shelter of citizens.
6.6 Government must also formulate clear housing and land policies to deal with shortages of urban land and the continued plight of former farm workers who were not properly resettled. I would like to thank you.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF
THE SENATE
VISITORS IN THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE’S GALLERY
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Thank
you. Before we proceed, I would like to acknowledge the presence in the President of the Senate’s Gallery students and teachers from Shingai
Primary School from Masvingo Province. You are most welcome -
[HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.]-
HON. SEN. CHIEF SIANSALI: Thank you Mr. President for
affording me this opportunity. Mr. President, allow me to second the
Thematic Committee on Human Rights report as presented by our
Chairperson Hon Rt. General Nyambuya. As alluded to by our
Chairperson, the Committee commended Government for quite a
number of aspects with regards to human rights in Zimbabwe. To mention but a few, the ratification and adoption of human rights instruments that have to do with the freedom and several aspects for the citizenry of the country. However, I will not attempt to make a new reading of the whole report but I will pick one or two.
It was the Committee’s concern that as much as the Constitution of Zimbabwe has got quite an expansive Bill of Rights, the general citizenry is yet to benefit from such rights because they have not yet been put into law. Yes, the Constitution might have all those spellings but for as long as Government does not align requisite laws to the dictates of the Constitution, it will be a mere futile endevour or attempt.
Forced Evictions
Mr. President, allow me to say that Government should not wait for people to waste a lot of resources and act thereafter, but we should at least have proper laws that guide communities as to how they should build their houses. It is painful to find one having spent millions of dollars on a property that will just be demolished to dust and ashes. If officers are there every day, working and watching – leaving somebody wasting or spending a lot of money just to be destroyed the next day, I put the blame on the relevant authorities that do not act before people spend a lot of money. - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - Remember that there is no compensation that goes to such people that fall victim to such acts. Government has employees that are on Government payroll for such activities not to be condoned. But you will find that
Government will be paying such people for letting people do things that are not allowed by the laws. Then at the end we victimize the people but we do not even caution those that were not playing their part.
Also allow me to say yes, as we strongly applaud the Land Reform programme, it is my view that as much as we are resettling people into the farms, we are not taking cognizance of those workers that were previously working for the former farm owner. It is quite clear that the workers do not have the right to stay on those farms but I think
Government should have come up with a deliberate policy that guides on their future. Some may not like to work for the new farm owner and some new farmers might not like to work with the employees of the former farm owner. So, in such cases Government should have a properly documented legislated way to take care of such people. They should be equally resettled just as those that are taking over the farms. It is a fact that those people are equally landless Zimbabweans like other Zimbabweans that are being resettled. So, turning a blind eye to such people is inhuman and a violation of their fundamental rights as equal citizens, like to everyone else.
Education
As the Chairperson alluded to, we have quite a number of street kids that are roaming on the streets. Yes, one might blame those that give them food for keeping them on the streets but we are Africans and as we see those children on the streets, we feel for them as our children. If you have something to share you do so and I do not think that is wrong. That is what any human being would do but that does not mean that those that give them food are actually promoting their stay on the streets. I think it is Government’s role to take deliberate measures to make sure that such kids are accommodated. Giving them food is actually reducing their appetite for crime and criminal activities because the more they become hungry, the more they become violent and engage in mischievous acts.
Food Distribution
I would like to personally applaud Government for availing food through the Ministry of Labour and Social Services. However, I feel that the programme should have a properly guiding document that can be used for lack of bias and proper distribution of food to every citizen. - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - We have noted as community leaders; I am speaking on behalf of my chiefdom that the systems that are used in the selection of the beneficiaries is not straightforward. Mostly, the deserving are being left out. - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - It is by mere word of mouth that chiefs and traditional leaders encompassing villagers and headman are involved in the selection.
Allow me Mr. President, to tell you that I was not involved in any selection exercise on who was to benefit from the food distribution exercise. Government should come out with a proper structure that defines the composition of the drought relief programme as unscrupulous officers and NGOs take advantage of such informal directions. The word of mouth approach in governing the country will not work because the officers take advantage of such statements and they manipulate it to their own advantage.
Prisons and Correctional Services
I think as we are all seated here in this House, we are all candidates of those institutions. - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - No one is immune to such institutions. Every day we sing and debate about corruption to an extent that some members say it is here in the august House that you find corrupt people. Corruption is a criminal activity and that literally translates to mean that we have criminals in this House who are automatic candidates to those prisons. If we do not make any strides or efforts to ensure that those institutions are livable, one day one will find himself/herself in that institution. When you are in, you cannot make any correction but you just have to live with what is there. So it is better that we make all strides and efforts to make sure that the living standards and conditions in those institutions are better or else, we have to accept what we find when we get inside.
Mr. President, it is the hope and wish of the Committee and myself that Government will make efforts to take the recommendations that have been presented by the Committee so that we can at least address a few, if not all for the better enjoyment of the human rights of the populace of the country, as spelt out by the Constitution in the Bill of Rights. With these few words, I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MASHAVAKURE: Thank you Mr. President for
giving me the opportunity to add on the First Report on the Human
Rights issue. I will start with the international treaties or conventions. There are a lot of these treaties. They were ratified by this Parliament and the President, but this has not been translated into law or domesticated. There is one on those with disabilities which was ratified by this Parliament in May, 2013. In September, the documents were delivered to show that Zimbabwe had ratified. We are now almost in September, 2016 and that convention has not been domesticated.
It will be a good thing if these conventions are domesticated. It shows us that we are behind in terms of domestication of these treaties and conventions. We always cry that we have difficulty in funding, but my suggestion is that we should have at least conventions that are domesticated into this country annually. By so doing, it will be a good practice for us. I urge the Government to put aside a small funding which will go to the issue of shelter which is inclusive of houses in the communal lands and in towns. It is good a thing for the Government to show the people that Government is organised so that people are not going to be cheated or taken advantage of by those that are sly, especially the land barons.
The barons in England were good people with good manners but these ones that we have are local people that allocate land to people, which land does not belong to them. We should have a systematic and properly structured resettlement. We should make sure that stands are systematically allocated. We should make sure that stands are proper settlements because there is a challenge with stands in urban areas. Three years ago, we heard that homesteads were being torched because residents would have settled in the cattle grazing areas or pastures and the village heads or chiefs would not have agreed to that.
This will cause innocent people to lose their hard earned cash. It will be proper if we put in place a mechanism to ensure that such losses are not encountered. We should also be thinking about the issues of portable water when they allocate people stands. They should also be in a position to look at the sewer reticulation and other attendant issues.
Those things should be made right because they are not correct.
The health issue has its own challenges. People are saying medication is expensive. Free health for all would have been ideal but Government has challenges. There are those medical aid societies like the PSMAS. There are institutions that do not accept these medical aid cards whilst others accept. There is no clear cut picture on what is obtaining in as far as PSMAS is concerned. All I do is to urge those medical aid societies to put their houses in order to ensure that the clients benefit.
There has been silence on the National Health Insurance Scheme. This is a good idea and it is my wish that it will be put in place so that everyone is covered and that should they become ill, they will receive treatment. Medical aid societies should also be thinking about giving bonuses to people who do not use their medical aid society facilities for a year.
They should be given a bonus or some part of that contribution should be set aside as a bonus to enable it to be used by the member should the member in future fall ill. This then becomes value for money for the member as they are covered meaningfully. Contributions should not just be made annually without benefitting members. Those that do not use their medical aid facilities for a year, should be able to benefit from none use of their medical fees.
Food is an issue especially in the communal lands. I receive telephone calls from people raising concern over hunger. There are those that are disabled that say that previously, they were entitled to assistance. There are also issues surrounding food for work programmes. How can a disabled person be able to work for this food for work programme when already they are disabled? No one can be able to work on behalf of another. I do not foresee a situation where someone who is able-bodied would work for their own part and my own behalf as a disabled person.
When we ask Government officials, they say this is not the Government thinking and it is not the way that things should be.
However, this is what is emanating from the majority of our people. Government should seriously supervise such projects in the grassroots because there are others who are out there to swindle others contrary to the letter and spirit of the Government when coming up with such programmes.
Something should be done about the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) to enable the less privileged so that they can also go to school. It is almost a year to two years when children that are supposed to be beneficiaries of the BEAM have not benefited anything. This is due to the fact that the Government is facing challenges in terms of funding. The right to education is enshrined in our Constitution and it is a paramount right for each and every human being. I certainly believe that it is good for the Government to relook into the programme so that there be sufficient funding. There can be a scheme, even if it has a different name to ensure that those in primary and secondary education can go to school without any hindrance. With those words Mr.
President, I thank you.
*HON. SEN. KOMICHI: Thank you Mr. President. I would want to take this opportunity to thank Hon. Sen. Nyambuya and the seconder Hon. Sen. Chief Siansali on the report that they have tabled. I thank you for the meaningful contributions. Those that need to listen and take action based on those issues should be seriously considered because we have a lot of issues that are a threat to the peace and security of the country if nothing is done to address such issues. The Ministers of Defence and National Security should take heed of this report so that they align laws to the Constitution of the country. What is contained in Section 208 is quite clear.
It should be aligned to the Acts that pertain to the Ministries that I have mentioned and it will help us in dealing with human rights issues. I urge that this matter be treated with the urgency that it deserves focusing on human rights issues that occur when people abuse these rights. I am talking specifically about violence. There are three modes of violence, that is, direct violence which is quite common to us through murder, assaults and burning of houses. There is the cultural violence such as the violence between women and men. The women suffer most; they suffer silently through cultural violence. The third is structural violence, which I am going to debate about today. This emanates from the policies, regulations and the Acts of the country.
Violence destroys and kills and this is direct violence or war. The majority of us know this one. There are a lot of people who die from structural violence than those who died during the war. How do people die? Previous speakers said when the health system is not in place, hospitals do not have medication to control or alleviate HIV / AIDS, cancer treatment, TB, malaria, diabetes and other ailments. This is violence that has emanated from the poor structure of the system.
At the moment, the country is suffering due to drug shortages. Even those that are on medical aid, specifically PSMAS currently is not being accepted by a lot of medical doctors. They want cash upfront. What do you claim from the medical aid societies when you do not have funds to pay the doctors? A lot of people are dying due to lack of medical care. There are those that do not have medical insurance such as women, the unemployed and the disabled.
*HON. SEN. CHIPANGA: On a point of order Mr. President. May I seek assistance on the definition of violence and its relationship to human rights and the lack of medical drugs? Where is the nexus? I thank you.
HON. SEN. KOMICHI: Thank you Mr. President. May I help Hon. Sen. Chipanga. Chapter Four of the Zimbabwe Constitution has bill of rights. The bill of rights covers issues such as the right to health, right to life, right to free association, right to food and the human rights issues that we are trying to address – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] - So, I am directing my debate to the powers that be or those who can make it happen. The people who are mostly affected are the women, those who live with disability, children and the youths who have just completed their studies.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE (HON.
SEN. TAWENGWA): Order, order. What you must also take into account Hon. Senator, is that the issues you are discussing should have been contained in the report because it is the Committee report which we are considering here and whether the seconder also touched on those issues. It is a specific report which we are debating here; we cannot bring in new issues which are not part of the report.
*HON. SEN. KOMICHI: Thank you Mr. President I wrote these
issues as he was tabling his report, the Chairperson did speak on health. I am now putting depth to these issues and what are the causes of not having peace. People will complain and as a result of their complaints this will be a threat to peace and security. The availability of food especially during this year of drought in our communal lands, the majority of our farmers did not harvest maize; so Government and Non Governmental Organisations are busy feeding people in the communal
lands.
The Chief also in seconding the report said people are being given food and they are being asked for their political allegiance. The infant that will be a week or year old is going to die because the mother has not been given food. A child shall not go to school because the parents are not of the political party that is being considered. Eventually the father and the mother will also die due to lack of food. This is the structural violence which is imbedded in the regulations, which is causing us to lose human life. So, the Government should look into such issues and ensure that people who act in such manner will have committed a crime against humanity. Others do it because they will be trying to ensure that they receive votes but by so doing, they will be killing people. A person who would have murdered people using a knife is incarcerated and send to prison but another person who has caused this structural violence goes scot free. A rapist, a murderer who has used a knife is equally as bad as a person who used structural violence and causes the loss of a child because of the parents’ political affiliation.
Government should ensure that clean water reaches people. If Government is not going to provide water, children will die from typhoid and cholera – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] - A lot of people do succumb from these diseases. There is a problem of lack of jobs in the country; once children have completed their education, they come back and live with their parents, unemployed, that is a security risk. The children will either resort to stealing, killing one another and crime becomes the way of life. Others even commit suicide due to lack of jobs. All these deaths are caused by structural violence because the system would have put in place policies that ensure that there is employment creation.
At the moment there is no cash to treat certain ailments. Everyone is facing a cash crisis. I might be wearing a suit but if you go through my pockets….
Hon. Sen. Chipanga having stood up.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT: Order, Hon. Sen. Komichi
that is out of order. It is not a right for an individual to have cash.
HON. SEN. CHIPANGA: I believe the Hon. Senator is not clear as to whether the debate is on human rights or peace and security. I think there is confusion here; I think that is where the problem is. The areas in which he is delving in have to do with peace and security, I agree, whereas the report here is solely on human rights.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT: Very correct, I agree with
you.
*HON. SEN. KOMICHI: I think the question of clarity on human rights matters would open a new debate but as I said before, would raise the debate to the intellectual levels. I believe that I am on the right track. Human rights are those rights that are in the Constitution. If we do not have cash, we cannot buy food or be able to send our children to school.
For the time being, allow me to conclude my debate. The debate has also covered the issue of peaceful demonstrations. Those are human rights issues. We see children who were at their houses being assaulted by police in Epworth. They were severely beaten by police officers. There is no law that a person who is busy going about his or her daily business can be assaulted for no apparent reason because the police are angry. At times the elderly and young girls were being assaulted for no apparent reason.
The law says once a person has committed an offence, they are arrested, send to court and arraigned. During these assaults, some children may die as a result of these assaults. So the people that are dying from structural violence which is a human rights abuse are too many.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Mr. President, can the Hon. Senator confirm the deaths that were caused during the demonstrations because we are an honourable House, we speak on facts, if there are no facts, I do not think it will be proper to put that on record.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT: Are those factual issues or
just allegations?
*HON. SEN. KOMICHI: When I started my debate, I gave a
definition of structural violence, that is deaths after several days. If you are hungry, you do not die today, it takes a human being 21 days of not having anything for one to die….
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Order, you mentioned that during the demonstrations, some kids were killed by policemen in houses and I said can you prove that.
HON. SEN. KOMICHI: May you please be quiet, I am talking about sustaining the injuries today but succumbing to those injuries days after.
*HON. SEN. KOMICHI: I said such people that would have been assaulted might succumb to death. Let me conclude Hon. Senator, let me finish.
I was saying that the number of people who are dying as a result of structural violence caused by the powers that are in authority are more than those who perish during the war. As leaders, I am urging you to understand that you are slowly causing the deaths of the people. In conclusion, I thank the Committee that came up with such a good report.
I thank you, keep it up.
HON. SEN. MUSAKA: I thank you Mr. President. I also wish to thank Hon. Sen. Rtd. Gen. Nyambuya and the seconder Hon. Sen. Chief
Siansali for this report.
Mr. President what I find impressive about the report is its evenhandedness. The attempt to show by governance where work is being done, where every effort to right things is being done and also its critique. The approach that is given to the critique is truly intellectual to those of us who have gone into these things. I thank you Hon. Sen. Rtd. Gen. Nyambuya – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – It is a brilliant report and I would recommend this report anywhere. It is in the public domain and it will appear in the Hansard.
We have young children here from Masvingo, this is the kind of stuff that they should take, have a look at and see how governance should be. I wish also to point out to the young students that whenever we start in this Senate, there is a Prayer, ‘Almighty God, in your infinite wisdom, and providential goodness, has appointed offices of Rulers…’ It is that base, I suppose in Shona you would say, ‘Mwari musikavanhu, ndimi munopa hungwaru kuvatongi …’ So it is those bases at which I have examined this report. It is brilliant and very nice. The students from Masvingo should get copies of this and look at it, the critiquing of where things are not being done properly on shelter, health, agriculture and food distribution. Really it is impressive.
