The Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, called on miners to avoid Hwange National Park and instead extract coal from other areas of Matabeleland North Province, where it is plentiful.
This follows a proposal by the Chinese company Sunny Yi Feng to launch a coal mining project in Sinamatella, a part of Hwange National Park. 
Sinamatella is a critical habitat for black rhinos and supports a growing population of this endangered species.
During a parliamentary session on tourism, Mudenda urged coal miners to focus on untapped coal deposits in Binga, leaving Hwange National Park undisturbed. He said:
<blockquote>
I will not subscribe to mining in national parks. The place that has been identified for mining purposes is not the only location where coal can be found.
We have coal in the southern part of Binga, as well as in the southeast and southwest of Binga—still virgin land with plenty of coal deposits.
Why disturb the ecology of the animals there?
</blockquote>
Bhejane Trust, a non-profit wildlife conservation organisation based in Victoria Falls, recently warned that the effects of coal mining in Sinamatella would extend beyond wildlife. 
The organisation said that tourism in the area would suffer, leading to the closure of tourist camps, loss of business, and damage to the park’s infrastructure.
The Trust also expressed concerns that mining operations would likely result in severe water pollution, destruction of infrastructure, and social issues such as prostitution, with little to no benefit for the country.
Such activities would disrupt the park’s ecosystem, threaten biodiversity, and severely impact wildlife habitats, particularly those of black rhinos.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has also called on the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to reject Sunny Yi Feng’s application to prospect for coal in Sinamatella, citing concerns that mining would increase the risk of species extinction and hinder the recovery of animal populations.

Pindula News

Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, says miners should not mine in Hwange National Park. Chinese company Sunny Yi Feng wants to mine coal in the park, but it's home to black rhinos that need protection. Mudenda wants miners to go to other areas in Matabeleland North where there is plenty of coal. Bhejane Trust warns that mining in the park will hurt tourism and wildlife. Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority also says mining in the park should be stopped to protect endangered species.

Mudenda Condemns Sunny Yi Feng's Proposal To Prospect For Coal In Sinamatella

The Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda on Wednesday warned Cabinet Ministers who frequently miss Parliament’s question and answer sessions that action would be taken against them.
Mudenda said that although some ministers ask for leave of absence, the number of such requests raises doubts about their commitment to their duties.
He made these comments after only a few ministers and deputy ministers attended Tuesday’s sitting. Said Mudenda (via <a href="https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/?p=1777241">HeraldOnline</a>):
<blockquote>
Now, my observation is this, there are quite clear apologies that have been very consistent and my suspicion is that these ministers who tender apologies cannot be on national duty every week.
I am therefore directing the clerk and the staff to make a proper analysis of those ministers who have been consistently tendering their apologies, appropriate action therefore must be taken sooner than later.
The second observation is that when His Excellency President Mnangagwa addressed the Cabinet, he made a statement in which he was appealing to all ministers and their deputies to perform their responsibilities and such apologies don’t seem to answer that objective.
</blockquote>
Mudenda asserted that the Constitution requires all officials, including Vice Presidents, ministers, and deputy ministers, to attend Parliament and parliamentary committees to answer questions on matters for which they are collectively or individually responsible. He said:
<blockquote>
When the ministers answer parliamentary processes, this is their time to shine on public policy in which they are telling the world what Government is doing, the challenges Government is facing and what Government is doing about those challenges, that creates public trust in the Government of the day…
I have been analysing questions and written questions that have not been attended to and I will go through them.
Question to Ministry of Industry and Commerce one question has been outstanding since the beginning of October 2024, then we have three questions outstanding from the Ministry of Land, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Outstanding since 27 November 2024 up to February 12, 2025.
Then, we have six questions that have not been attended to by the Honourable Minister of Health and Child Care from 16 October 2024 to 12 February 2025.
</blockquote>
The National Assembly holds its question time on Wednesdays, while the Senate conducts its own on Thursdays, with ministers expected to answer questions on specific issues or policy matters.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, warned Cabinet Ministers who often miss question time in Parliament that they might face consequences. He said ministers need to attend Parliament to share what the government is doing and earn trust from the public. Mudenda mentioned that there are many unanswered questions from different ministries, showing a lack of responsibility. The National Assembly has question time on Wednesdays, and it is important for ministers to be present to answer questions about their work. Mudenda wants ministers to take their duties seriously and attend Parliament regularly.

