INTRODUCTION

  • The Clerk of Parliament is appointed by the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (CSRO), with the approval of the National Assembly, in terms of Section 154 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The Clerk is the head of Administration and Accounting Officer of the institution, akin to the Chief Executive Officer in the private sector, and reports to the Speaker of the National Assembly. The main duties of the Clerk of Parliament are broadly procedural and administrative and they are guided by various pieces of legislation, key of which is the Constitution.
  • In line with Section 154 (2) of the Constitution, the Clerk of Parliament is appointed for a six- year term, and may be re-appointed for one further such term.
    Mr Kennedy Mugove Chokuda is the current Clerk of Parliament and boasts of over a decade of practical legislative experience having served the institution in various capacities since 2003

PURPOSE

  • With respect to procedural functions, the Clerk is the Chief Advisor to Parliament on procedures of the National Assembly and the Senate. He advises on the practice and procedure of the House- the formal and informal rules which govern everyday activities. He is the Chief Clerk-at-the Table and is responsible for keeping a record of proceedings and decisions of both Houses in the Journal of Parliament.
  • Section 128 of the Constitution and Standing Orders of both the National Assembly and Senate vest in the Clerk of Parliament powers to swear in Members of Parliament (MPs). The Clerk of Parliament also presides over the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and the President and Deputy President of the Senate, after a general election, under the supervision of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. In performing these duties, the Clerk of Parliament is assisted by Deputy and Assistant Clerks. The Clerk of Parliament also provides procedural advice to select committees as well as any other committees of Parliament.
  • In terms of Standing Orders, it is the duty of the Clerk to authenticate Bills passed by Parliament before they are presented to His Excellency, the President for assent. The Clerk of Parliament is also responsible for the enrolment of Acts in the High Court as provided for in Section 133 (1) of the Constitution.
  • With respect to the administrative role, the Clerk of Parliament is the Accounting Officer of the institution as per the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act. He is, therefore, responsible for the management of all human, material and financial resources of Parliament. In executing these managerial duties, the Clerk is assisted by Deputy Clerks as well as Principal Directors responsible for Human Resources and Administration; Finance; External Relations; Information Services and Legal Counsel.
  • The Clerk is also responsible for formulation, implementation and monitoring of strategic plans to ensure that the institution performs its role and functions effectively. In other words, the Clerk is responsible for ensuring quality control by constantly reviewing systems and procedures for the efficient delivery of Parliamentary support services.