I want to dwell a little bit on all those short-comings. However, what is important Mr. President is that as the youngsters grow, all of us, a lot of our problem is lack of knowledge and information. However in law I think they say, ‘Ignorance of the law is no defence.’ I suppose it is our duty, for those in governance to enlighten citizens to know their rights. Rights are our responsibility Mr. President – [HON.
SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – He who tramples and wants to defend his or her rights should actually be sensitive not to walk on my rights too because you will forfeit your rights once you do that – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] – That should be very clear and this is the essence of this report. What has been done?
For example, the issue of people being evicted or their houses being demolished. Again I go back to governance that given wisdom by God I suppose maybe the rulers or those who actually implement legislation were unaware that something was being done wrong. Those also who were going to build were unaware that they were actually doing the wrong thing and it came as an afterthought. When you examine the cases, you will find it is true that they should not have done that. However, whoever approved it was also wrong so really knowledge is important. I think in every aspect of governance all citizens should be taught and enlightened to know exactly what is expected of them and what they should not do.
I do not have a lot to say but all I need to say is that look education is important and enlightenment is important too so that people know exactly what they should and should not do. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MAKORE: Thank you Mr. President for affording me this opportunity. I also thank the mover of the Motion Hon. Sen.
Rtd. General Nyambuya and the seconder Hon. Sen. Chief Siansali.
This is a good report.
The issues that are under debate involve human rights. We may fail to understand one another because of different perspectives but this is an issue that qualifies our independence. We had to fight for our independence because we wanted our rights, development and freedom for everyone. The issues that are at hand are enshrined in our Constitution. These issues come to light because the law would have been contravened. The issue that we want to interrogate here is to ensure that everyone is free, they are exercising their rights regardless of their political affiliation.
Hon. Sen. Rtd. Gen. Nyambuya mentioned the issue of farming lands and you find someone being chased away from a farm because the one who is occupying the land is a member of the MDC. That scenario fits in with the utterances of Hon. Sen. Rtd. Gen. Nyambuya and by so doing the people will be straddling upon other people’s rights …
*HON. SEN. BHOBHO: Mr. President on a point of order, Hon. Senator when we are in this august House we are not being partisan. Let us leave out the parties as this is a Government house and not a political party.
*THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT: Order, order the Hon. Sen. did not say you are a member of ZANU PF or MDC but that there are others who chase others away from farms alleging that one member belongs to the MDC. So that statement is quite in order, if there is such an issue then he will point out and if anyone can correct that imbalance then it will be corrected. If there is such a practice it should be mentioned and we should hear about it. Hon. Sen. Makore you may proceed.
*HON. SEN. MAKORE: Thank you our very Hon. President. The issues that we discuss in this august House require us as elders to ensure that there is depth inquiry to such matters. When we are here, we are not politicking but nation building when we are in this august Senate. All of us are here to put our heads together so that we can come up with something meaningful. Let me state that there are those that are here to be disruptive. When one is debating, they should be allowed to express their clear thoughts because these pointless points of orders tend to take you off the track. We have heard of issues that are quite sad. Unemployment in our country is on the high side. We now have an informal sector where there has been a growth in that area. I would want to thank General Nyambuya. This is an important report that a woman would go about to sell tomatoes to ensure that they sustain their families but the tomatoes are confiscated and their destination is not known. The woman then goes back home wailing, empty handed. It is an issue which has to be looked into, considering the challenges that we are facing as a country.
I am not going to repeat the majority of the issues that have been mentioned here. All I am saying is; as the Constitution is the supreme law of the country, we are failing to align our laws so that they do not violate our Constitution. There should be in place laws that ensure that this type of behavior is put to an end. We are here to debate issues that are constructive based on facts. Thank you for the opportunity that you have given me.
*HON. SEN. CHIMBUDZI: Thank you Mr. President. I would want to thank Gen. Nyambuya and the Committee for such a well prepared report. It has covered the essence of a human beings life.
Once the report is presented to the Executive, I do not foresee the Executive failing to address these pertinent issues. Thank you for the work well done Gen. Nyambuya.
On bullet 4.2.7; on the issue of child marriages – it is a prevalent problem not only in Harare but also in the communal lands. Children are getting into early marriages. This comes about as a result of parents wanting to use their children to shield their family from hunger. A daughter is urged to go and marry in a certain family so that the family can have two or three bags of maize when the parents of this child are still alive. Our children are suffering, they are being abused.
If you come into Harare, you see children begging on the streets. Their parents will be sitting. These children then surrender whatever they would have collected at the end of the day. The child is not going to school. The parents are being looked after by that child. The roles have been reversed. The child has been deprived of the opportunity to develop themselves into a meaningful citizen of this country. What will become of their tomorrow? They will become abused and would not know their culture. Such problems should be eradicated.
I am happy with 6.4 which says, ‘There is need to constitute, resource and ensure that Commissions with a mandate of promoting and protecting human rights such as the Zimbabwe Human Rights
Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission are fully operational’. That is the crux of the matter. It should be the duty of our Government to look into such a report and ensure that the Government gets funding to fund such independent Commissions so that these problems can be alleviated.
If there is no funding and these functions are not functioning properly, they will not discharge their duties properly. They can only discharge their duties if there is adequate funding. I thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIMHINI: Thank you Mr. President. I stand to applaud the Committee on Human Rights for a very progressive report which they presented in this House. I will touch on a few issues which they have raised.
One of them is the observance of human rights; where the Committee says it builds confidence and I think this is true. When you have a nation or a Government that respects human rights, you build confidence. People live in harmony and they trust the Government of the day. I would want to appeal to the Executive that we do everything possible that we are uphold the provisions on the Bill of Rights in the
Constitution so that we build confidence among the people of
Zimbabwe.
The second part is that we should also respect the various freedoms that are given in the Constitution. One of them is the right to demonstrate or to petition. My appeal to the Executive, if they were here is that when people demonstrate, there is no need to be heavy handed in dealing with the demonstrators because when we end up with having people being beaten on the streets when they are demonstrating, then you are already violating a right that is referred to in the
Constitution.
Let us respect all those rights and freedoms that are given in the Constitution. We do not need any intimidation or any brutal means when we respond to the demonstrations or petitions that are coming from the citizens of this country.
The report also touched on the commissions. I would want to appeal that they truly become independent commissions. I think it is time as Parliament, that we allow the commissions to self fund raise. We all know that Government does not have sufficient resources. Why not allow them to fund raise so that they can do their work properly?
We should also work around subtle violence. Hon. Komichi tried to make some explanations, in terms of what kind of violence and I think that the report is very clear that what we are trying to have is a country that is peaceful. We do not want issues of subtle violence that normally comes around election time. When we go for elections, we all lose our senses and it is very unfortunate for this country. Let us just respect what came out of that report. It is trying to build a peaceful Zimbabwe.
Last but not least, I want to say when we give people chances or opportunities to make choices, this is what builds confidence because the moment you start telling people that they cannot vote for this person or the other, then you are violating the right to make a choice. So, the report on rights should not just be a report that is being read in this august House but we must implement when we go out of this House. I would have appreciated if the Committee had also looked at disappearances but because some people may be uncomfortable with that, I may call them alleged disappearances. I am saying that the State has a responsibility once there is an allegation about the disappearance – these should have come in the report because it is an issue that people have talked about and the international Committee is worried about and as Zimbabweans we are worried about it. We should all start talking very seriously about disappearances in this country. I thank you Mr.
President.
*HON. SEN. MACHINGAIFA: Thank you Mr. President for
affording me this opportunity to add my voice on the report that has been tabled in this House. I am also a member of the Committee on Human Rights. I want to thank our Chairperson Hon. Sen. General Nyambuya and the seconder Hon. Sen. Chief Siansali on the situation of the human rights in this country. I want to thank the leader of our nation
President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, the Head of the Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, for giving us an opportunity to have these free Committees. We are able to investigate and table issues concerning our country. If he was not democratic, we would not have the freedom to debate such issues but he as an able leader who ensures that there is peace in this country, hence he has afforded us this opportunity to do so.
I have stood up to comment on the issue that has been raised which is our choice or the ball is in our court. If one were to build their own homestead up until it reaches completion, it is terrible indeed if that house is demolished because it was constructed in an illegal zone – the area is a wetland and once they construct houses, their homes are destroyed. Once these illegal structures are destroyed by rain, it would then be alleged that Zimbabwe does not care about its people. We will be fighting against our own rights.
Our biggest challenge in as far as human rights are concerned is the lack of knowledge and understanding. We need to appreciate and when we go to the issue of education, the Government which is ably led by the President is saying that maize should be delivered to schools so that children will not go hungry. Parents are refusing to contribute money towards the purchase of sugar and peanut butter so that the children enjoy their porridge. The parents argue and they will have abused the children’s right by refusing to pay such money. If porridge is not a solution, then provide them with sadza. Contribute money for the relish or even being asked to bring firewood, the parents refuse to cooperate. It is not the government’s fault when such rights are being
violated.
Mr. President on the issue of patients, I do not know what I can say but when a hospital is being constructed, there is a mortuary. I am yet to see a person who dies after completing their drug dosage. Ordinarily, they die after they have exhausted these drugs. Since the dead person has left behind medication, yet we critisise the Government accusing it for having caused the person’s death.
I am giving an example Mr. President. In Zimbabwe, I am now an elderly person and I have held several positions. Our Government is under illegal sanctions – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-
*THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT: Order, order. Allow him to
speak. Let us hear him out.
*HON. SEN. MACHINGAIFA: We want to find out if it was the
sanctions that were causing this person not to eat or if it was the sanctions that did not provide the drugs. There are no longer any companies because of illegal sanctions. Let me tell you that God will cause a drought and unemployment but yet we blame the Government. It is not the Government that has caused hunger but it is God who caused it not to rain. The dams that we have all over are not useful all the time. There are times when they are useful and there are times when they are useless – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]- Mr.
President may you protect me.
*THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT: Order, Order. I do not
want to send anyone out. Let us afford each other a chance to speak. I will grant you the opportunity to take to the floor and respond.
*HON. SEN. MACHINGAIFA: Our Government leadership
was once asked on the issue of disappearances. We were all asked to give information on the person that abducted this missing person or the motor vehicle that they used. This shows that there is rule of law. If there was no rule of law, they should not have accepted that. Human rights require that we uphold them. The Committee on Human Rights is a big Committee. It touches on a lot of things - the education of a person, the right to information and the right to freedom of speech – which they are abusing through peddling lies, yet they are not being arrested. It is their right. So, where does this suppression come from? I thank you for listening Mr. President.
*HON. SEN. MALULEKE: Thank you Mr. President. The
report was well expressed by our Chairperson. There are a lot of rights. He has touched from Alpha to Omega. When we started that Committee up until now, they explained that our Committee once went to the prisons and assessed the situation. We also invited various stakeholders who gave oral evidence and enlightened us in terms of these rights. He also explained that it is the right of the people that properties should not be destroyed and also spoke on the issue of food and children. The other right that we, as the local leadership in our positions should be driving towards, is the issue of arranged marriages or the appeasement of an avenging spirit using the girl child. Recently, I thanked Government for arresting the culprits that had run over a girl. I was unhappy with the judgment that was made because the family had lost a daughter but the culprit was incarcerated for six to eight months. He should not have run away if he did not kill her deliberately. It is a right for people to mourn for their lost loved ones. When the mother collapsed in court, I was hurt as a woman. So, we call for stiffer sentences in such circumstances and compensation. What benefit will a parent derive from such a light sentence?
We did not get good harvest in our area. I came late yesterday because I was going around schools to see the food that the schools received. The response by the parents was overwhelming. People were having their sadza and vegetables from their gardens that they have as co-operatives. I thank the Government for that. The communities now want to add onto the projects that are currently under way so as to ensure that there could be goats for meat at schools. Others were asking for quail birds – forward with quail birds in schools - I told them not to worry as they would get quail birds in all schools as long as they construct cages. At that time, they said they had all the orphaned children and those with parents on HIV/AIDS treatment at the school. I felt very proud when I heard this.
I also went to another school and saw parents digging a trench. They have sunk a borehole and they were asking for pipes and means and ways to get a pump. They wanted to ensure that their children’s rights are developed by ensuring they have piped water. I am grateful for such thoughts. It is good for them to come to us as the leaders when they want to get such assistance. Let us be constructive and use best practices in everything that we do. Thank you Mr. President.
*HON. SEN MABUGU: Thank you Mr. President for the opportunity to debate that you have afforded me. A lot has been mentioned about human rights but I want to talk about women and girls rights. On the issue of health, when mothers are about to deliver, they are abused for lack of maternity fees. They are detained in hospital so as to induce payment. The bill will be increasing and at the same time, she does not have the means to pay this bill. Women need to be treated with leniency when they fail to pay maternity fees. They should be discharged from hospital so that they can look for the money. Giving birth to children is a national duty because that child may end up being a president.
The girl child is also abused. She is not looked at as valuable in the family and so she is not sent to school because of the parents’ poverty. In the meantime, the boy child is enjoying his education. They say it is irrelevant whether the girl goes to school or not because she will be married, but the young men of today also want to marry educated women. How will she get married then?
Orphans are the most disadvantaged especially when they are being looked after by foster parents, be they an aunt or uncle. Though their own children will be going to school, they do not send the orphans to school. It should not be a crime that the child lost his/her parents. We should do unto others as we would like them to do unto us. These children should be sent to school and ensure that they enjoy their rights.
If you cannot send them to school, please ensure that these children are looked after by the State rather than you abusing their rights. We should not have children roaming the streets because they are not being properly looked after. I urge Government to look more into the rights of the girl child so that they are not abused.
There is also the issue of teenage pregnancies among school children which is rife. The impregnated teenager drops out of school but the boy responsible for the pregnancy continues with his education. The girl child has lost and the boy child continues to benefit. Since becoming sexually active, the girl child’s mindset has changed and she is no longer interested in education as she believes she should enjoy her sexual activity. The same treatment should be revisited on the boy child who will have impregnated the girl child.
Even at the workplaces, women are looked down upon and even if they make contributions, they are not treated with the seriousness that they deserve. Is it a crime to be a woman? The man comes onto this earth as a result of being given birth to by a woman. Let us treat our women folk better. I reiterate that the rights of the woman and the girl child be enhanced. With those few words Mr. President, I thank you.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President. I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. KOMICHI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 27th July, 2016.
MOTION
SECOND REPORT OF THE THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON
GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT ON EARLY CHILD
MARRIAGES
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Second
Report of the Thematic Committee on Gender and Development on
Early Child
Marriages.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. GOTO: Thank you Mr. President for affording me
the opportunity to accord my voice. First and foremost, I want to thank our Chairperson of the Committee on Gender that was seconded by Hon. Senator Buka. A lot of things or issues were touched on, but as a member of that Committee, I have one or two things that I would want to mention. I am going to briefly touch on the issue of early child marriages.
The previous motion was also topical on the issue of early child marriages. Without repeating much, I would want to say it is true that we have problems as families. We are the mothers and especially in the communal lands, the majority of people are ignorant of the law. At 12 years old, people believe that the child is now grown up. Hunger is the causative agent for these early child marriages. In the past, child marriages were issues. It was caused by the father who would go to a rich man and say take my child and give me certain properties. These days, we no longer have this modus operandi but there is another
modern day early marriage or arranged marriage that is happening in the church.
I heard that there is a member of our church who has two wives. They talk of the man being able to look after them when in fact, they are not being looked after. It is a problem. We should go to our people even in the churches and educate them at various fora, informing them that they should desist from early child marriages and that 18 years is the age of marriage. School children are not beneficial to anyone. Everyone tells you these days that if you send your children to school, you have your tallies money.
The person who is educated will know how to look after their parents. How can both of you be suffering? You suffered to look after your child and the child also struggles to look after you in your old age. Let us send our children to school. Let us teach our children morals. We no longer have the sister in laws. Furthermore, as a community we should go back to our basics and ensure that everyone’s child is my child. We should look after them in a manner in which you should want your own child to be treated.