Mudenda Warns Cabinet Ministers Over Absences From Parliamentary Question Time

The Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda blocked debate in the lower house of Parliament on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s criticism of Zambia and Malawi’s relations with Western countries during a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
In a meeting with Putin at Konstantino Palace ahead of the 27th St Petersburg International Economic Forum last week, Mnangagwa claimed Zambia and Malawi have accepted the West’s alleged machinations to isolate Zimbabwe.
He also accused Zambia of allowing the United States of America to establish a military base in the country, a claim that Lusaka has dismissed as false.
CCC MP Gladys Hlatywayo attempted to raise the issue in parliament on a “point of national interest,” emphasising the importance of avoiding statements that could destabilise relations with neighbouring countries.
However, Mudenda, a ZANU PF Politburo member, interrupted and redirected the discussion, saying that foreign affairs are solely the domain of the executive branch. Sai Mudenda (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200028204/mudenda-blocks-debate-on-eds-zambia-gaffe">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
Hon Hlatywayo, the area of foreign affairs in terms of bilateral or regional relations is a matter for the Executive to deal with at all times.
I was saying this is a no-go area where you have issues that relate to bilateral or multi-lateral relations between or among States. Those are dealt with at the level of the Executive.
So the chief of diplomacy of either country, the point of order, with its good intentions, I think it is misplaced.
</blockquote>
Mudenda was offside in blocking Hlatywayo from raising the issue as the Constitution of Zimbabwe mandates that the executive, including the President, is accountable to parliament.
This, however, is not surprising given that Mudenda has a history of actions that undermine parliamentary scrutiny of the executive, favouring the ruling party and its interests.
Former Mt Pleasant MP, Fadzayi Mahere (CCC), recently claimed that Mudenda had reduced Parliament “to a farcical den of contradiction and illegality” after he unilaterally revoked the appointments of legislators from the CCC to various parliamentary committees.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mudenda Blocks Debate On Mnangagwa's Diplomatic Gaffe In Russia

A faction of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Jameson Timba suffered a major setback in Parliament on Tuesday after the Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda revoked its appointment of portfolio point persons made in February.
<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/mudenda-rescinds-appointment-of-chamisa-aligned-mps-to-committees/">ZimLive</a> reported that Timba, who claims to be the CCC Chief Administrator, wrote to Mudenda naming Chipinge South MP Clifford Hlatwayo as CCC’s leader of the house with Nomathemba Ndlovu, the proportional representation MP for Matabeleland South, as the Chief Whip.
On Tuesday, Mudenda told MPs he made a mistake by acting on Timba’s letter. He then invited a rival faction led by Welshman Ncube and Sengezo Tshabangu to submit its list of leaders in parliament. He said:
<blockquote>
On Thursday, February 15, 2024, I made an announcement in the House on the appointment of several members of the CCC party to various portfolios in parliament.
The announcement was based on a letter authored by one Mr Jameson Timba, purporting to be the interim leader of the CCC party.
On reflection, I should not have acted upon that letter as facts now thereof before me show that Jameson Timba had no locus standi to represent a party in such a manner as I will outline below.
Jameson Timba was recalled from the Senate by the CCC party on November 7, 2023, the party which he purported to represent as the acting leader and administrator.
Jameson Timba challenged the recall in the High Court under case number HCH 6684/23 with other former members of the CCC party and lost the court case.
He was also among the former members of the CCC party whom the High Court barred on December 9, 2023, from contesting the February 3, 2024, by-elections under the CCC party following Sengezo Tshabangu’s application to block them from participating in the polls under the CCC banner.
Considering that Jameson Timba had been recalled by the same CCC party he was purporting to represent and that he was also banned by the courts from contesting under the banner of the same CCC party, his communication to parliament and the appointments made thereafter, are therefore null and void.
Accordingly, I am rescinding the announcement on February 15, 2024, and referring the matter back to the CCC party to make the appropriate appointments.
</blockquote>
The other CCC MPs who were assigned to various committees were Hamauswa Shakespear (Deputy Chief Whip); Chalton Hwende (Public Accounts); Joanah Mamombe (Environment &amp; Climate); Lesley Mhangwa (Energy &amp; Power Development); Daniel Molokele (Health and Child Care); Caston Matewu (Information); Minenhle Gumede (Higher Education) and Surrender Kapoikulu (ICT).
Timba reportedly leads a CCC faction loyal to the party’s former leader, Nelson Chamisa who quit the party in January claiming infiltration.
The other faction, which is recognised by the State, was formerly led by Tshabangu, who has recognised Welshman Ncube as the new CCC leader.
Ncube will likely secure government recognition as the Leader of the Opposition, an official title that would come with perks, and also receive CCC’s share of funds from the State under the Political Parties (Finance) Act.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mudenda Revokes Appointment Of Chamisa-aligned MPs To Parliament Committees