In the past, children were told that once they become sexually active at 12 years, it will be taboo. They will have thin hair but I do not know why it is not happening these days. What we are talking about is contained in the human rights report which our Senate believes has supported the issues that we have raised in our Gender and Development Thematic Committee. The issues are cross-cutting. The fault is given to the girl child and never the man.
There is this misguided belief that the boy child is more important than the girl child. Look after all your children because they are equal. Your boy child can be a thief while your girl child can be able to look after the family. I have my four girls. I tried as much as possible to enlighten them. I told them the skills of life and the various challenges that were there. Children listen to you if you behave well and they take you as their role model. If you are a bad model, the apple will not fall away from the tree. Thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Mr. President, I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. CHABUKA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Wednesday, 27th July, 2016
On the motion of HON. SEN. MOHADI, seconded by HON. SEN. MAKORE, the Senate adjourned at Twenty-Nine Minutes past
Four O’clock p.m.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 28th July, 2016
The Senate met at Half-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE in the Chair)
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. SEN. B. SIBANDA: I would like to ask the Minister of Agriculture; what the policy is, regarding replacing electricity powered pumps for irrigation schemes with the solar sourced energy?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(LIVESTOCK) (HON. ZHANDA): Thank you Madam President.
The policy is there, that is why there is the issue of rehabilitation of current irrigation schemes. You are aware that wherever there are water bodies, a committee has been put in place under the Chairmanship of the Hon. Vice President Mnangagwa to make sure that the water bodies which are not being used, are resuscitated to make sure that there is production taking place. As to the issue of replacing all the pumps with the solar, where there is no electricity, nothing is in place at the moment because of the capital outlay of the solar system. It is far much expensive than the conventional motors. I thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIEF NYANGAZONKE: My question is directed
to the Minister of Agriculture. We have noted some good operations in Matabeleland South under ARDA. Is the Community going to benefit?
If yes, how?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(LIVESTOCK) (HON. ZHANDA): I would like to thank the Hon.
Senator for the question. Yes, there has been a good outturn at the ARDA farms in Matabeleland South, particularly in Matobo. The benefit that is going to accrue to the local people obviously is the issue of creation of employment. Moreso, the broader benefit is the issue of producing food for the country. There has been good production taking place, for example, at Mapisa project, last year, there was good production of wheat that took place there. There was an average of eight tonnes/ha OF maize. This year again, there is wheat and maize. So, the revival of ARDA Estates and use of irrigation is a good element, taking into consideration that the estates have been lying furrow for a very long time. As Zimbabwe, we should congratulate ARDA on the work they are doing on a Joint Venture basis. The fact of the matter is that, the use of the idle furrow land is going to benefit the country. It is also going to create employment and more so, to reduce our import bill which has caused a lot of cash shortage in the market. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: We understand that there is a scheme or partnership with farmers; can the Minister elaborate on that?
HON. ZHANDA: I would like to thank the Hon. Senator for the question. Whilst I am not very privy to the actual details, I am aware of the broader aspect of the intention of the thrust that ARDA is going to identify people with resources that they will put into partnership with other farmers. The partnership is meant to increase production particularly, where there was no production taking place. The ARDA scheme is also a welcome development in terms of identifying people with resources who will partner with farmers to make sure that there is production taking place at these farms.
HON. SEN. CHIMHINI: I direct my question to the Minister of Agriculture. There is a new term called ‘command agriculture’, can the
Minister clarify what it is?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (LIVESTOCK) (HON. ZHANDA): Thank you Madam President. It depends on how you want to understand the word command. It is not really marching people or commandeering. It is Government’s intention to identify and mobilise resources and at the same time, identify those farms which have got the potential to produce and make sure that the resources that have been identified by Government are directed to where they are to be utilised so that this country, at the end of the day, can be able to produce.
I think Hon. Senators will be aware that at the moment, this continued importation of maize is not good for us from an economic point of view. That thing alone is going to work very well, particularly if resources can be mobilised.
When we talk about ‘command agriculture’ in terms of the resources that have been talked about, it does not mean that those resources will come from Government alone. It means as Government, we are going to identify people with the capital and find out what kind of comfort we can give to those capital providers so that that capital is directed to agriculture. It is not like being forced. The terminology is just used for the sake of mobilising resources and identifying where the resources should be directed to.
HON. SEN. CHIMHINI: Is this programme under the Ministry of Agriculture or it is a separate Ministry or Department?
HON. ZHANDA: It will be under the Ministry of Agriculture.
The involvement of the Vice President is because of his capacity as the Chairperson of the Food and Mobilisation Committee but otherwise the programme remains under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture. +HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: My question is directed to the Minister of Media and Broadcasting Services. I had prepared my question properly but I cannot find it.
What is the policy on musicians and royalties? I think musicians are not being treated the same by the Zimbabwe Music Broadcasting and also their videos are not being played on television. The viewing commission is also only found in Harare. Those are the people who have to view the videos before they are played on television. How can those musicians who are not based in Harare have their videos played on television? People need music and these other musicians’ music has to be played as well but Government has not put a policy in place on how they can be treated. Even if you look at the list showing how they are paid their royalties, there is a difference. Some are not even paid because their music is not being played. The same genre of music is continuously being played.
+THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF MEDIA AND
BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. SEN. MATHUTHU): Thank you Hon. Sen. Mlotshwa for a very important question. Yes, royalties that are paid to musicians and all song writers is not the same. It depends on how many times the song has been played on air. They also have to discuss with their promoters. Their promoters have to get in touch with ZBC for the songs to be played on air many times.
The problem is that there is so much competition in music and at times we find that we do not have enough time to play music for certain people all the time. There is also a phone in programme where people phone and select their own type of music that they want. That is the reason why some of the songs by certain musicians are not played or maybe that is why they get very short airplay.
There is a section that views musicians’ videos. At the moment, ZBC has committees all over the provinces where they look at content production or content - for example Montrose Studio in Bulawayo and other studios; I have mentioned Montrose Studio because it is on my way to my home. That branch works very hard to see to it that a lot of programmes are placed on broadcast programmes when we go into
digitalisation.
We now wish to broadcast all over so that people can view whatever they want so that we get a lot of our content, videos or music. If we can broadcast for 24 hours, those who pay licences and for those who want their music or productions to be played, we will be having about 12 broadcasting stations.
I am sure for those who were complaining that they are not getting enough air play, they will be having more time because we will be having more stations. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Can your policy not be specific in the programmes that a disc jockey plays, instead of him making his makes his own choice of songs so that it will promote all the other artists because they are doing a good job for the country?
HON. SEN. MATHUTHU: Yes, there is a policy that we should play more local productions so that the upcoming artists also can get some exposure. The policy is there but the DJ’s are human beings and at times they will fall in love with a certain artist, thereby keep playing their music. There is this facility that I mentioned the, phoning-in programmes. And, we hope that those artists who think that their music has not been exposed much, should also take part in the phone-in and request their own songs so that they also get attention. Thank you.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: Thank you Mr. President, since there
are no other Ministers, I am going to give the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development a question. Hon. Minister, what policies have you introduced or what is new that is happening in your Ministry that can improve the lives of Zimbabweans? Thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE,
MECHANISATION AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT
(LIVESTOCK) (HON. ZHANDA): Thank you Mr. President and
thank you Hon. Senator. If I got you right you are saying, what is our Ministry doing to improve the lives of Zimbabweans?
It is a very broad question which requires a Ministerial Statement.
Anyway, one of the polices obviously is, what you should take note of is a deliberate policy by Government of paying like for maize $390 a tonne. This is meant to incentivise farmers to grow maize in order for them to earn a living. It is a heavily subsidised prize of $390 and as I said, if you cannot make money with $390 on maize, one wonders what a farmer would make money out of.
Secondly, as Government I think that in terms of SADC, we have the highest number of extension workers to farmer ratio – meaning, for extension to provide technical advice to our farmers so that they are equipped with knowledge and whatever activities that they are engaged in could be profitable. Most of the emphasis now within the Ministry is to concientise our farmers to consider farming as a business and not as subsistence. As Government as well, when we also provide things like dip-tanks all over the country, it is to make sure that the farmers do not lose their livestock.
Again, if you want to look at, particularly now that people are delivering maize to the GMB and they are being paid promptly, that is another way of making sure that we encourage our people to earn an honest living. The colleges around the country also are meant to equip our farmers with the necessary knowledge as well so that whatever activities they engage in are profitable. So, there are a lot of things that the Ministry is doing, including the issue of the programme on the Brazillian Equipment that is being given to various irrigation schemes around the country - equitably amongst the provinces. It is also meant to enhance and make sure that those irrigation schemes are profitable. The continued rehabilitation of irrigation schemes dotted all over the country as well is another way of wanting to make sure that the farmers or the general populace particularly in the rural sector are also equipped with the necessary equipment to make sure that they earn an honest living. I think that the list is endless. I thank you.
HON. SEN MLOTSHWA: Hon. Minister, it is deliberate
Government policy to have farmers like the ones that you were mentioning at Antelope Irrigation Farm. They call them settler farmers who are from the community, and they have one and a half hectares for
103 people that are participating. But, the issue that I want to supplement on Hon. Sen. Timveos’s question is, where when you make a directive of how to manage the settler farmers, you do not renew because now farming is high on technology.
The directive is there at the Antelope Irrigation Farm, I am a member there, it is very old and maybe it was given in 1981 or 1983. The Committee that runs the day-to-day work there is called the
Management Committee; which was a deliberate move that was made by Government. The directive is outdated. It is not renewed and they are still using the same directives and it is affecting the production of those small holder farmers. I thank you.
HON. ZHANDA: Thank you Mr. President and I also want to thank the Hon. Senator For the question. However, since the question does not relate to policy, it is a specific issue related to a specific project. I would appreciate a written question so that we can investigate because this issue is not affecting everybody across the country but that particular project.
Again I must also say that as Government we do not give directives as to who should be the Chair or the Committee composition. I think that there should be a constitution which guides the composition of those committees and how they should be re-elected over what period. Therefore, if you can give me that in writing, I promise to come back to this Chamber with the answer. I thank you.
HON. SEN. D.T. KHUMALO: Thank you Mr. President. I
would like to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development the question that, how do we encourage the eating of other foods when we are only and mainly talking or concentrating on delivery of seeds, that is maize and small grains – the starchy foods. Where do other foods get in here so that people know that it is not starchy foods only which are supposed to be eaten?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE,
MECHANISATION AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT
(LIVESTOCK) (HON. ZHANDA): Thank you Mr. President. I
would have been surprised I got out of this House without the Hon.
Member asking me a question. I must thank the Hon. Senator for her concern on the issue of healthy eating. However, the healthy eating aspect does not reside with the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development. It resides with the Ministry of Health and Child Care. They should be the ones who should be on the forefront of promoting consumption of healthy diets and us as a Ministry; we are only concerned about the issue of household food security.
We do not dictate or promote on the health aspect that people should eat this or grow that. They do not start by eating but by growing. Therefore, the issue of growing might not at that juncture be on the basis of production of healthy commodities. It could be very commercial in terms of what gives them more money from a farmer level point of view, then the consumption comes in later. So the consumption should be done by the Ministry of Health and Child Care. I thank you.
- SEN. D.T. KHUMALO: The Ministry of Health and Child
Care does not promote the growing of foods. The Ministry of
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development promotes what should be grown. I thought that maybe you would say you are linking with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to do this. If you are saying the Ministry of Health and Child Care is responsible for promoting the eating – how does it promote the eating when it will not promote the growing? I thought that when I grow crops I should be told to grow maize and so on by the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and
Irrigation Development.
The health of the people does not depend on the Ministry of Health and Child Care. I think that we are not aware of the function of the
Ministry of Health and Child Care on the nutrition. The function of the Ministry of Health and Child Care on the nutrition is to see whether you have done it properly and not to tell you what to grow. The balance is with the Ministry of Agriculture as far as I am concerned. I have worked for both Ministries and I know which Ministry is supposed to do what.
HON. ZHANDA: I want to thank the Hon. Senator for her
steadfastness in terms of nutrition but all the same, the country is divided into various regions, which indicate the amount of rainfall received
there. As a Ministry, we promote the growing of small grains in marginal areas, particularly, in Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, part of Masvingo and part of Midlands, taking cognizance that whenever there is drought or little rain, those small grains will do very well. In doing so, we do not emphasise the health aspect because we do not think that lies with our Ministry. Our Ministry is mandated to ensure that there is enough food at household level. We cannot then say do not eat this but eat this because it is healthy as it becomes very cumbersome for our Ministry. I hope you will appreciate that.
HON. SEN D. T. KHUMALO: Previously the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development used to be involved in promoting the other foods and this has since stopped since the 1990s. You used to do beans, peas etcetera but you are no longer talking about those. You are not food secure when you are going to have children with a big stomach full of starchy foods because you are giving children more diseases. Food security means including the beans and peas. Are we including those to encourage people to have a balanced diet and be healthy?
HON. ZHANDA: I think I must explain that as the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, we do not force farmers what to grow. When farmers want to grow a certain commodity, our job is to provide technical advice through the extension workers, to make sure that they will successfully grow commodities in a commercial manner. We, however, cannot go as a Ministry to a farmer and tell them what to grow for healthy eating. That is not our mandate.
I thank you.
HON. SEN CHIMHINI: My question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Information. Minister, musicians are represented by Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) and currently, it is in the public domain that the representative body is failing to access the royalties from ZBC. Can the Minister tell this House when those royalties can be paid to ZIMURA so that the money is given to the musicians?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF INFORMATION (HON.
MATHUTHU): Thank you Hon. Sen. Chimhini for that fundamental question. Yes, we owe artists some payments for their royalties but like any other organisation at the moment, we are cash strapped. Even the workers are not being paid everyday, as you may be aware. As soon as ZBC gets its coffers healthy, I am sure that those payments will be made. I thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIMHINI: When we are talking about these
royalties, these have been in arrears for two to three years and this is where they get their livelihood. That is their form of employment and if you say you will consider them when you have money, yet we are all aware that at the moment the economy is not performing well, what is it that the Ministry can do to alleviate the suffering of these musicians who have to earn from these royalties? Some of these musicians have already passed away and their families are supposed to live on the royalties.
HON. MATHUTHU: Thank you Hon. Member for the
supplementary. As you may be aware, very few people are paying for their listener’s licences, TV licences and even car radio licences. The
Ministry has to engage other Ministries to assist with collection of fees. So, like I said before, as soon as we have adequate funds and resources to pay those royalties, we will do so, though I cannot give a date when that will be done. We depend on everybody else in the country to support ZBC work. I thank you.
HON. SEN MOHADI: I would like to find out from the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development whether you have in your policies issues pertaining exporting of agricultural produce to South Africa. If so, how can one get an export permit?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE,
MECHANISATION AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT (HON.
ZHANDA): We are not seized with identifying the markets ourselves but wherever an individual has found a market and wants to export any commodity, we simply assist in terms of providing the necessary export licences and to enable the individual to export. I would want to emphasise that the issue of exports is really at the heart of Government and every form of assistance will be rendered to anybody who wants to export any commodity from the country.
HON. SEN MOHADI: Hon, Minister, can you clarify how, if I want that export permit I should go about it or where I should go.
HON. ZHANDA: The department that deals with export and import licences is the department of Economics and Markets at the Head
Office, No 1, Ngungunyana building, Borrowdale road.
*HON. SEN MAWIRE: My question is to the Minister of
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development. I want to find out from you about what we have heard from the media pertaining engaging in livestock breeding. When will this programme start and are you looking at the gender aspect of it with particular emphasis on women? Are the resources being equitably shared especially the livestock?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE,
MECHANISATION AND IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT (HON.
ZHANDA): I thank the Senator for her question. Currently we do not have a programme to give people livestock or cash. The programme that we have right now is to go to those people with livestock and capacitate them on how to keep their livestock. In Zimbabwe, we have 5.3 million cattle but the most important thing that is happening is that the cows that are bearing calves are very low. There are so many people who are keeping livestock of which the larger number are cows and we want to educate and conscientise them on how they can increase the number of calves from the cows that they have. There is a challenge whereby some cows become more of an expense and do not bear any calves throughout the year. So, we want them to bear calves every year so that it becomes productive. I thank you.