Jacob Mudenda, the Speaker of the National Assembly, has warned legislators going out of Parliament sessions affecting the required quorum that they will be punished.
Mudenda made the remarks after the bells had to be rung twice on Tuesday (14 May 2024) as there was no quorum in the house.
The National Assembly, which has a total of 280 MPs, requires about 70 legislators (quorum) to be in the house for it to conduct its businesses.
Mudenda warned the parliamentarians that this behaviour will not be tolerated as it is unfair to the electorate and the taxpayers who foot Parliament bills.
Below is the full text of Mudenda’s comments (via <a href="https://openparly.com/i-am-warning-you-mudenda-threatens-to-deal-harshly-with-mps-absconding-parliament-sessions/">OpenParly</a>):
<blockquote>
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, yesterday in the afternoon, after I had left the Chamber and the Hon. Deputy Speaker was presiding, assisted by members of the Speaker’s Panel; the bells had to be rung twice because there was no quorum in the House.
Hon. Members, when you made your Oath or Affirmation, you said, ‘I will be faithful to Zimbabwe and that I will uphold the Constitution and other laws of Zimbabwe; and that I will perform my duties as a Member of the National Assembly faithfully and to the best of my ability.’ That was the solemn affirmation oath that you made; to perform your duties is to be in the House until the House adjourns.
I have asked the Chief Whips to appeal to you to observe your oaths of office simply because you are here at the grace of those members of our society, the people of Zimbabwe who gave us the opportunity to come, serve and represent them because all of them could not be in the Chamber or in Parliament for that matter, and we are here at the taxpayer’s money.
Therefore, we need to respect that authority we derive from the people. I have appealed to the Chief Whips that they appeal to you to attend religiously to Parliamentary business. I have the means in terms of Standing Order Number 215, to apply some measures which I hope can result in some remedial correction of such untoward behaviour.
Some of you may say I am harsh. Indeed I will be harsh on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe. That is my responsibility.
When I leave the Chair, I go to my office, I do not go home, and I follow proceedings from my office until the House is adjourned. I could easily leave the Chamber and go home to relax, but that is not how it should be.
If I apply Standing Order Number 215, some of you have tested that and you will regret it. I do not want to put in place measures that will dictate who is who, who does the absconding.
Today I am merely appealing to you and through the Chief Whips who I believe have spoken to you. I hope you will respond positively to the appeal. If there is no change, I will be forced to act accordingly.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mudenda Threatens To Punish MPs Absconding Parliament Sessions

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi on Tuesday, May 07, challenged the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda after he was ordered to leave the National Assembly, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/article/ziyambi-mudenda-lock-horns-after-the-minister-is-chucked-out-of-parliament/">ZimLive</a>.
Ziyambi, who is also the leader of government business in the house, had been expected to move a motion on a law for the provision of land tenure security.
Ziyambi, however, decided that his deputy Norbet Mazungunye would do so instead, but Mudenda rejected that. He demanded to know why Ziyambi would not table the motion himself.
The ZANU PF Chief Whip, Pupurai Togarepi, tried to offer an excuse for Ziyambi, saying the minister wanted to go to the Senate.
But Ziyambi corrected Togarepi and said he wanted to converse with his staff. He said:
<blockquote>
There is no rule that says the deputy minister cannot move the motion.
</blockquote>
Mudenda then told Ziyambi that his private conversation “does not take precedence”. He then ordered Ziyambi to leave the house. Ziyambi and Togarepi then approached Mudenda’s chair to continue the protest.
Mudenda’s microphone was initially live as a livid Ziyambi demanded to know what rule says a deputy minister can’t move a motion when a minister is present.
Mudenda claimed this was in “section 107 of the constitution” and Ziyambi challenged him to open it. Mudenda moved his hand to pick up the constitution but did not open it. Said Ziyambi:
<blockquote>
You were harsh. It’s not correct Mr Speaker to embarrass your own minister.
</blockquote>
Mudenda’s microphone was then turned off as the conversation continued. Ziyambi subsequently left the National Assembly.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ziyambi, Mudenda Clash As Minister Is Ordered To Leave Parliament

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, on Friday, said that Parliament will conduct a restructuring exercise for its staff to improve the welfare of its workers in 2024.
Mudenda made the remarks during a ceremony to honour Parliament’s long long-serving employees. He said:
<blockquote>
As Speaker, working together with fellow presiding officers, we want to implement the institutional, structural reforms guided by the Patterson System, where we need to do proper job evaluation, where we need to do proper job specification, where we need to do appropriate job descriptions and in tandem with that the remuneration scales will be decided accordingly. Currently, the structure is disadvantaging the majority of you.
</blockquote>
The Patterson system grades jobs based on the level and complexity of decisions made by each job. The decision bands range from A to F, with F being the highest decision band.
Mudenda also said Parliament’s ICT department will be restructured so that it embraces artificial intelligence (AI). He said:
<blockquote>
The restructuring means that our ICT department will have to move a scale up and embrace artificial intelligence (AI). We are now in the era of industrial revolution anchored on information, and communication technology that is now going to be guided by AI so it will mean that every department will have to be ICT compliant, every department will have to be AI compliant.
The beauty of AI is that you don’t have to rely on research, you just touch the screen and it will give you all the data that you require.
The biggest problem will be how to synthesise the data which is relevant to what you are looking for, so every department will be enjoying the fruits of ICT and AI.
</blockquote>
Mudenda said that some Parliament staff would be sent to Dubai to study at the Zayed University of AI.
He also said that from 2024, Parliament will introduce an education fund so that those who want to further their education are facilitated through that fund.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Parliament To Institute Structural Reforms In 2024 - Mudenda

The National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda on Wednesday, 15 November ruled that the 13 CCC MPs who were recalled yesterday will not be reinstated.
The recall of the 13 MPs and 5 senators was announced in Parliament on Tuesday after CCC self-proclaimed interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu wrote to Mudenda saying they had ceased to be party members.
Mudenda executed the recall order on the CCC legislators after High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi had issued an interim interdict stopping Tshabangu from recalling the party’s representatives until the matter has been finalised. Ruled the judge:
<blockquote>
Pending the determination of this urgent application the first respondent (Tshabangu) shall not purport to issue any letters of suspension of any members of the National Assembly, Senate or local authorities elected under the applicant (CCC)’s ticket. The second respondent (Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda), third respondent (Senate president Mabel Chinomona) and fourth respondent (Local Government minister Winston Chitando) as the case may be, shall not effect any recalls made pursuant to any request by the first respondent (Tshabangu) in terms hereof.
</blockquote>
However, in his ruling on Wednesday afternoon, Mudenda said the expelled MPs, among them Amos Chibaya and Gift Siziba, will not be reinstated saying the court order came after he had made the announcement. Said Mudenda:
<blockquote>
The court made an interim relief and the interim relief was made after I made the announcement. The delivery of that relief was given after the announcement. You must be very logical.
Further, the notice of recall is effective from the date of the letter which is the 7th of November. Paragraph 4 of that interim relief says the respondent, Tshabangu, was interdicted from making any further recalls from the sitting of that court.
There is no way the judge would say don’t make any further recalls when in fact the recalls were made.
</blockquote>
The recalled legislators are Admore Chievero (Chegutu West), <del>Stephen Chatiza (Goromonzi West</del>), Gift Ostallos Siziba (Pelandaba), Tapfumanei Willard Madzimbamuto (Seke), Oliver Mutasa (Zvimba East), Amos Chibaya (Mkoba North), Emma Muzondiwa (Midlands PR), Machirairwa Mugidho (Masvingo PR), Constance Chihota (Mashonaland East PR), Monica Mukwada (Manicaland PR), Sekai Mungani (Midlands PR), Linnet Mazingaidzo (Harare) and Dephine Gutsa (Mashonaland East PR).
NB: According to a letter written to National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda by Tshabangu notifying that the above-mentioned officials have ceased to be members of the CCC party, Stephen Chatiza is listed as Goromonzi West MP.
However, results announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) show that Biatah Beatrice Karimatsenga Nyamupinga (ZANU PF) won the seat in the 2023 general elections.
In fact, according to ZEC, Chatiza was not a candidate for Goromonzi West National Assembly Constituency. The CCC candidate was Taurai Nhamburo who garnered 10 692 votes against Nyamupinga’s 12 072.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mudenda Blocks Recalled CCC MPs' Return Despite Court Order

Temba Mliswa, a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Norton Constituency, has stated that the Speaker of the National Assembly, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Mudenda/">Jacob Mudenda</a>, must expel the ZANU PF legislators who were recalled by Tafadzwa Manyika.
Mliswa argues that according to Section 129 (1) k of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, parties have the power to recall MPs, but it is not clear who specifically should carry out the recalls. The cited section reads:
<blockquote>
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 f the Senate, as the case may be, has declared that the Member has ceased to belong to it.
</blockquote>
Temba Mliswa, a former ZANU PF official, believes that the constitution needs to be amended to provide clear guidelines on who has the authority to recall MPs from Parliament. He expresses concern about the current situation where “unknown people” are able to initiate the recall process.
This comes as the opposition <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change/">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> has <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/010/18/ccc-approaches-courts-to-reverse-mp-recalls/">taken legal action to challenge the recalling</a> of its <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/010/04/ccc-interim-secretary-general-sengezo-tshabangu-recalls-dozens-of-mps-councillors/">15 Members of Parliament (MPs) and some councillors</a> by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu/">Sengezo Tshabangu</a>, who claims to be the party’s interim Secretary-General. CCC leader <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa/">Nelson Chamisa</a> denies Tshabangu’s membership in the party and disputes the existence of an interim or substantive post in the party.
In another development, Tafadzwa Manyika, who asserts himself as the interim Secretary-General of ZANU PF, sent a letter to Jacob Mudenda, the Speaker of the National Assembly, instructing him to recall 70 ZANU PF legislators. <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obert_Mpofu/">Obert Mpofu</a>, a former Minister of Mines, currently holds the position of Secretary-General in ZANU PF.
These recalls have created chaos in Parliament, with MPs taking their oaths of office just a month ago. In response, the CCC has disengaged from the National Assembly, Senate, and Local Government Authorities, and has given a 14-day ultimatum for the recalls to be reversed, threatening to withdraw its members if the demands are not met. ZANU PF says it is not bothered by Manyika’s letter to Mudenda.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Mliswa Says Parliament Speaker Mudenda Has No Choice But To Recall ZANU PF MPs