HON. SEN. CHIEF GAMPU: Thank you President. My question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and
Irrigation Development. May I know if there is any GMO food on our shelves in Zimbabwe? As a country, we need to know exactly what is going on. If the answer is yes - why and if the answer is no, why? Thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(LIVESTOCK) (HON. ZHANDA): Thank you Mr. President. I want
to thank the Hon. Senator for the question. I was just beginning to wonder whether if I say they are there then it must be why and if I say no, it must be why again. So, as Government we do not promote the consumption of GMO feed. However, the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development has got a department which screens the issue of issuing permits to people who want to import feed or food into the country. That department makes sure that from a food safety point of view, whatever is being imported is safe consumption. I cannot guarantee that there are no other feeds or food which is coming in which might slip through the finger.
I cannot also say it is commonly known or they are labeled that there is GMO food on the shelves in supermarkets. One would want to think that if they are there, it is not the intention of Government to promote the consumption of GMO food. I have no evidence to say we have come across that but as I said, one of our departments ensures that whatever food is being imported, particularly for human consumption is obviously safe for human consumption. I thank you.
HON. SEN. KHUMALO: My question goes to the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development about the issue of GMO. Can you explain to us what ‘GMO’ stands for? Secondly, in Matobo, we used to have short, medium and long term maize which we used to grow. How does it become short, medium and long term? That is supplementary to GMO.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE (HON.
TAWENGWA): But that is not a supplementary question. That is a new question altogether.
HON. SEN. KHUMALO: It is a GMO issue.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Short,
long and medium term is not GMO.
HON. SEN. KHUMALO: Yes, it is GMO.
HON. ZHANDA: Thank you Chair. I thank the Hon. Member for the question. GMO stands for ‘Genetically Modified Organisms.’ The issue that you are talking about in terms of short, medium and long term is a type of a variety, which variety is not developed because of GMO. It is the seed breeding aspect which takes place taking into consideration that you must come out with short term seed varieties so that they can cope, particularly where normal rainfall has taken place.
So, the short season varieties aspect on long season is a research outcome of varieties of the seeds that we are yet to develop in order to cope with the various conditions prevailing in our country. It is nothing to do with GMO. I can safely say that has nothing to do with GMO. In actual fact, if there is anything that I am very certain about, it is that as Government, if there is anything that we will never allow to come into the country is any GMO seed that would be used for growing purposes.
We will not allow that.
HON. SEN. B. SIBANDA: Could the Minister help us. Is there empirical evidence that GMO products are harmful to human life?
HON. ZHANDA: Thank you Hon. President. Thank you Senator for the question. I think it is an ongoing debate. No conclusiveness has been arrived at to say it is harmful or non harmful. When you look at where GMO started, I think evidence is there that it has been discouraged. That is why you find even in Europe, the so-called developed countries, they do not favour or allow the importation of GMO food into their countries. This means they have also discovered one way or another that it has got a long term negative effect to the people. So, whilst we have not conclusively said it is harmful, surely I think worldwide, it is something that is being discouraged.
HON. SEN. MAKORE: Thank you Mr. President. My question goes to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development. It seems there is low morale in the growing of cotton in the country. What motivational measures is the Government doing to encourage farmers to grow cotton again? Thank you.
THE DEPUTY MNISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(LIVESTOCK) (HON. ZHANDA): Thank you Hon. President. I want
to thank the Hon. Senator for the question. I think last year Government took a bold step in availing some inputs to cotton growers for free to rejuvenate the growing of cotton. Coupled with this year as well, Government has put 45 cents a kilogramme for COTTCO to buy cotton from farmers. The 45 cents is well above the market price.
When you look at the ratio of the delinting between the seed and the lint, it is almost about 45% lint and 55% seed, which means when you want to multiply your 45 cents per kilogramme, it is almost a dollar. Farmers are paid a dollar for the link equivalent but the market price is not paying that amount. Moreover, we have no control over the market. Cotton is always exported and it is an exported commodity. The price is determined by the supply and demand and the production taking place in major growing cotton areas like the United States of America and other countries.
So worldwide, the demand for cotton has been affected by the introduction of synthetic fibres. It is no longer the old days where most of the countries used to use a lot of cotton, particularly China. In actual fact, what influences the price of cotton worldwide are your stocks in China and your production in the United States which are the major producing countries. I must as well say to the Senators that whilst the United States is signatory to the WTO where subsidies are discouraged, one of the issues that is affecting third world countries including
Zimbabwe about the price of cotton is because of the subsidy by the American Government to cotton growers in the United States leading to overproduction and oversupply into the market. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MAVHUNGA: Thank you Mr. President. My
question is directed to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture. What is your Ministry doing to enhance maize crop production in the 2016 /2017 season? Thank you.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(LIVESTOCK) (HON. ZHANDA: Thank you. I am lucky the Vice
President is here. He is the Chairperson for the Food Security Committee. He recently announced measures that the Government has taken in order to boost maize production and other various programmes that the Government has taken aboard. With your indulgence Vice President, can I leave it to you to explain some of the measures that you have taken aboard?
THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): Thank you Hon. President of the Senate. Indeed, we announced recently command agriculture. The components of the command agriculture is to achieve certain objectives. The first objective is to be self-sufficient in the provision of food within the next three or four seasons in this country. How do we achieve it? To be selfsufficient, we need at least two million metric tonnes of grain in the country. How many hectares of land would give us that amount of grain? Through expert consultations with experts, we are satisfied that if we support farmers in the production of grain and peg yield levels at five tonnes per hectare, we will need four hundred thousand hectares in the country times five tonnes per hectare; that will give us two million metric tonnes per season. That is sufficient for provision of food in the country as well as the strategic grain reserve.
There are various approaches we are making:
- We have to identify the 400 000 hectares in the country in the ten provinces. Once we have done that, we need to empower such farmers identified to grow the grain by giving them machinery or equipment, seed, fertiliser and so on. Who will fund this? We are determined to say initially we must have domestic resources to run the programme. To do so, we must have various sub-sectors of the economy relating to agriculture to come on board. So, we must first of all discuss with seed houses in this country so that they can contribute to the programme. We have done so and they have come on board;
- Secondly, we must discuss with the fertiliser and chemical companies in the country. We have done so and they are coming on board on the programme; iii. We must discuss with financial institutions in the country and see what they can contribute to the programme and we have done so; iv. We must discuss with the farmers themselves and indicate what we want to achieve. For instance, out of the 400 000 hectares, we say if each farmer has to have 100 hectares, how many farmers would we have - about 4 000. However, we can also say a farmer with 50 hectares and another farmer with 50 hectares can come together and be given implements and support in the programme;
- We have water bodies in the country such as dams and weirs and in some areas, we have rivers which run throughout the year, perennial rivers. All those people around water bodies must be identified and asked to come on board so that they can also produce grain twice a year; summer and winter. As the Deputy
Minister was saying, we cannot force people to come on board.
However, if you are near water and you do not want to come on board, we put you where there is no water. We then bring those who want to be near water so that we can support them.
The other issue is that we are focusing on grain. However, it does not mean that every area in this country produces grain. There are other areas in this country which produce products other than maize. They must also be supported. We are not going to limit ourselves to the production of grain. For instance, I have just arrived from Zvimba where we had gone. Three months ago, we went to Matabeleland South at Ingwizi. We found that the cattle were dying already because there is no grass. When we discussed with the Chairman of ARDA, Cde. Nyabadza, he said he is aware of grass that is grown in Brazil, which can sustain cattle. We were able to secure 2 000 hectares of land in Matabeleland South and we imported the grass. Fortunately, we discovered that this grass could be found in South Africa. It has been there for the past four years.
We have got another farmer in Zvimba who gave us 50 hectares of land and there is Darwendale dam which can irrigate it. We have been there today to see the grass that we have imported. It grows on 50 hectares. A demonstration has been done now that we have the correct climate to grow that grass. On 2 000 hectares, we are able to feed 60 000 herd of cattle. That again, contributes to feeding our cattle and relieving our maize from being used as stock feed so that there is more maize for people’s use or export. So, in the area of food sufficiency, I think we are on track. I thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in terms of Standing Order Number 62.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Mr. President, I move for the extension of time for Oral Answers to Questions Without Notice by 15 minutes.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I second.
HON. SEN. MUSAKA: I thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to the Leader of the House, Hon. Vice President on Questions with Notice on the Order Paper; what is the period allowed because we get disheartened. I have questions that have been on the Order Paper for more than three months without the Ministers concerned responding.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT: Which question is that?
HON. SEN. MUSAKA: For example question No. 4 and 5. They have been on the Order Paper for more than three months. The
Ministers responsible for the questions are the Minister of Health and
Child Care, the Minister of Rural Development and Preservation of
Culture and Heritage and the Minister of Mines and Mining
Development.
THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): Thank you Mr. President, your concern is as good as mine. I am also very concerned that the Ministers have not been able to answer questions and I have done the appeal in Cabinet. Mr.
President, even on Tuesday, I read those questions and said these Ministers should come to Parliament; possibly because of other arrangements which collide with the sitting of the House, perhaps they are unable to come. Let me assure you that I encourage Ministers to come and give answers to written questions.
*HON. SEN. MURWIRA: My question is directed to the
Minister of Agriculture (Livestock). I believe it is the wheat growing season now. I want to find out what is the status quo and are we going to be able to get wheat for bread as a nation.
*THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(LIVESTOCK) (HON. ZHANDA): I want to thank the Senator for the question posed. Currently we are doing assessments to see wheat that is under the plough. Yes, it might have been grown but I do not think it is enough to sustain us for the whole year. That is what the Vice President was talking about that we are not only considering maize production but we will also consider the issue of growing wheat.
The supply of electricity has improved. We also had large volumes of water but what remains is that the price of wheat that is being paid to the farmers is very lucrative and if you are a farmer getting so many tonnes, you will get good profit from the production of wheat.
What affects most farmers from growing wheat is the issue of finance. It is expensive to grow wheat and hence farmers are not left with much profit afterwards. So, if the issue of wheat production is addressed, it will help the farmers. We held a meeting with those who use wheat as well as the big companies that are waiting upon the Government to get wheat and maize. So, through that meeting, we were able to come up with a way forward that they are in business and they should come in and finance the farmers to grow more maize or wheat because if they do not, then it will affect the nation.
Mr. President, if we look at the companies that I am talking about, they can get money at very minimal interest rates and can assist farmers to grow wheat. I thank you.
HON. SEN. MAKONE: My question is directed to the Minister of Agriculture (Livestock). When we do experiments to vary the speed at which crops grow, in other words to make them short term, medium term or long term varieties, I believe that is the modification of the genetic combination of the plants. So, if a plant becomes a different variety from what it used to be, is that not a form of GMO.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
(LIVESTOCK) (HON. ZHANDA): I want to thank the Hon. Senator for the question. In terms of coming out with new seed varieties, we do not experiment. The seed variety is a result or an outcome of extensive research and that research is not any modification. It is coming out with a new variety, not an improved. It is a new variety altogether, either which is, short term in nature or drought tolerant and this is not GMO.
The research institutions are the ones which carry out those findings and come out with varieties, then they experiment before they release them to the farmers. Once you see them releasing to the farmers, then obviously, they would have been satisfied that the seed meet the specification that they intend to meet.
The issue of GMO is not something that is embodied in the seed itself. It is the additional, for instance, when you talk about cotton cultivars, that they put a chemical into the seed that when you grow it, then the issues like pests and so forth do not come and eat because it is already in the leaves and so forth. GMO naturally does not mean that you get higher yields out of GMO varieties. What happens is that you get less input costs into it. It costs you less to produce, therefore the cost is less.
Let me also enlighten this House that even in Zimbabwe, the conventional seed varieties or some of the seed varieties that we have in this country can produce up to 14 tonnes per hectare. We must note that it is not the seed that does the trick alone, it includes land preparation, your timing, amount of water, application of fertilizers, soil composition et cetera, making up at the end of the day to achieve those yields. The yield is not a result of GMO, most people’s perception is that if it is a GMO, it automatically translates into a higher yield, no, it is not like that. There are other issues that are applied.
HON. SEN. MAKONE: I am asking this question as a scientist of agriculture myself. One of the studies that we undertook at Nottingham School of Agriculture was to look into the improvement of yields of certain crops in the United Kingdom that was way back in the Seventies when they were actually starting to work on these genetically modified crops. The whole idea of GMOs came with competition amongst farmers in Europe, United States and the United Kingdom and other countries where they were actually subsidising their own people for whatever they expect but to do that competitively, they had to be high yields on limited land which as you know they have overseas. So, to do that, you had to genetically modify the growth rates of whether there are crops or animals so that things come to fruition than they would have otherwise done.
The question is, when you say that genetically modified is not necessarily changing the cultivar that we have got, I fail to understand.
HON. ZHANDA: I want to thank the Hon. Member and I want to state clearly that I am very much aware of that system. One of the issues about GMO seed is that they will even put to an extent a chemical when a farmer grows the crop. You cannot then use what you have grown for seed purposes. So it is a protected patent. It is not about modifying.
Let me give you a typical example. When I was at COTTCO,
Mosandu, that is the people who started the GMO technology, based in St. Lewis in Missouri. They are the ones who wanted to come and buy our seed house here which is called Quton and we refused what they wanted because they already hadinformation that our cultivars were good enough. They wanted to buy in order to convert our seed into GMO by not modifying the seed or not researching on the seed but simply putting a chemical that will prevent that seed to be used by farmers like what they do in conventional maize. So it is not like that. It is biotechnology system that they use into the seed.
It does not follow that they produce a GMO without necessarily researching on the cultivar itself, on the seed variety itself. The GMO comes at the tail end but the research work on the cultivar must be carried out in order to produce a seed that is equivalent to whether it is short, long or medium term. They will not come here and convert our seed into GMO by simply converting them. No, it is not possible.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: My question is directed to the Vice President and Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. On passing the General Laws and considering the landmark ruling by Constitutional Court (Concourt) on child marriages. When do we envisage the amendment to the Guardianship of Minors Act?
Also, is it going to take care of the criminal act of guardians who are impregnating those that they are supposed to take care off? Is the ruling going to charge those men who are married to minors and are still living and having children with them?
THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE,
LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON.
MNANGAGWA): Thank you Mr. President Sir. Thank you Hon.
Senator but before I answer, may I say something about the earlier question posed by Hon. Sen. Makone.
I think we are lucky that we have Hon. Sen. Makone. She is a renowned scientist. So the questions she asked, she has capacity to answer. –[HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
With regard to the question asked by Hon. Sen. Mlotshwa, it is a very technical question which requires to be put in writings so that I
discover where the Attorney-General’s Office is in relation to drafting, what is in the amendment and what is not in the amendment and the stages at which those amendments are. Then we can present. You would not expect me, off the cuff, there are so many Bills that are currently under drafting for me to know the stage at which each one is and the provisions of each Bill. That is not possible but if you put it in writing, we will give you a full menu of the provisions of what you have asked. I thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE
TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE (HON. SEN.
TAWENGWA) in terms of Standing Order No. 62.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE
REHABILITATION OF CHAMASWISWI DAM
- HON. SEN. MOHADI asked the Minister of Environment
Water and Climate when Chamaswiswi Dam in Beitbridge West will be rehabilitated
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT WATER AND
CLIMATE (HON. MUCHINGURI): Mr. President Sir, the dam that
Hon. Mohadi is referring to is Tshamaswiswi Dam on the confluence of Chabili River and Masangakuwa water course. The main use of the dam is to supply water for irrigation to Chamaswiswi Irrigation, which is in Region V characterised by low rainfall.
The dam was constructed by “Give a Dam Campaign” for the benefit of the community in the Beitbridge communal area. This dam was destroyed by floods in January 2014. The irrigation fields were also washed away after the dam failed. Sixty (60) families who benefited have since lost their source of income and their livelihood has been affected.