Nelson Chamisa, leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has sent a letter to Parliament Speaker Jacob Mudenda, requesting the reversal of the recalling of 15 Members of Parliament (MPs) who were removed at the direction of Sengezo Tshabangu.
The CCC announced that <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Amos_Chibaya/">Amos Chibaya</a>, MP for Mkoba constituency in Gweru, and his team submitted the letter to the Speaker based on resolutions made by the CCC’s highest decision-making body, the Citizens’ National Assembly (CNA). The letter emphasises that the recent recalls, carried out by “a non-member” of the party, should be reversed and the affected members reinstated.
The letter states that the recent recalls, effected by a non-member of the party, must be reversed and the affected members should be reinstated.
The party said Chibaya and his team were mandated by the CNA to go to parliament and senate to carry out the following actions:
<blockquote>
 1. Deliver the resolution of the Citizens National Assembly to the Speaker, stating that the collective leadership of CCC has not recalled anyone and that any such actions were illegal and must be reversed. 
2. Notify Speaker and President that until the issue is resolved, we will not attend any parliamentary and senatorial sessions for the next 14 days, until our legitimate MPs and senators are reinstated. 
3. Clarify to them that the CNA, as the Movement’s highest decision-making body, does not have a position such as SG mandated to communicate on our behalf. The team was also mandated to file a police report against the fraud. We will not tolerate a daylight coup against our representatives.
</blockquote>
 
<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-265050" decoding="async" height="534" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chamisa-to-Mudenda-169x300.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chamisa-to-Mudenda-169x300.jpeg 169w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chamisa-to-Mudenda.jpeg 567w" width="301"/><img class="" decoding="async" height="531" loading="lazy" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/chamisa-to-mud-2-183x300.jpeg" width="324"/>
The 15 MPs were recalled by Sengezo Tshabangu who claims to be the party’s secretary-general, a position which the party says does not exist. The party which has since disengaged from official activities in the National Assembly, Senate and Councils, has given a 14-day deadline for the prompt reversal of recalls of its members. Failure to do so will result in political and diplomatic actions, including reaching out to organisations like the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pidula News</a></h3>

Chamisa Tells Parliament Speaker Mudenda To Reverse The Recalling Of 15 CCC MPs

Brighton Mutebuka, a Zimbabwean lawyer residing in the United Kingdom, has claimed that the ruling party ZANU PF sent <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu/">Sengezo Tshabangu</a> to sabotage and possibly destroy the opposition <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens'_Coalition_for_Change/">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a>. Mutebuka alleges that Sengezo Tshabangu, who has been in the spotlight after declaring himself as the CCC’s Secretary-General and recalling 15 Members of Parliament (MPs) and some councillors, is being controlled by the ruling party.
Parliament Speaker <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Mudenda/">Jacob Mudenda</a> acted upon Tshabangu’s instructions and removed the recalled legislators, disregarding a written communication from Chamisa stating that any dealings concerning CCC MPs should go through his office. Tshabangu who is also a lawyer, also asserted that <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa/">Nelson Chamisa</a> was no longer the party president and announced that he had appointed <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tendai_Biti/">Tendai Biti</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Welshman_Ncube/">Welshman Ncube</a> in his stead. 
Mutebuka’s analysis suggests that Tshabangu is operating under the guidance of ZANU PF. In a social media post seen by Pindula News, Mutebuka drew parallels between the current events and the circumstances surrounding the formation of the CCC. This comparison likely refers to the previous recalling of MDC Alliance MPs and Councillors aligned with Chamisa, following the party leadership dispute that ended up in court. <a href="https://twitter.com/BMutebuka/status/1711822391779750222/history">Mutebuka said:</a>
<blockquote>
<h3>Political Foolishness On Steroids In Zim As The Regime Deploys A Proxy To Try &amp; Destroy @CCCZimbabwe</h3>
1. The starting premise is that we are all mortals. What that entails is that each &amp; every one of us will ultimately exit this universe at some point. 
2. The next premise is that democracy is a game of numbers. A mandate is earned via convincing the majority of the electorate to vote for you on the basis that you are the best candidate. @nelsonchamisa has successfully achieved that premise &amp; proven his mettle through garnering millions of votes in successive elections. 
3. The regime simply has to come to terms with that political reality. It has to be reminded that the world can see through its crude machinations.
 4. @CCCZimbabwe was formed in January 2022 after a similar charade to what we are witnessing. The regime spectacularly failed to decimate the opposition despite the array of weapons at its disposal. 
5. What the regime is missing is that, the more it targets @nelsonchamisa, the more it inadvertently amplifies his profile &amp; popularity. 
6. Trying to derail his political movement is simply futile. It’s the people who follow him who matter, not political names. The only way to stop him is to ban elections &amp; declare Zimbabwe a one party state. 
</blockquote>
Mutebuka criticised the elderly leaders of Zimbabwe, including President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa/">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a>, Mudenda, and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Patrick_Chinamasa/">Patrick Chinamasa</a>, for engaging in “political foolishness” instead of leaving a meaningful legacy. He questioned the point of their actions, such as denying power to Chamisa, engaging in corruption, and terrorising citizens, when their own “end is near”.
Mutebuka found it embarrassing that a party formed in 1963 was fixated on fighting a 45-year-old leader of the opposition. He emphasised the need for Zimbabwe’s leadership to focus on the country’s development rather than eliminating the opposition. Ultimately, he questioned the significance of crowing over opponents if everything was left behind in the end.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

UK-based Lawyer Says ZANU PF Sent Tshabangu To Destroy CCC

There was chaos in Parliament on Tuesday when anti-riot police were called to remove opposition <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens'_Coalition_for_Change/">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> legislators who were protesting the recall of their 15 colleagues. A CCC supporter from Bulawayo, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu/">Sengezo Tshabangu</a>, claimed to be the party’s interim secretary-general and initiated the recall of 15 CCC Members of Parliament (MPs) and 17 councillors, alleging that they were no longer members of the party.
When Speaker of the National Assembly, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Mudenda/">Jacob Mudenda</a>, officially announced <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/010/09/speaker-of-parliament-jacob-mudenda-announces-recall-of-ccc-mps/">the recall of the MPs</a>, opposition MPs responded by singing and chanting slogans against Mudenda, bringing the proceedings to a halt. CCC interim organising secretary <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Amos_Chibaya/">Amos Chibaya</a> argued that Mudenda was wrong to accept Tshabangu’s letter, stating that all communication should come from their president,<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa/"> Nelson Chamisa</a>. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200017877/chaos-as-ccc-mps-defy-parly-recall">NewsDay</a> quotes him as saying:
<blockquote>
Mr Speaker, we wrote a letter to you dated September 11, notifying you that all communication comes from our president (Nelson) Chamisa.
I don’t think it is proper for you to rule in favour of Tshabangu.
</blockquote>
Mudenda ordered the recalled MPs to leave the House, but they refused and continued singing party songs. As a result, anti-riot police were called in to remove them. Mudenda also imposed a ban on all CCC MPs from attending Parliament for six sessions and docked their salaries for boycotting President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa/">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a>‘s State of the Nation address the previous week.
While the chaos unfolded, Chamisa held meetings in Harare with party members to plan the way forward after the recall of MPs and councillors. CCC interim spokesperson <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Promise_Mkwananzi/">Promise Mkwananzi</a> dismissed Tshabangu as an impostor and a proxy for the ruling Zanu PF party. He said:
<blockquote>
Action will be taken after a collective decision of all party organs.
The consultative process is underway today (yesterday).
We are having a series of meetings to discuss the issue and we will advise our members of the next step.
But we will not allow Zanu PF to subvert the will of the people.
</blockquote>
Zanu PF, however, distanced itself from the recalls.
Human rights lawyer <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Beatrice_Mtetwa/">Beatrice Mtetwa</a> staged a solo demonstration in Harare against the recalls, holding a placard that read, “Tshabangu, respect our vote.” She expressed her anger over the recalls and criticised Mudenda for favouring political interests over the law.
Tshabangu’s spokesperson denied a circulating letter claiming that Chamisa had also been expelled from the party, stating that it was a fake document. The CCC was formed in January 2022 after the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2020/04/02/full-supreme-court-ruling-on-mdc-leadership-crisis-case/">Supreme Court ruled that Chamisa was not the leader of the MDC.</a> The CCC has yet to hold a congress to elect a permanent leadership since its establishment.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Chaos In Parliament As Anti-riot Police Eject CCC MPs

The Speaker of Parliament, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Mudenda/">Jacob Mudenda</a>, has notified the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Electoral_Commission/">Zimbabwe Electoral Commission</a> about 15 vacant seats in the legislative body. This action follows <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu/">Sengezo Tshabangu</a>‘s letter, claiming to be the interim Secretary-General of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens'_Coalition_for_Change/">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a>, in which he recalled several CCC MPs.
The announcement of vacant seats indicates that Mudenda has disregarded CCC leader <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa/">Nelson Chamisa</a>‘s <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/010/09/chamisa-writes-to-parliament-speaker-to-ignore-tshabangus-recall-of-ccc-mps/">plea for Mudenda not to act based on Tshabangu’s instruction</a>. Tshabangu, a former member of the MDC-T and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), controversially declared himself the secretary-general of the CCC and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/010/04/ccc-interim-secretary-general-sengezo-tshabangu-recalls-dozens-of-mps-councillors/">initiated the recall of the party’s members holding those seats. </a>
In letters to the Chief Elections Officer Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Mudenda said the following individuals ceased to belong to the Citizens Coalition for Change on 04 October 2023:
<ol>
<li>Pashor Raphael Sibanda (Cowdray Park)</li>
<li>Ereck Gono (Lobengula-Magwegwe)</li>
<li>Nicola Jane Watson (Bulawayo South)</li>
<li>Desmond Makaza (Mpopoma-Mzilikazi)</li>
<li>Obert Manduna (Nketa)</li>
<li>Mlilo Sitabile (Proportional Representation)</li>
<li>Jasmine Toffa (Proportional Representation)</li>
<li>Janeth Dube (Proportional Representation)</li>
<li>Evidence Zana (Youth Quota)</li>
<li>Morgan Ncube (Beitbridge West)</li>
<li>Nomathemba Sibanda (Proportional Representation)</li>
<li>Velisiwe Nkomo (Proportional Representation)</li>
<li>Prince Dubeko Sibanda (Binga North)</li>
<li>Bright Moyo Vanya (Lupane East)</li>
<li>Febion Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi (Mabvuku Tafara)</li>
</ol>
Letters sent to ZEC Elections Officer <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Utloile_Silaigwana/">Utloile Silaigwana</a> read:
<blockquote>
RE: NOTIFICATION OF A VACANCY IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF PARLIAMENT
1 hereby notify you, in terms of section 39 (1) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:131, that a vacancy now exists in the membership of Parliament, by reason of (name of recalled MP), who was the elected Member of Parliament for (name of constituency) Constituency, having ceased to belong to the Citizens Coalition for Change on 04 October 2023.
HON. ADVOCATE J. F. N. MUDENDA SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT
<img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-264912 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 498px) 100vw, 498px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MPS-Recalled.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MPS-Recalled.jpg 498w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MPS-Recalled-138x300.jpg 138w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MPS-Recalled-472x1024.jpg 472w" width="498"/>
</blockquote>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Download: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CCC-MPS-Recalled.pdf">CCC MPS Recalled</a></li>
</ul>
The development could lead to major changes in Zimbabwe’s political landscape, and there are concerns about the future of the CCC and its influence in the country. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Speaker Of Parliament Jacob Mudenda Announces Recall Of CCC MPs