However, my Ministry, through ZINWA, has since established an
Emergency Drought Relief Committee to attend to such situations as the Tshamaswiswi Dam. A team visited the dam and produced a report on the failure of the dam. The Committee is sending a team to site to produce the survey and the necessary Bill of Quantity (BOQ) to establish how much the works will cost. The main works will primarily consist of the dam wall and the spillway. The dam will be considered for rehabilitation under the Emergency and Drought Mitigation Fund and when resources are available, the dam will be repaired. I thank you.
Questions with Notice were interrupted by THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE (HON. SEN.
TAWENGWA) in terms of Standing Order No. 62.
MOTION
SECOND REPORT OF THE THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON
GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT ON EARLY CHILD MARRIAGES
First Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Second
Report of the Thematic Committee on Gender and Development on Early Child Marriages.
*HON. SEN. MAVHUNGA: Thank you Mr. President for
affording me the opportunity to debate on the motion that was tabled by Hon. Sen. Makore and seconded by Hon. Sen. Buka. Early marriages are a problem, especially in Zimbabwe. Going into a marriage before the age of 18, as enshrined in our Constitution is causing a lot of problems. I want to believe such early marriages are being caused by poverty in our society. If a family is poor, at times children will end up marrying at an early age. Young girls will even have affairs with sugar daddies. The low value placed on our young girls will cause them to engage into early marriages.
If the family cannot afford to send a girl child to school, in the majority of cases, the family is struggling to pay fees; the girl child is the one who is sacrificed from attending school – the rationale being that the boy child will extend the family whilst the girl child will extend the family that she will be marrying into.
Some orphans may be forced into an early marriage because they might think that if they have their own family, home or their own husband, they may be in a better position to look after their siblings.
Religion is also the other cause of these early marriages. There are sectors where people claim that they had dreams and that a certain old man should enter into an early marriage with a child. As a result, an early marriage starts.
In terms of our laws; the age of consent should be amended and the age of consent should be 18 years and not 12 years as it is now. These early marriages amongst teenagers cause a lot of problems. The girl child has to leave school because she will need to breastfeed. Even if she is brilliant, she would have lost focus regardless of the fact that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said the child can reenroll and go back to school – it may not be the ideal situation.
Early marriages stifle development in terms of the person being unable to be productive because she will now be looking after the family – since the grandparents will also be uneducated. The same trend will continue for the father, child and the grand children who will be uneducated. These early marriages are the cause of many divorces because the participants to these early marriages do not appreciate how to treat either the husband or their in-laws. As a result of this, the marriage will crumble. Once it has crumbled, orphans arise and these young girls engage in prostitution as was tabled yesterday in the report of the Committee that went to carry out an investigation.
Early child marriages with regards to women are detrimental to the young girls because they become sexually active before they are strong enough. Complications arise and they will have difficulties in conceiving and have problems in delivering. Some might even die while giving birth. Cervical cancer also results from early indulgence in
sexual activity. These are some of the findings that we got and that there should be solutions to eradicate such ills.
The practice that when a child is impregnated whilst still young should not be a secret. Private marriage arrangements between families should be exposed and the culprits jailed, so that this acts as a deterrent to such behavior. There is need for re-alignment of the law to be in line with the age of marriage versus the age of consent to sexual activity. This will eradicate some of the problems. Let us ensure that our people are properly empowered and that we have adequate forms of wealth creation because we have identified poverty as one of the causes of these early child marriages.
We want to encourage each other as Hon. Members of this august Senate to increase the frequency of our meetings and discourage early child marriages, especially in the farming areas where we are. You even see young teenagers that are married and the marriage hardly lasts. As soon as they divorce, they change partners rapidly and this is not good practice. We want people to go into marriages when they are mature. I repeat that children fail to go to school because of early marriages. With these words, I would want to thank the report by the Committee that I am a member. I urge this House to support this report. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. TIMVEOUS: I would like to thank Hon. Sen. Makore, who brought this report. I would want to talk about early child marriages. This is not a good practice in this country and in Africa as a whole. Two days ago, I received the news that a Malawian man was paid and they said that it was in terms of their culture that when a girl becomes 12 years of age, some monies are paid and they go to a certain place. The man in question broke over a hundred girls’ virginity and the man was HIV positive. I was happy that the Malawian President, Dr. Mutharika urged that the man be arrested and this was despite the fact that the man had the consent of the parents to have their children killed through HIV infection.
As a country, we should seriously look into the issue of early child marriages. Our economy is not good. Be that as it may, let us closely examine and place the proper value that should be placed on the life of the girl child. I went to South Africa where there was an HIV
Conference. I attended a workshop and there were some adolescent girls who were HIV positive. One was from Botswana, the other one from Kenya, Tanzania and all over. They were lamenting that our
Governments and even our relatives have let us down. Let us say I have a child and I am in a second marriage and my husband who is the stepfather to my daughter becomes sexually involved with my daughter. The mother would then protect her husband, urging the child to remain mum so that the matter cannot be reported to the police and the stepfather continuously raped or violated the young girl. There was an issue of a grandfather or uncle who violated a girl and the parents then said the two should then stay together and the child was 12 years old.
Our culture has certain values that are good but there are others that are bad – which tend to take advantage of our children. We are shy to report our relatives who would have violated our children for fear of what our neighbours would say. As a result, they start accusing their child of what they wear and that maybe they would have caused this abuse which has befallen them.
We should have legal instruments that clearly spell out these things. I am happy and proud that our Constitution now says that, for anyone who is 18 years and below, that person is a child. As parents, let us have a paradigm shift and a change of mindset that anyone who is 18 years and below is a child and should be treated like a child.
In Zvishavane where I come from, I have seen the police going around conducting awareness campaigns because of the prevalence of sexual abuse by relatives. I want Zimbabwe to know that if a relative has visited you; ensure that your relative has come with good intentions and not sinister motives to abuse your daughters. The police have said that cases of sexual abuse are on the increase. You may dispute that but just take your mind back and think what might be happening to your daughter whilst you are here in this august House. I would want the law to closely examine and be very tough in that area so as to ensure that our fathers and brothers value the lives of the girl child.
We should fight against child marriages. Just a few years back, I do not know if it is still happening in the apostolic sects, they would force children to get married at the age of 12 years. We went to a workshop in Nyanga and we heard that there is an apostolic sect that wanted their 12 year old virgin daughters to get married to older men in their church. They encourage early marriages so that they do not lose their virginity. So this man who is over 60 years of age will cause this girl to lose her virginity. It is so detrimental to the extent that the mother or the woman might even assist this elderly man to penetrate the virgins. We are awaiting that Bill with abated breath because the Vice President said that there is a Bill which will be brought so that we can deal with it. I hope that the law will be very tough on those that are abusing children that are below the ages of 18 and those that are condoning such marriages. No one should be forced into a marriage because it is quite painful.
Our culture and community should change and we should respect the girl child. I have seen the girl child driving buses and some are now lawyers. I heard about Linda Masarire who was the first to drive a train and as women, we can do anything if we are given the opportunity. We urge the police to arrest the abusers of these young girls. Girls, when they become older, are very responsible and they look after their elderly parents. The same cannot be said about a young man who may not look after you very well. They may even ill treat you. Let us value the lives of the girl child and they should not go into early marriages. I thank you.
*THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT: Thank you so much. If we
are discussing about the issue of early child marriages, there is murder and rape but it is different from early child marriages. Let us confine ourselves to the debate.
*HON. SEN. BHOBHO: Thank you Mr. President. I would want to add my voice and be grateful for the report that was tabled by Hon. Sen. Makore of our Committee which I also belong to. We are facing challenges as parents because of early child marriages. We need to put our heads together as the elders to see that there should not be any of these early marriages. The boy child or the girl child should not be involved in early marriages because it is problematic to us as parents. The two young children who have now become married are not selfsustaining and they still need to be looked after by their parents. The child that is a product of that marriage cannot be properly looked after by the two, so there is an extra burden on the parents. We need to put our heads together and let us find opportunities to urge our children to become closer to us as parents so that we quickly notice if anything amiss is happening. As has been earlier on mentioned by the previous Senator, the parent who has remained behind whilst we are here at work should be in a position to see if there is anything amiss going on. Children are becoming mischievous through friends, churches and school. There is also abuse from the churches. It is a spirit which is within this country and it is akin to HIV/AIDs which has killed a lot of people. We should look after our children.
Other husbands or mothers become too cheeky instead of finding out why the child is not excelling at school. Instead, you should encourage your children to desist from early marriages and point out the dangers to them as well as names of role models of those that would have gone to school and married at a mature age. Children should be told that they should not have these early marriages because they soon get fed up with their spouses and abandon them for new ones. It should be acceptable in our community that early marriages are not good because the issue of HIV/AIDs medication has now become acceptable within our society.
Parents are still very defensive when it comes to abuse of their own children. They may not want to report the husband or brother who will have abused the child. The mother can secretly scold the brother for the abuse and not to repeat it because she fears he will be chased away by the brother-in-law. The fathers of these children seem to be demon possessed because they are even abusive to their own children. It is unheard of for women to be accused of having abused their 13 year old children. But I know of a father in my area that impregnated his own daughter. When the child was about to be impregnated for the second time, she went to the police without the knowledge of the mother and the father was arrested. We need to put our heads together. We have the HIV/AIDs pandemic in our midst. Our husbands are the fathers of our children but they are the chief culprits. Nothing much has been heard of mothers abusing their own children but the same cannot be said of our husbands. We have a lot of children that are on the streets that have been impregnated and dumped and their products are now on the streets.
Programmes which are to be viewed by children on television should also have parental guidance. Children are very good at copying so they should not see pornographic material on television. Let us assist each other. There are those with inadequate living space because they lodge. The children observe their parents undressing and that is a bad habit. In the past, children would go to school and they would then be in a position to look after their own children after they will have attained their education. However, today you find that the mother and the daughter are living under the same roof as well as the grandchildren because there is no one to look after them. Tame those while still
young, is what I advocate for. So, let us start talking to our grade six pupils about the dangers of what they see on television. I know they will start arguing with you because they do not want to be barred from seeing their favourite programmes. Nevertheless, the end result is that they at last suffer as they will have infected each other. It is a problem which parents are facing. Government should support such a programme so that this august House can go far and wide preaching the gospel of the ills of early marriage. This will act as a deterrent to would-be-offenders. All of us should be the custodians of our own children. We should not even be ashamed to report our kith and kin should they abuse our children.
All of us have a duty to ensure that we eradicate this practice because we even have grandchildren fostered upon us at a time when we are not prepared to look after these grandchildren. This puts a strain on the fiscus and on the Government needs because these children are uneducated and cannot even look after themselves nor can they properly bath themselves. When they got married, they were just children. So the husbands were bound to run away from them because they do not know how to bath properly. As parents, let us look after our own children and discourage them from early marriages and giving birth before they mature. I thank you.
*THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT: Order Hon. Senators, let us
follow the motion that is before us and not deviate to other issues.
*HON. SEN. MOEKETSI: Thank you for affording me the opportunity to add one or two words to this debate. I thank the mover of the motion Hon. Sen. Makore who was seconded by Hon. Sen. Buka. Allow me, Mr. President, to address this august House and say to the male Members of Parliament and Chiefs that are here, to please respect the children even if they are not your own blood. We do have a law that we enacted as a House and after we had enacted the law, there was also the granting of freedom to a child who is now 18 years old. If the father and the mother were to assault or discipline that child and that child would cause your arrest. For instance, I have seen my child with a man who had a car. When I question her about what was going on, she would simply say she is now 18 years of age and there is nothing I can do about
I urge this august House to enable us to go to the communal lands where the children are abused by the male populace. We have males who know that when they go to churches, they will be facing young girls and they are not going to talk about this issue. Allow us to go round the country because the male folk are not respecting the women and their children. It is my plea that as male folk, you respect your children - the boy and the girl child. Be able to restrain or remonstrate with your girls and boys.
Our biggest problem in Zimbabwe is that the majority of the children that we are talking about who are entering into these early marriages are being married with mature men who are suffering from illnesses. The children that we are looking after in the communal home require medication every week and you are aware that this is a child of a certain individual. Allow this person to pay a beast as compensation.
You will have pointed out that he has raped someone’s child. We have some courts that are not taking us anywhere. They have killed this country. We now have the formation of sex worker organisation, I thank you Mr. President.
*THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE Let us
conclude because our time is almost up.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to also add my voice to this report which was presented by Hon. Sen. Makore, seconded by Hon. Sen. Buka. I am not even a member of this Committee but the issues that they touched about on early marriages is what forced me to make a contribution. My contribution will not be long but as this august House, I think we should call the Minister concerned and then we propose stiff penalties for those who marry children under the age of 18.
Mr. President, you will recall that last week I raised a question of a girl of 18 years who was abused by a certain businessman in Beitbridge. The matter was taken to courts and the perpetrator went scot-free without the consent of the mother and it was just like that. I am having a problem when coming to this issue. Those who sometimes read papers will find that in Beitbridge again, even though I cannot say much about the issue because it is before the courts, a perpetrator took two sixteen year old children.
He pretended that he wanted to marry them. When I was alerted about the issue, I went to that House and found that the other girl was sitting on the veranda. She was almost seven months pregnant. The other one was inside the House. When I tried to find out what was happening, he said he wanted to marry them. I asked as to who gave him consent to marry these children because they are under the age of 18. No one agreed because I had gone there with their mothers and they were crying right through, but the perpetrator was not arrested.
I am urging that the courts deal with these issues on a serious matter because even though you report, the police will take the matter forward. When it gets to the courts, I do not know what happens. Those people are released and they go scot-free at the end of the day. Our Constitution clearly says that an issue of a 13 year old child is taken as rape case, but I do not know what really happens.
I urge members that let us be very serious when we are talking about these matters because as long as we just talk about them and leave them here, nothing is going to happen and our children are going to be abused. They will also not have a chance to go to school because a 13 year old is supposed to be at school but they are now called mothers. What kind of a mother is that one? Where else can we find a mother of that nature? Even ourselves at this age, you find that marriage is a difficult thing but what about 12/13 year child? With these few words Mr. President, I thank you.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Thank you Mr. President. I will
endeavour to stick to the objectives of the report tabled in this House by the Committee on Gender Development. I want to thank the Chairperson Hon. Makore and the seconder Hon. Buka for this qualitative report. We are looking at the challenges being faced by the girl child. When you look at these challenges, you have to look at what exactly is driving men to marry young girls and you will get to know that sex is the agenda.
There is nothing that they want from these young girls other than sex. So Mr. President, other Hon. Senators talked about the culture, not only in Zimbabwe but all over the world. There are other cultures that at a tender age of 9, 10 or 11 years, the girl is forced to undergo genital mutilation because already, they are thinking of marrying that girl and they do not want her to enjoy the benefits of her body. So that is why they do the genital mutilation.
They are only thinking for themselves not for the girl. If you think who sits to decide on these cultural activities, you find that in most cases it is men. This is because in Africa, nearly three quarters of our cultural custodians are men. They want this culture to go on because it is not benefitting the girl but benefitting them. This young girl is not allowed to enjoy or decide about her body which is God-given because when God gave her, she has a right to decide when to do and with who to do. I wish that all over the world, men should respect these young girls. They should know that these girls should mature first like in anything else.
Even if you plough your field, you wait for whatever is there to mature. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture was talking about the short, medium and long term varieties. We want to see whether the girl is coming up to be a short, tall or a medium person when she matures before you start to think of marrying her by force. You will find that in most of the early child marriages, the girl cannot consent to the marriage.
Mr. President, I would also want to make this point that in a marriage, it is not really about sex for a woman. Your pelvis, breasts and mind need to be mature in order to know how to take care of people in the house. If you are married when you are still very young, how do you know when to take out your curtains and wash because you still need your mother to tell you that the curtains are dirty? You still need your mother to tell you that the dress that you are wearing is dirty and it needs to be washed. So, that girl will only be a sex symbol to this old man. Otherwise, she will not even manage to do all the other chores that a woman should do.
Mr. President, I asked the Minister of Justice, Legal and
Parliamentary Affairs when we are going to have the amendments to the Guardianship of Minors Act because most of these child marriages emanate from girls who do not have biological parents who would at least feel pity for them.