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa/">Nelson Chamisa</a>, the leader of the opposition <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change/">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a>, has sent a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Mudenda/">Jacob Mudenda</a>, advising him to ignore a letter from <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu/">Sengezo Tshabangu</a>. Tshabangu claims to be the interim Secretary-General of the CCC and has purportedly recalled nearly two dozen lawmakers.
Chamisa has urged Mudenda not to take any action based on Tshabangu’s letter. Tshabangu is a former member of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Movement_for_Democratic_Change/">MDC-T</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/People's_Democratic_Party/">People’s Democratic Party (PDP)</a>. Mudenda is expected to make a decision on this matter soon.
In response to the development, Chamisa cites a letter purportedly he sent to Mudenda on 11 September 2023 informing the speaker that:
<blockquote>
1. Any correspondence regarding any CCC Member of Parliament listed is to be directed to his office. 
2. Any communication or notification regarding any CCC Member of Parliament shall come from his office. 
3. No other person is authorized to correspond or communicate with Parliament concerning CCC Members in Parliament. 
</blockquote>
In the latest letter seen by Pindula News, Chamisa emphasised that the position had not changed adding that Tshabangu was not a member of the CCC party. He said:
<blockquote>
Dear Hon Speaker
RE: LETTER PURPORTING TO RECALL MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ELECTED UNDER CITIZENS COALITION FOR CHANGE 
Fraternal greetings to you, Hon Speaker.
I have had sight of a letter dated 3rd October 2023 circulating on social media and reported by the news media addressed to the “Speaker of Parliament” from one Sengezo Tshabangu purporting to be the Interim Secretary General of the CCC and purporting to recall several members of our political party from the Parliament.
Pursuant to our letter dated “11 September 2023” in which I advised you on the communication protocols concerning CCC Members in Parliament, I am writing to confirm that
1. There have not been any changes to the communication protocols outlined in our letter dated “11 September 2023”. Changes, if any, will be communicated from this office. 
2. Sengezo Tshabangu is not a member of CCC and as such cannot provide, avail, or adduce evidence of any such membership as his name does not appear on any of CCC street or village registers of any district, in any province, as administered by the CCC Bureau of Organizing. 
3. In the CCC we have no such position as Secretary General or Interim Secretary General as alleged by Tshabangu. 
4. As at the present date, none of the Members of Parliament who were elected under the Citizens Coalition for Change have been expelled from the party I lead or recalled from the National Assembly, or for that matter, from any other elected position in Senate or any Local Council.
Hon Speaker, the conduct of Mr Tshabangu is in fact a wanton violation of our laws and a clear act of criminality. As such, criminal charges have been filed against him. Therefore, please kindly disregard the letter in question or any other correspondence from any other person purporting to represent the Citizens Coalition for Change. 
I trust you find this in order. 
Your Sincerely Adv Nelson Chamisa Leader and Presidential Candidate Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)
</blockquote>
Advocate <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Thabani_Mpofu/">Thabani Mpofu</a> who represented Chamisa in the 2018 Presidential Election court case said the Parliament cannot act on a criminal letter in apparent reference to Tshabangu’s letter. He added:
<blockquote>
The correct position was communicated to it in good time and has recently been affirmed. Not even the lowest of all lows can give oxygen to the human forest fire that Tshabangu is.
</blockquote>
However, according to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kucaca_Phulu/">Kucaca Ivumile Phulu</a>, a former CCC Member of Parliament for Nkulumane, the current situation in the CCC party is a test of leadership. Phulu believes it is unwise to disregard Tshabangu as a member of the party and suggests that engaging in constructive dialogue should be a priority over insults. Phulu said:
<blockquote>
What is transpiring in CCC is regretable protagonists must prioritize engaging rather than insults. This is test of leadership. Ignoring Tshabangu &amp; saying he is not a membe CCC is ill advised. ENGAGE!  
The problem is that leadership always sees engagement very late, the result being that little is resolved.  
</blockquote>
After the August 2023 elections, Members of Parliament took their oaths of office in September. They are set to serve until 2028. Some analysts believe that ZANU PF is behind Tshabangu’s actions to recall CCC representatives so that it reduces the number of CCC members in Parliament, aiming to secure a two-thirds majority. ZANU PF fell short of a two-thirds majority by only four MPs.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Chamisa Writes To Parliament Speaker To Ignore Tshabangu's Recall Of CCC MPS