Like what the other Hon. Member said, if a male relative visits you, you do not have to automatically trust the person and say ‘I am going to Parliament in Harare for a week, I will live you with this Grade
2 child.’ You have to first understand the motive of the visit because if you trust that person, you will be shocked with what your own brother or father could do to your child.
Mr. President we are talking about girl marriages. It starts by a man wanting to go to bed with the girl. It does not start with the man failing to cook and think who will cook for him. We are asking the Minister to bring the amendments to the House so that the Guardianship of Minors Act, the Children’s Act, the Marriages Act and all the other
Acts are in conformity with the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Even if you look at the Constitution, it says a girl can be married at 18 years. I still say she is a child because even at 18, you still need to guide the girl because she cannot take care of a home. Of course they can consent to the marriage but you will be called time and again to say she has done
this.
If you are married to a young girl, if you find her playing netball outside the house, you are not supposed to be surprised because that is what she is supposed to be doing. When you are married to a young person, you must be prepared to go back and do all the things that you did when you were young because she is not mature enough to take care of you.
Mr. President, at times, girls are married in order to alleviate poverty. In such cases, the parents consent to the marriage. If the amendments come here, we are going to suggest that if this man wants to marry the girl and the parents are consenting, it means that an agreement should be made that the man should support the family until the girl is mature before he does anything. You will find that nobody will agree to that because they are in a hurry to go to bed. That is the only drive to the actual thing. If you say, you want to marry my 15 year old child, give her six more years before you touch year but give us the maize because we are starving; you will find that nobody would want to do it that way. It shows that when parents are hungry, they forget that this child is supposed to be protected by them. When they are hungry, they look at their hunger only. However, it is their failure. The girl has to be protected and the parents are supposed to provide for their families and not to sell off their girl child in order to get food that will sustain them just for one month.
Mr. President, at times the society believe that it is not proper for men to marry many wives and maybe that is why men are looking at their side and violating the young girls. They think that for them to be respectable, they should marry one woman but in their hearts they are not satisfied by that woman. Women are in abundance, they form 52% of the population. Why are men not marrying five women because they know that their appetites go beyond one woman? Mr. President, with these few words, I thank you very much.
HON. SEN. MASUKU: I move that the debate do now
adjourned.
HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 16th August, 2016.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MASUKU seconded by HON. SEN. MOHADI, the Senate adjourned at Nineteen Minutes to Five o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 16th August, 2016.
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 27th July 2016
The Senate met at Half-past Two O’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE in the
Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT
OF THE SENATE
INVITATION TO A COCKTAIL PARTY
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: I have
to inform the Senate that Hon. Senators from outside Harare are invited by the General Manager of Rainbow Towers Hotel to a cocktail starting at 1830 hours, this evening at the Hotel.
ERROR ON THE ORDER PAPER
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: I wish
to draw to the attention of the House to an error on the Order Paper where the Pan African Minerals University of Science and Technology (H. B. 10A, 2016), has been erroneously reflected on the Order Paper as H. B 8.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. MASUKU: I move that Order of the Day, Number 1 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the
Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MASUKU: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 28th July, 2016.
MOTION
FIRST REPORT OF THE THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON HIV/
AIDS ON THE NATIONAL AIDS COUNCIL CAPACITY BUILDING
WORKSHOP AND TOUR
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: I move the motion standing in my name that this House takes note of the First Report of the Thematic Committee on HIV/AIDS on the National Aids Council Capacity Building Workshop and Tour.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
HON. SEN. TIMVEOS: 1.0 INTRODUCTION
National AIDS Council, in conjunction with its following partners;
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and the Country Coordinating
Mechanism for Global Fund (CCM) invited the Thematic Committee on HIV/AIDS and the Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care to a capacity building workshop and tour of some clinics and discussions with key populations in Matabeleland South, from 5th to 8th May, 2016. The exercise was for information sharing and to create awareness on matters pertaining to some health issues and HIV/AIDS. The workshop resolved that it was important to present the information gleaned with Parliament through reports to the respective Houses.
1.1 Objectives of the Capacity Building Workshop and Tour
National Aids Council hosted the capacity building workshop and tour to promote a concerted effort by Ministry of Health and Child Care through NAC and Parliament, to effectively respond to health and HIV challenges facing the nation. In his welcome remarks, the NAC Board
Member, Dr. Tayi said legislators “play a critical role in facilitating legislative review and development as well as being a catalytic factor in their respective constituencies in addressing bottlenecks and offering solutions in dealing with the pandemic”. The workshop and tour was organised so that the lawmakers could get a hands-on appreciation of the progress and challenges in the national response to HIV/AIDS by NAC and other players. National AIDS Council repeatedly told the two Committees that Zimbabwe cannot end AIDS by 2030 if the critical dynamics and HIV risk factors that affect key populations are addressed.
2.0 THE COMMITTEES’ FINDINGS
2.1 Health Care Centres
The Committees’ first stop was at Chingwizi Clinic, where the community and local church (Family of God), with the help of NAC and some NGOs have constructed a clinic. The site was chosen by Government after the tragic floods in Tokwe Mukorsi which resulted in people staying in holding camps. The site was set up as a temporary health care shelter, people have since been resettled and the shelter has become a primary health care provider. At the time of the visit, the clinic was still undergoing construction, with some functions of the clinic still being carried out under a tent. The clinic offers HIV counselling and testing, ante natal and post natal care and basic primary health care.
The two Committees also visited Shabwe and Makakabule Clinic in Beitbridge and learnt that the clinics were short staffed. The group was impressed with the service at Makakabule Clinic which initiates Anti-Retroviral Therapy. However, it was noted that refresher courses organised at provincial level excluded district level nurses from refresher courses, which meant that these nurses were omitted from critical medical advances relating to their work, for example, the clinic at
Makakabule which is Rural District Clinic was unaware of the new World Health Organisation guidelines that anyone who tests HIV positive has to be initiated on ART regardless of their CD4 count.
The clinics are not adequately equipped with machines and technology to carry out tests such as CD4 count and those used for screening for cervical cancer. Although Anti-Retrovial tablets are for free, communities are required to pay health care user fees, which they cannot afford. The workshop participants spoke to patients (mostly women) at Shabwe Clinic who were lamenting the steep price of user fees and how without payment of such fees, the clinics would not attend to them.
3.0 Major issues which emerged during group discussions with commercial sex workers
The Committees were taken to visit the two sites to meet with commercial sex workers who have organised themselves into associations for moral support – in Ngundu and Beitbridge. The visit was deemed important because, although the incidence of HIV is falling in Zimbabwe, the figure continues to rise among commercial sex workers. NAC took it upon itself to engage these groups as they are an indication of a country wide problem. NAC and its partners established Committees in different parts of the country to provide information on HIV and behaviour change and to help treat the infected commercial sex workers.
3.1 Causes of Commercial sex work
The Committees were informed that commercial sex work has proliferated in these areas because of their location. Ngundu is a corridor to South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Malawi and Democratic Republic of Congo, which makes it the epicenter for HIV transmission in the country. The proxy indicator for HIV transmission is sexually transmitted infections and Matabeleland South recorded 243 cases in the first three months of 2016, while the last quarter of 2015 had recorded 177 cases. 500 to over 1000 trucks pass through Ngundu and even more through Beitbridge per day. The trucks are driven by men who are away from their homes for prolonged periods.
3.2 Challenges faced by commercial sex workers
A number of commercial sex workers gave testimonies and cited economic challenges as reasons for entering into sex work. Others had become widows with no way of caring for their children and receiving no form of support from their families and in-laws. Some indicated that they were willing to leave sex work if they could find alternative means of earning a living.
They cited challenges as follows; violent clients who sexually abused them and sometimes refused to pay for services rendered. They also told Parliamentarians that some clients offer to pay them more if no condom was used while some paid less than charged but used force to sleep with them longer or without the protection of a condom. Zimbabwean legislation criminalises sex work and society discriminates against women who engage in such work. This leaves the sex workers with on legal protection from abusive clients.
3.3 HIV prevention measures among sex workers
Sex workers informed parliamentarians that NAC and its partners carried out education campaigns on HIV and AIDS and taught them that they could prevent the further spread of HIV by use of condoms. However, sometimes they were forced to render their services without condoms as men often paid more money for service without condoms.
3.4 Recommendations from sex workers
The commercial sex workers associations visited recommended that Parliament should enact legislation to protect sex workers from abuse by clients and that Government set up and support income generating projects for them to cushion them against the prevailing harsh economic conditions.
4.0 Major issues emerging from discussions with truck drivers
Workshop participants were taken to a truck stop where discussions were held with a group of truck drivers. A number of them gave testimonies about the challenges they face in their work which lead to the spread of HIV and what could be done to alleviate the problems.
4.1 Factors leading truck drivers to seek services from sex workers
The truck drivers acknowledged that engaging the services of sex workers increased the spread of HIV and AIDS but also cited reasons which led them to seek such services as follows; spending long periods (up to 3 months) away from their wives, long waiting periods (up to two weeks) taken to clear their cargo and lack of entertainment at truck stops. Some of them also admitted that they did not consistently use condoms if they had interacted with the same commercial sex worker over time. NAC and its partners engaged the drivers to give them information on HIV and AIDS, counselling and testing for HIV.
4.2 Recommendations from truck drivers
Drivers made recommendations as follows; Parliament should enact legislation which will compel employers to allow truck drivers to travel with their wives. This will reduce the spread of HIV as spouses will be able to travel together and the need for services of commercial sex workers will not arise.
The truck drivers also requested that measures be taken by
Government through ZIMRA and Customs to reduce the time taken to clear cargo at border posts and that entertainment facilities be set up at truck stops so that drivers are entertained while they wait for clearance of cargo. Some of the drivers are HIV positive or suffer from chronic illnesses and therefore recommended that wellness centres or clinics be located near truck stops to enable them to access health care services easily. Truck drivers informed parliamentarians that provision of clean ablution facilities for them would greatly improve their welfare.
5.0 Major highlights from interactions with people living with HIV and AIDS
The Committees also visited Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+). A number of men, women and a teenager gave testimonies of how NAC has assisted them with lifesaving information on HIV and AIDS and ART. People living with HIV applauded the many efforts and intervention measures that Government, through NAC, as well as other stakeholders, have taken to ensure that they stay alive and receive treatment. There were many testimonies of well being and fitness from people living with HIV and this was attributed to the sound HIV treatment they were receiving. The Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) initiative was applauded as a good intervention in the prevention of transmission of HIV to babies as there was testimony of an HIV positive man who had sired four HIV negative children with his HIV negative wife.
5.1 Challenges faced by people living with HIV
People living with HIV alluded to discrimination and stigma as some of the major challenges they faced. A 19 year old girl, born HIV positive gave testimony that she faced discrimination from the community and struggled to make friends at school as she was shunned for being HIV positive. Some had to pull their children out of school as they were jeered at for being HIV positive.
5.2 Prayers of ZNNP+
People living with HIV recommended that they be considered as primary care counselors in HIV and AIDS programmes since they have a better understanding and appreciation of HIV and AIDS issues. ZNNPt informed parliamentarians that they have a ten hectare piece of land in Beitbridge on which they have built a tuck shop but lacked resources to carry out further projects. They implored parliamentarians, Government and other stakeholders to give them financial support to grow their income generating projects.
6.0 Major highlights on HIV and AIDS related presentations
A day and a half was dedicated to presentations on TB, Malaria, sexual reproductive health and HIV and AIDS. The information gleaned from the presentations relating to HIV and AIDS was as presented below; Zimbabwe experienced a 57% reduction in AIDS related deaths from 2005 to 2013 because of the improvement in ART coverage over the years and 34% reduction in new HIV infections between 2005 and 2013 was recorded.
The HIV decline is attributed to successful implementation of prevention strategies especially behaviour change, high condom use and reduction in multiple sexual partners. HIV prevalence has plateaued due to improved survival linked to improved ART coverage. Zimbabwe recorded a 34% reduction in new HIV infections between 2005 and 2013 (UNADIS, 2014).
New HIV transmission among children in 2015 had gone down from 30% in 2001 to 39% and elimination of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) coverage was reported to be at 30% at the end of
Annual deaths are declining and are now at 3 188 per year, the figures given are for people who access ART from Government health institutions. The National Aids Council (NAC) reported that about 15 000 patients were privately accessing ART and their doctors reported the statistics to the Ministry of Health and Childcare. Eighty percent of the money used to purchase ART is external funding and only 20% is from local funds. The National Aids Council reported that the current level of collection of the AIDS Levy collected in a year would provide only four months supply of ART. The Committees were informed that treatment takes a large chunk of resources from NAC and focus on prevention of new infections has over the years gone down. In its presentations, NAC pointed out that its priority intervention should include ART and nutrition, focus on issues of adherence and retention of ART by people living with HIV/AIDS and prevention of new infections. However, lack of resources prevented NAC from fully carrying out its mandate.
Trends at Global level
Ambitious targets were recently set by UNAIDS during the World
AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia of testing 90% of people for HIV; putting the 90% of PLWHIV on Antiretroviral therapy; and ensuring that among those on treatment, at least 90% are virally suppressed by 2020. This move has seen the shift from initiating ART when the CD4 count drops to 500, to initiating it on testing positive for HIV.
Some of NAC’s Achievements
NAC’s target is to reduce sexual transmission among sex workers, because they believe that sex work is driving new infections. To that end, NAC gave a group of commercial sex workers sewing machines a few years ago, in an effort to get them out of sex work. But, they moved to other locations and the machines were lost. In Hwange, NAC tried to introduce projects for sex workers but the projects did not succeed because the group was very mobile, hence it was difficult to ascertain ownership of the project. Another model of empowering sex workers was attempted in 2008, where NAC gave them capital to initiate
projects, but this was affected by the crash of the Zimbabwe dollar and the fact that this group of people is a highly mobile population.
Recommendations
- The Ministry of Health and Child Care should communicate all new HIV and AIDS policy guidelines to all health care service providers.
- Mobile clinics should be set up at border posts and truck stops in order to curb the spread of HIV.
- User fees for people living with HIV for HIV and AIDS related illnesses should be scrapped so that Zimbabwe can reach the 90-90-90 by 2020.
- The National Aids Council should embark on massive and aggressive awareness campaigns for safe sex country wide, to all sectors of society, particularly key populations.
- Truck owners should institute policy to allow spouses to accompany truck drivers on their long trips across borders as this would be a worthy investment into their human resources.
- ZIMRA should initiate quick clearance strategies so as to reduce waiting time at border posts.
- Government should expedite the one-stop border post policy.
- Government should institute research on how to handle the thorny issue of commercial sex and issue appropriate policy.
Conclusion
The two Committees learnt a lot from the problems and challenges that beset some key populations and recommends that strenuous efforts be made by all sectors of society to play their part to curb the spread of HIV and end AIDS by 2030.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Mr. President. I would like to thank Hon. Sen. Timveos for presenting this report before this august House. I would also like to thank the Hon. Members who are involved in this Thematic Committee on HIV/AIDS who did a very commendable job by at least leaving this august House and going out to see what is actually happening in the communal areas.
Mr. President, the issue of disasters, you will find that we will live with them in the country. As a result of these disasters, you will also find that sometimes our people are taken away from their original homes and grouped somewhere where they do not have access to hospitals, to medicines and sometimes, these people fall ill just because of that situation. Some people will be taken to swampy areas where there are a lot of mosquitoes and malaria itself is another cause of concern as people who are attacked by malaria are sometimes affected with HIV/AIDS. Also, looking at the issue of tuberculosis, you will find that it is also another carrier to HIV/AIDS. So, we have to be very observant of all these things in order to prevent our people from acquiring HIV and
AIDS.
Mr. President, as we went to the clinics, has been revealed by the Chairperson that in some of the clinics, we found that some nurses there had not gone for refresher courses. I put it to the Ministry of Health that they should see to it that the nurses who work in the communal areas are afforded refresher courses as much as possible because they are the ones who deal with people with HIV/AIDS when the doctors are not nearby. So they need the latest information.
Again, looking at these clinics, the Chairperson indicated that some of the clinics do not have enough nurses and there is need for Government to look at this issue so that they increase the number of nurses in the rural clinics as they are the most affected. Mr. President, looking at the distances covered by the people who live in rural areas, some travel long journeys of about 30 to 40 kilometres to reach the nearest clinic. As a result, these people sometimes end up not going to clinics because of the long distances that they have to travel. Remember that we are talking about ailing people who cannot walk long distances and do not even have transport. So, there is need for the Government to look at the issue of providing more clinics or mobile clinics so that our people get their medicines nearer. This also includes the people who are in the resettlement areas. You will find that in our resettlement areas, our people do not have access to clinics so some are using old farm houses. The transport to get there is sometimes not even available. If one gets sick and even if some people can use scotch carts, it worsens the condition of that person being ferried to the clinic in a scotch cart. So, there is need to build more clinics, especially in the resettlement areas.
Also, there is need for education and awareness to our people so that we persuade them by all means to get tested. If one does not have enough information to enable him/her to be tested, that person is the most dangerous one because he/she will never want to be tested. They feel very much afraid if ever you talk of testing. So, it is our duty as legislators, to go out in our constituencies and create awareness about this disease because some people are dying due to ignorance. Our people should be knowledgeable about HIV/AIDSs.
I will give you an example of what transpired just last week. As I was here, I was told that one of my workers was not feeling well. I then encouraged him to go the clinic. He went to the clinic and told them he was suffering from flue, though he was sometimes feeling cold and sometimes hot. I phoned him and persuaded him to go for check-up and for some TB tests. When I got home, my worker had not gone anywhere for testing. Instead he told me that he had been given some tablets and he was already feeling well enough not to go and get tested. This is because he is not knowledgeable about what I was talking about. He thought I just wanted him to be tested for HIV/AIDs. I found that there was something lacking and that needs all of us to reprimand our people and make them aware at workshops.
When we talk about HIV/AIDS, we should also consider the vulnerable groups and the people who are living with disability because they are also sexually active and there is no way we can leave them out.
If we do not do that it means we are encouraging HIV/AIDS to go on.
They have to be conscientised by all means so that they are also aware
of this disease. I think I have talked much on the rural and resettlement areas. Even in towns we have the same problems, though it is a bit better because we have health workers who move around educating people. However, there is still need to get deeper into the issue because we have a target as a country. One of our Sustainable Development Goals is to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030. But if we are not very serious about this, we will not meet that goal because there is still more work to be done.
Mr. President, we also have an issue of children born HIV positive. It seems as though there is not a lot of work being done about these children. Some just keep quiet after the death of their relatives and never talk about anything. The Chairperson, in her report, talked about a 19 year old who was born HIV positive and the way she was being discriminated at school by other pupils, because they are not used to that phenomenon. If ever they knew that even children of school going age can be HIV positive, they would not act that way. So there is need for us and all those concerned about children’s health to go and preach this gospel so that school children take it as normal. Parents should also be open to their school teachers and let them know about their children’s status.
I am now coming to the issue of sex workers. These people need our assistance because this is their form of employment and that is where they get money to look after their families. Some of them never went to school and have no alternative means of getting money. The problem now is some of the sex workers who have aged can no longer attract clients so they now need projects to sustain their livelihood. There is no one other than ourselves to educate them because if we do not do so, we will never achieve the objective that we are looking at. We have a target and objective of the SDG that by 2030 we should have eliminated HIV/AIDs.
If they are not educated, they will always go out and try to get some money to care for their children. It was a sorry sight when we were at Beitbridge and met the sex workers. One brought a child and when we asked how she went about her business with the child, she openly said that she had nowhere to take the child and it was not of her making. She said that at times she would give the child alcohol kabronco so that the child falls asleep the whole night until morning whilst she goes out for work. Mr. President, we have got challenges. I want to highlight on the challenges being faced by the people living with HIV/AIDs. Those who come out in the open need our assistance. In this report, one group was very free to come out in the open before all the Hon. Members who had gone for the hearing. They were speaking about it and accepted the disease.
They even told us that they need projects so that they can work even if they are HIV positive. They need Government as well as well- wishers or non-governmental organisations to assist them. You find that if people are HIV positive especially when we look at people in the rural areas, there is an element whereby my champion Hon. Khumalo always talks about nutrition. An HIV person needs a balanced diet. If we are looking at the rural areas, if they do not have small gardens whereby they can grow vegetables and any other crops to eat, they will be without relish and suffer malnutrition.
Sometimes they use sugar as relish and around our area, you know those baobab fruits, that is what they use as relish. Where do they get their balanced diet from if ever they do not have gardens? There is need for us to think seriously about the issue. Mr. President, I think I have done justice to this report because there are so many of us who are eager to put more points on this issue. With these few words, I rest my case. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. NCUBE: Thank you Hon. President. I would also like to second this report that has been brought before this Hon. House. A lot has already been said. I will just add on a few things and I will dwell mainly on user fees that are paid by people when they are sick, and when they are supposed to go for review every now and again after they would have been diagonised with HIV. Government should see what it can do about this amount for people to be able to go for treatment.
Some people used to work and used to contribute Aids levy which is paid by those who are employed. If someone had been employed and they are making their Aids levy contributions and that person is now sick, they are still expected to continue paying. The Government should look into that. I mean those who had been paying the Aids levy should not be made to pay user fees. The user fees should be scrapped. We know that people should pay but it should be scrapped for those who used to make those contributions, but who are failing to make contributions now because they are no longer employed.
On the issue of mobile clinics, I think they are very important. It is not easy to build clinics. We know it is important that they should be there, but what is easy or what will be easier for those who travel to go to clinics is that, we would urge the Ministry of Health and Child Care to use mobile clinics. We have noticed that those who use the New Start Centre and those who talk about circumcision, they are tense in many places all over the country. I think it will be easier if we use mobile clinics.
I have noticed that a lot of homes have ill people. We are now talking about HIV. A lot of people are sick but they are still in their homes. How about if we encourage people that we live with - our neighbours, schools and other places, even children are being taught at schools. We have seen posters and other things. Those from the New Start Centre should be encouraged to teach people about that. This is no longer a laughing matter or an issue to gossip about that someone is suffering from Aids.
A normal person, a well behaved person who lives in this country should not joke about this. It is something that people should be talking about and how we can assist those who are sick that they should take their tablets. Also, those who are sick at home should go for examinations. They should take this disease just like any other disease, for example, high blood pressure, diabetes and other different diseases. We should urge people to go for testing because if someone goes for testing, it gives them a chance to look after their families properly and to continue going for work.
In Zimbabwe, no one can be fired just because they are sick. We should applaud ourselves for that because as a people in Zimbabwe, we are not saying that if someone is sick, they should stop working and stop earning. What I would like to say as a member of this Committee, is that we still have a lot of work to do. We still have to visit other places as well. Parliament of Zimbabwe should assist us as a Committee so that we try to encourage people especially those areas that we did not manage to visit like universities and colleges.
There are times when students have to go and collect their tablets. So they will miss out when they go to collect their tablets. We are saying there should be tablets at universities and colleges where students can get them. That will save them from travelling to where they normally go and collect their tablets. So as a Committee, we still have a lot to do. It has already been said in the report that we would like the Government to know how we can assist these people. With those few words, I thank you.
+HON. SEN. MKHWEBU: Thank you Madam President. I just want to say a few words as a member of the Committee even though my Chairperson forgot that I was there. Particularly, I will address on the travels of the Committee. Even though the Chairperson explained, I will also add what the Chairperson left behind on what was said by sex workers that we met. I would like to say, what are the expectations of the nation on these people? We expect that they should be helped but they said they have been helped enough on issues of working on their own. They said they cannot wait for money that they cannot receive but wish to continue with sex work.
The girls that were there told us that when they are at work, they do not have time to use protection if they are being paid. They charge bearing in mind that they do not use protection. They also said that they charge depending on the style. That affected me as a parent and as an Hon. Member. We looked at it and said we wanted to understand more. What culture is this when a child would say infront of chiefs and Hon.
Members, that after she has engaged in sex work, she would first want to be paid. As a nation that is united, please may our Government look into this matter so that there is a law that inhibits sex work because it is against our culture. It is causing disrespect to us as a nation. We expect the Government to look into the matter and help these people even though they want to continue with their sex work. They have the right as our Constitution says. Each and every one of us is protected by the Constitution but where can we go if things are like this? We have people who are abusing their bodies and demonstrating how they do it infront of parents, chiefs and this Committee.
We were surprised and disappointed. How can we be respected as a nation when we do things like this? Secondly, since they will be televised in other countries, sex workers should be peer leaders who teach others. They say this is not important because it is there in the country but it is not helpful at all. May Government come in with projects for this group.
At Beitbridge, there was a girl who said she was 13. She would go around knocking at haulage trucks. We do not know whether the parents knew about it and whether they authorised her to do that; a 13 year old girl doing sex work. We were surprised by that. As a nation, we should take a close look at the youths because each and every one has a right to life and do whatever they want. However, on issues of sex work, they should be helped to start income generating projects so that they can sustain their lives and forget about some of these things they are engaged in.
The community should teach each other. We saw a lot of people at Ngundu who said they were registered sex workers. What services do this group give to the community? There is nothing at all that they can teach the community. As I have said, a girl demonstrated that before she removes her pant and engages in sex work, first they require payment. A person has to pay first before they engage in sex. She also told us that they pay as per style requested. When a child of that age stands infront of Hon. Members who are almost the same age as their parents and demonstrate how she charges, her styles of engaging in sex – the nation of Zimbabwe has its own cultures. Many parts of the country have their own cultures. Our traditional culture is no longer there.
There was a complaint again that truck drivers spend ten days at
Beitbridge border post. Is it not possible for this House to lobby the
Government so that these truck drivers can be cleared quickly and leave? It is not the only border post that is affected. There are many other border posts that they can use. We should lobby the Government so that people are cleared quickly and leave our border posts. Some people when they are on their way to Botswana border post, they use some other routes to go to Mozambique and Zambia because they complain that they spend a lot of time at our border. We are the law makers; we should inform the Executive so that this is attended to quickly. People should not be delayed to be cleared at the borders when in transit to other countries. Madam President, we expect that when they are passing through tollgates, they should pay money so that our roads can be maintained.
I also witnessed that at Chingwizi, people are united. The community donated some money and buildt a clinic. It is quite a good project and we were impressed as a Committee. If there are HIV patients, it will be easy for them to be attended too at the clinic. Again, pregnant women will be attended at that clinic which was construct. It is a well built clinic.
Finally, what also affected me is that there were female sex workers. When they go to work, no one is left manning the children. They give those children drugs like bronco. After given the drug, a child will sleep through the night. That means that child will not grow up properly as required by nature. That drug may even mentally disturb the child. We do not know the side effects of the drugs used. We request that Government should attend to the issues of sex workers so that all their problems can come to an end. They said because they are used to their sex work, they are not prepared to do other types of jobs to raise some money. They want quick money through sex work. I have decided to add on the Chairperson’s report so that my Chairperson does not forget that I was part of the Committee – [Laughter.] - I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MAWIRE: Thank you Madam President for
affording me this opportunity to add a few words to this report. Firstly, I express my gratitude to the mover of the motion Hon. Sen. Timveos and the seconder Hon. Sen. Mohadi. This report that you have tabled in this august House is important. It is important in another sense although I tend to disagree with some of the words that it contains.
Madam President, as a woman, I become extremely touched when we want to praise women that are misbehaving saying that they are experts in sex and that they should be legalised as sex workers and have a registered association. As Government, will you be able to control these commercial sex workers? At the moment we have the problem of street kids and I understand that some women were bragging about their prowess or expertise in dealing with sex in that they even intoxicate their children using bronco. It is an illegal drug but they openly claim that they are administering their children so that they can spend nights away doing their sex work. The child to whom this bronco is being administered seriously needs the mother. We are talking of a baby.
Previously, we were talking about the rights of people and the child’s rights are being abused. As an august House, we should condemn such practice and ask the Government to look into the issue of these women who want to be registered as sex workers. I am in total disagreement with these so called sexual workers. I do not give the excuse that times are hard, if that is the case, then every man and every woman should have such associations because the economy is tough.
Madam Speaker, I recall this other year, it should be either mid - eighties or early-eighties; commercial sex workers were rounded up and they were taken to the resettlement areas. During that time, the resettlement areas were not very popular. They were saying they had nothing to do, they were given land to till by the Government after they had been relocated so that they could look after themselves and their families. They did a bit of farming but because the spirit of prostitution was now in their blood, they left farming and went back to the streets to become commercial sex workers.
If the issue of sex workers is not seriously dealt with, as a country we will fail to control this problem. We will even then have to reminiscent and say we once used to talk about it or debate about it in the Senate as Senators. Street kids are being produced by some commercial sex workers; eventually the child will run away upon realising that the mother is not a good mother. We should never believe that our children fail to appreciate our misdemeanors. Our children are analytical. They can observe that you are a useless parent and thereafter they run away.
Madam President, all the time, I hear that commercial sex workers are women. Are the commercial sex workers doing it alone? The partner is a man and males do not register that they become male commercial sex workers as well, they treat us as fools.
Well, I have heard about the HIV and AIDS issue. In Zimbabwe we are applauded for having taken stern measures to reduce the HIV and AIDS prevalence.
Government did very well and conducted awareness campaigns even in churches. It would appear as if we have relaxed as a country and as Members of this august Senate. We would like to remind
Government and other organisations that deal with vulnerable groups to continue preaching the gospel of HIV and AIDS. It is not because people become contaminated with the virus through sexual immorality only but there are other ways that I may not be able to explain.
We urge our churches to continue being in the forefront in ensuring that HIV and AIDS issues are discussed. The majority of the people in the churches are the youths. There are some associations called, “Life what what,” that should also be talking about it and our traditional leaders should also be talking about it. The same should be done by our Members of Parliament whenever we conduct constituency gatherings or workshops. We should preach the same gospel on HIV and AIDS.
It becomes a burden on the Government because when people become ill they look towards the Government for assistance in the form of a balanced diet and supply of nutritious food to persons who, at times would have invited AIDS upon themselves. I have heard people bragging that they do not use condoms and indulge in unprotected sex then they contract HIV and AIDS or any sexually transmitted infections.
After they are infected, they then want Government to look after them.
We have a shortage of drugs in all their forms. The drug shortage was caused by health for all by our people and we were hoping that our people will be looking after themselves and the country will be having sufficient drugs but we now have a challenge at the moment. There are a lot chronic diseases and health for all may not be attainable and Government cannot sustain that. I suffer from hypertension and diabetes and also require free medication. I have problems and those who are self inflicting through AIDS and other STIs also require free treatment.
Those with chronic diseases should accept their condition but should be informed about how best to look after themselves.
In the urban areas, a lot of people are resistant and will not easily accept their medical status. Whilst those in the communal areas are receptive once they are informed of their health condition, they quickly go on medication. With those few words, Madam President, I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MANYERUKE: Thank you Madam President for
giving me the opportunity to support this motion that was tabled by our
Chairperson Hon. Sen. Timveos and seconded by Hon. Sen. Mohadi.
We are grateful for the opportunity that was afforded to us to conduct field visits in some areas. We are not in agreement with what is bad and were taken aback as the Members who were on the ground to witness firsthand what was happening. We were shocked to say the least at the behaviour that was being exhibited before us. There was a child with a proper family background. We enquired from the child as to whether her parents were aware of the type of work she was doing.
She said, no, her parents were not aware of her sexual activities. They actually thought she was busy selling tomatoes and sending her siblings to school.
Our Thematic Committee looks at the issues of HIV and AIDS. Before the advent of drugs, at Mashambanzou you would find HIV patients staring in a manner that could be deduced to mean, ‘Lord I am coming’. What we saw at Beitbridge, Ngundu, Shabwe and Makakabule was shocking. There were a lot of beautiful girls who came forward claiming they were the head girl or head mistress of commercial sex workers. We were taken aback because we had chiefs amongst us so we moved away.
Eventually, we had to look and observe what was happening. We realised that it was difficult for a carmel to pass through the eye of needle although we were tasked to have eradicated HIV and AIDS by 2030. So in order for the girls to eke a living, they indulge in unprotected sex and infections are borne through that behaviour. These people who are indulging in unprotected sex are doing it without informing their clients that they are on anti-retroviral medication and suffering from HIV and AIDS. By so doing there still is a problem and we do not know how best, as a country, we can resolve that challenge.
We may go on mountain tops and end up having hoarse voices through speaking about the evils of HIV and AIDS but there is need for a concerted effort. In Muzarabani and the area that I come from, there has been awareness and people have accepted that they live with HIV and AIDS and they take their medication timeously. They even invite others to go to the OI Clinics and lend medication to each other should the other’s medication run out.
In the former commercial farms, the compounds that they reside in, the majority of the people, especially the men do not care whether the woman is on anti-retroviral treatment. Upon living their homes, they infect other men who are aware of the woman’s HIV status, they are just reckless. We were perturbed by what we saw on our visit.
As a leader, I try as much as possible at funeral wakes to urge members of the apostolic faith to desist from their practice of having multiple partners and infidelity. I also urge prophets to give people their holy water and encourage them to continue taking their medication so that they live longer. It would appear that there has been a slight reduction in the infection in my constituency. I must hasten to concede
that it is difficult.
We would want to revert to our traditional culture where something is done to the girls in order to tone down their sexual desires so that the experience at Ngundu is eradicated. Elderly men and women should educate their children on how to tone down their sexual desires.
Mothers know what we say to our children once they have given birth. We should assist our young girls once they have given birth because what the truck drivers said, took us aback – that a twelve year old girl would go round the trucks knocking on truck windows to find out if they had any lady for the night. If they did not have, she was prepared to take care of the men’s needs. The truck drivers would open doors and become intimate with that child. Initially, they will use condoms but as they go further along the route, they become intimate unprotected. The infection rate will continue to grow and we run the risk of missing our targets for reduction of HIV and AIDS by 2030.
If all of us had gone down there, we would have been ashamed but we are aware that we were doing our national duty; we had to get the evidence. Once again, God should help us because the girl children who are born with HIV are there. An intelligent child who passed with flying colors was infected; she was born with the disease.
For her parents, it is their own baby. How do you feel when a child blames you for having infected them that they are born with HIV and AIDS? It is difficult and painful but as parents, we do not take this lightly.
At Machachawe, they sang to welcome us as MPs, stating that you have come to see us ‘prostitutes’. They were quite happy to receive us and they were not ashamed to pronounce themselves as prostitutes or sex workers. We had said that word ‘prostitute’ is not proper in our African culture but it was then used. I hope God will give us the grace to ensure that we win in the war against HIV and AIDS because we now have medication. I thank you Madam President for affording me the opportunity to add these few words.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MKWEBU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 27th July, 2016
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 4 to 14 be stood over until Orders of the Day, Numbers 15 to 18 have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. MKWEBU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE 133RD ASSEMBLY OF THE
INTERPARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU)
Fifteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Zimbabwe Delegation Report on the 133rd Assembly of the Inter-
Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. SIANSALE: Thank you Madam President for giving me this opportunity to wind off my motion. May I say that justice prevailed since Hon. Members debated and threw their wisdom during the debate. It shows that those who had some input are now exhausted.
May I take this opportunity to thank all those who contributed starting with the seconder of the motion – Hon. Sen. Chief Chisunga, Hon. Sen. Chimbudzi, Hon. Sen. Ncube, Hon. Sen. Machingaifa and the list goes on. It is unfortunate that I misplaced the list that had all the names of members who contributed. I would like to humbly thank all those who contributed towards this motion and all those that listened during the debate.
It is my hope that the Executive will tap some information that was contributed by all the Hon. Members who debated the motion. With these few words, with the leave of the House, I humbly seek that this House takes note of the Zimbabwe Delegation Report on the 133rd
Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held in Geneva,
Switzerland, from 17-23 October, 2015.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REHABILITATION OF WAR SHRINES AND RECOGNITION OF DEPARTED WAR LIBERATORS
Sixteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion calling for the rehabilitation and maintenance of War Shrines.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Madam President. I just want
to thank this august House for supporting this debate. Let me tell you that Members in this august House were touched by this motion which I moved and was seconded by Hon. Sen. Masuku. Because it touched the lives of people, and those who happened to visit shrines know the situations that we were talking about. Even those who did not have that chance of visiting the shrines, seeing the situation and how their fellow comrades died and some of them even to date have not yet had a decent burial. This was a thorny issue in this august House.
Madam President, I would like to thank specifically the following Hon. Members. I know that some were very positive whereas some had to add some nasty words, even though supportive. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this motion. I will just pick some names and if you find that your name has not been mentioned, I have not done it purposely, it would just be an omission.
I would want to thank most sincerely Hon. Sen. Marava, Hon. Sen.
Nyambuya, Hon. Sen. Khumalo, Hon. Sen. Chief Chisunga, Hon. Sen.
Masuku, Hon. Sen. Chief Musarurwa, Hon. Sen. Mavhunga, Hon. Sen.
Chipanga, Hon. Sen. Mashavakure, Hon. Sen. Makoni, Hon. Sen.
Machingaifa, Hon. Sen. J. Ndlovu, Hon. Sen. Goto, Hon. Sen. Bhebe, Hon. Sen. Mkwebu, Hon. Sen. Komichi, Hon. Sen. Chimanikire, Hon.
Sen. Mawire, Hon. Sen. Chimbudzi, Hon. Sen. Chief Dandawa, Hon.
Sen. Chifamba, Hon. Sen. Tawengwa, Hon. Sen. Chimhini, Hon. Sen.
Mumvuri, Hon. Sen. Maluleke, Hon. Sen. Chipanga, Hon. Sen. Bhobho, Hon. Sen. Mabugu, Hon. Sen. Mlotshwa, Hon. Sen. Timveos, Hon. Sen.
Chief Nyamukoho, Hon. Sen. Sibanda, Hon. Sen. Matirira, Hon. Sen.
Chief Chiduku, Hon. Sen. Juba, Hon. Sen. Makwarimba, Hon. Sen. Makore, Hon. Sen. Jadagu, Hon. Sen. Moeketsi, Hon. Sen. Manyeruke and Hon. Sen. Ncube,
Madam President, these are the few whom I could recognise their names but not meaning that they were the only ones who contributed towards this motion. Madam President, as I am towards winding up this motion, I would urge the Ministers concerned to come up before the winding up of these motions so that they also have an input. This is because there are some motions that need a way forward and if the Minister concerned is not there, we do not have a way forward. It just ends up in this room of which we will have not done anything towards achieving the mission and the goal of the motion. Madam President, with these few words, I move for the adoption of this motion. I thank you.
Motion put that:
NOTING with pride the immense sacrifice, courage and commitment made by the freedom fighters in their quest to liberate
Zimbabwe;
ACKNOWLEDGING that the liberation of our country came at a heavy cost and needs to be selflessly and jealously guarded;
DISTURBED by the utter neglect and dilapidation and continued deterioration of War Shrines in neighbouring countries despite the fact that Government identified and made efforts to rehabilitate war shrines in Nyadzonia, Tembwe, Doroie; Chibawawa and Nyango in
Mozambique as well as Freedom Camp, Nyampundwe, Mulungushi,
Mkushi and Kavalamaya in Zambia;
CONCERNED that rehabilitation works have not been undertaken at Kabanga, Sinde, Solwezi in Zambia and other sites in Tanzania and Botswana;
FUTHER CONCERNED that to this day the bullet riddled home of His Excellency, the President and the home of the late Joshua Nkomo our founding Fathers have not been declared National Heritage Sites;
NOW, THEREFORE, this House calls upon Government to address the rehabilitation of our war shrines and to give due recognition to our departed brave sons and daughters of our liberation struggle.
Motion put and adopted.
MOTION
TRADITIONAL CHIEFS MANDATE
Eighteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the role of traditional leaders.
Question again proposed.
*HON. SEN. MAWIRE: Thank you Madam President. Madam
President, may this hon. House allow me to conclude this important motion concerning the role of traditional leaders in that they should be given the jurisdiction to deal with many areas. I had a good time when I raised this motion because the matter was debated seriously and I am indebted to those that debated. I am not going to waste this august
House’s time by mentioning the individual names but I observed that the majority of all the Hon. Senators did contribute to this motion, except a few who did not contribute, especially the chiefs. I am happy that our Hon. Senators were concerned about the need for the chiefs to be given their traditional roles. The chiefs could not have contributed to this motion because it was in their favour, so to speak.
So, we thank the chiefs for what they do and the support that they have shown to us in this august House and also for their supportive role that they have shown countrywide. Indeed, this motion has overstayed on the Order Paper. Now, we have the opportunity to adopt the motion in this august House, I so move.
Motion put that:
ACKNOWLEDGING that Traditional Leaders play a pivotal role and yet they are not given the due respect that they deserve, a situation that has led to many illegal activities perpetrated in their areas of jurisdiction;
CONCERNED that such disrespect for our Traditional Leaders has led to unwanted developments such as moral decadence, environmental degradation and child marriages;
NOW THEREFORE calls upon this Government to revisit policies that give Traditional Leaders their mandate so that they can effectively deal with issues of moral decadence, environmental pollution and degradation, children’s rights among communal communities as well as other incidental issues that they may fall under the purview of the
Traditional Chiefs’ Mandate.
Motion put and adopted.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Thank you Madam President. I move that we revert to Order of the Day, Number 12.
HON. SEN. CHABUKA: I second. Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS CENTRED ON
DEVOLUTION OF POWER
Twelfth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the call for Government to implement the devolution of power as provided for in the
Constitution.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: Thank you Madam President for giving me this time to wind up my motion. I would like to start by thanking all the Hon Members who contributed to my motion. I would like to first thank Hon. B Sibanda who seconded the motion and said it must be accepted that the people of Zimbabwe spoke widely and loudly during the Parliamentary hearings in preparation for the new Constitution that they desire power to be devolved from Harare, which they perceive as bambazonke and distributed to the various regions.
I would also like to thank Hon. Sen. Timveos who said that the motion reminded Government that there is a constitutional mandate that there are supposed to be provincial assemblies that assist each other with councils in various areas. She also said the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has the names of the Provincial Assembly members. What is Government going to do about it? Will these people be compensated if the assemblies are not yet in place?
I also thank Hon. Sen. Khumalo who said that the issue of Chiadzwa in Mutare should have been run by people of Manicaland and employed many of their people even if they were part of the $15 billion which is missing. We knew it was going to develop Mutare. Hon. Sen. Khumalo went on to say that opportunities should be given to the people of the area to decide what to do with the money and not other people deciding for them and leave the area under developed.
Hon. Sen. Chimhini said the motion was not encouraging conflict among provinces because there are circumstances whereby it might end up creating conflict which can be tribal. That is not what the motion is about but the motion is reminding us that in the Constitution, people articulated what they understood by devolution.
Hon. Sen. Chipanga said that in his opinion, our country is very small for us to be arguing over the issue of devolution. I do not dispute that it is enshrined in the Constitution …
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Order,
order please. Can the Hon. Member wind her motion without repeating what each Hon. Member said. That appears in the Hansard.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: Thank you Madam President. I am
winding up my motion but I think I am just giving a brief of what they said because I am thanking them. I think I am on the right track Madam President.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Can the
Hon. Member wind up her motion please.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: Madam President, I am winding up my
motion. I also want to thank Hon. Sen. Marava who also said we should uphold what the people of Zimbabwe said in the Constitution. They requested that there should be the Provincial Councils and this was put in writing. Hon. Sen. Komichi said that devolution is one of the tenets of public participation…
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Order
please. Can the Hon Member take her seat. Hon. Members, I wish to remind this House that when one is winding up a motion, one does not have to repeat what each Hon Senator said because that already appears in the Hansard. I thank you. Can the Hon. Member wind up her motion.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: Thank you Madam President. I would also like to thank Hon. Sen. Manyeruke, Hon. Sen. Makone, Hon. Sen. Makore and Hon. Sen. Carter. With this Madam President, I would like to move for the adoption of the motion;-
That this House-
COGNISANT that Parliament must defend the Constitution at all times;
ACKNOWLEDGING the current Executive had endeavored to
align some of the Acts to the Constitution at a painstakingly slow pace;
DISMAYED that the current progress in the devolution of power at various levels may not see the dawn of a new day;
CONCERNED that no meaningful efforts have been embarked to ensure the constitutional requirements are met to devolve central power to the provinces particularly on local and the corporate governance issue;
ALARMED that the wishes of the general populace of Zimbabwe are short changed by such indifferent attitude by the Executive;
NOW THEREFORE, calls upon the Executive to;
- set a time limit for devolution issues to be urgently addressed for the benefit of the nation;
- commits itself to the dictates of our Constitution and observe that it is the supreme law of the land;
- set aside resources to carter for the devolution of power in the respective Provinces
A question having been put to the House to adopt the motion.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: There is an objection.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENAE: The
motion is adopted. – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]- HON. SEN. MOHADI: Let us divide the House, I have an
objection.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Divide
the House.
HON. CHABUKA: On a point of order Madam President. I am asking you Madam President why Hon. Mohadi, as a woman, is not patient with another woman to let her motion be adopted in this House. We are all women. Why do you want to divide the House when the other woman wants her motion adopted? Do not do this.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: It is not
a question of a woman to woman but she has raised that we divide the
House and that is what …
HON. SEN. CHABUKA: But it is not fair Madam President.
HON. SEN. NCUBE: On a point of order Madam President. I think this motion has been debated in the House. Even if the motion is adopted or not adopted, I am not bothered. I thank you. – [HON.
MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Order
please!
HON. SEN. CHIMHINI: On a point of order.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE (HON.
SEN. MASUKU): Order, Hon. Sen. Mohadi called for the division of the House and we are ringing the bells.
HON. SEN. CHIMHINI: On a point of order Madam President. I
thought you made a ruling on this motion. Are you withdrawing that ruling?
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: There is
an objection on the adoption of the motion.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: Hon. President, I just want to remind the
Senators that it is not of my opinion. If the House objects, it is not me
but the House. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] - [AN
HON. SENATOR: Budai.]
MDC-T members walked out of the House.
[Bells rung.]
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: I want
to direct that the Ayes will be on my right and the Noes on my left. Can Sen. Mohadi be on the right side and Sen. Makore on the other?
HON. SEN. MAKORE: Through you Madam President, I have
been outside. I had been called to attend to another problem and I do not know what transpired when I was outside. When I got in, I only found all these chairs empty. So to represent this other side when I am ignorant of exactly what transpired during my absence becomes difficult for me unless if I was there during that time. Thank you.
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE: Hon.
Member, the House is voting as per the request of the division of the House on the motion of Sen. Ncube. As a member who is in the House, the member has to vote.
HON. SEN. MAKORE: Thank you Hon. President. I do not know
what I am voting about. That is exactly what I was putting across to you.
I am not privy to the developments that happened during my absence. For me to stand and vote, I also even requested to go out noticing that there was nobody from my side. I was returned by the Sergeant-at-Arms who said that the doors were closed and so told me to go and sit down. I did not volunteer to stay in this House. I thank you.
AYES 1: Hon. Makore J
NOES 20: Hon. Bhebe M, Hon. Bhobho H, Hon. Chimbudzi A,
Hon. Gampu Chief IV, Hon. Goto R, Hon. Jadagu G.T, Hon.
Machingaifa T, Hon. Makwarimba C, Hon. Maluleke O, Hon.
Manyeruke J, Hon. Mashavakure N, Hon. Matiirira A, Hon. Mavhunga
M, Hon. Mawire J, Hon. Mkhwebu A, Hon. Mohadi T.B, Hon. Murwira
T, Hon. Chief Nyangazonke, Hon. Chief Ntabeni, Hon. Chief Siansali
Teller: Hon. Mohadi T.B
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN.
MASUKU): Hon. Senators, the results of the division are as follows: 1 Ayes and 20 Noes. Therefore, the question is accordingly negatived.
On the motion of HON. SEN. MOHADI seconded by HON. SEN. MKHWEBU, the Senate adjourned at Twenty-two Minutes to Five
o’clock p.m.