The National Assembly Speaker, Jacob Mudenda, said CCC MPs will have their travel allowances forfeited and their accommodation costs deducted from their salaries after they boycotted the official opening of the 10th Parliament by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Mount Hampden on Tuesday, 03 October.
Mnangagwa laid out the legislative agenda for the next five years and also delivered a State of the Nation Address (SONA) in front of ZANU PF MPs and diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe.
Addressing legislators in the Chamber soon after the official opening, Mudenda said CCC legislators will be sanctioned for violating Parliament’s Standing Orders of both the National Assembly and Senate.
Mudenda also the Leader of Government Business will consider if the opposition CCC should face more sanctions with regards to the Political Parties Finance Act.
Under the Political Parties Finance Act, political parties that receive at least 5% of the total votes cast in a general election are eligible for funding from the government.
The funding is provided to parties on a proportional basis, based on the number of seats they hold in parliament. <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/ccc-legislators-in-trouble/">The Herald</a> quoted Mudenda as saying:
<blockquote>
It is therefore clear that there have been some violations of those Standing Orders.
Members of the CCC have come to Harare after Parliament was summoned by His Excellency, the President and have stayed in hotels and have been given and facilitated their travel to Harare.
Therefore, there have been violations of these Standing Orders and in terms of powers invested in me as Speaker, I instruct the Clerk of Parliament to ensure that CCC members will not receive their coupons to go back home.
Secondly, their stay in hotels at the taxpayers’ generosity and commitment will be deducted from their salaries.
I further request the Leader of Government Business to look into the Political Parties Finance Act to find out whether further sanctions cannot be applied.
</blockquote>
In an interview with The Herald, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is Leader of Government Business in Parliament, said:
<blockquote>
If they continue boycotting they will cease to be Honourable Members of Parliament, so it is up to them.
The elections are done and dusted, they were sworn in which means it was an admission that the process (harmonised elections) was correct. So we are not aware why they did not turn up.
We feel that their absence is not significant, so we are now moving forward with setting up relevant committees.
</blockquote>
CCC CCC spokesperson, Promise Mkhwananzi, had earlier told a local publication that the opposition party will boycott the event because it does not recognise the 23 August presidential election results.
Mnangagwa was declared the winner with 52.6% of the votes, while his closest rival, CCC candidate Nelson Chamisa received 43% of the votes cast.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Parliament Sanctions CCC MPs For Boycotting Mnangagwa Parliamentary Address

ZANU PF’s Jacob Mudenda was re-elected unopposed as the Speaker of the National Assembly on Friday morning at the New Parliament Building at Mount Hampden in Harare.
Tsitsi Gezi, also of ZANU PF, was re-elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly unoppsed after opposition party CCC National Assembly members did not turn up for the election.
Zimbabwe has a bicameral Parliament that is divided into two separate houses, that is the National Assembly (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House).
The two presiding officers took their oaths of office before Chief Justice Luke Malaba. The Parliament of Zimbabwe tweeted:
<blockquote>
ZANU PF has turned up in numbers ahead of today’s elections of Presiding officers. Contrary, the Opposition CCC has absconded from today’s election.
Honorable Advocate J.F.N Mudenda has been duly elected Speaker of Parliament, there being no other contestants.
Concomitantly, there being no other contestant, Hon Tsitsi Gezi has been duly nominated Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Makorokoto Amhlophe!
</blockquote>
ZANU PF commands a majority in the National Assembly after winning 136 seats against CCC’s 73 in Harmonised Elections held on 23 August 2023.
A by-election will be held in Gutu West after one of the candidates who had been nominated to contest in the constituency, Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi, died a few weeks before the 23 August 2023 Harmonised Elections.
Following Rwodzi’s death, voters in the constituency only elected their preferred presidential candidate and councillors.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Jacob Mudenda Re-elected As Speaker Of Parliament

The opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) has criticised Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda for rejecting a proposal by the Public Accounts and the Budget, Finance, and Economic Development committees to investigate allegations raised in the Gold Mafia documentary which was premiered by Al Jazeera recently.
In a statement, CCC said Mudenda’s decision raises serious doubts about the Government’s commitment to accountability and transparency. CCC said:
<blockquote>
We strongly denounce the decision made by the Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda to prevent the parliamentary committees from investigating the overwhelming evidence presented in the #GoldMafia documentary.
The evidence suggests that there is massive corruption, looting, money laundering, and the smuggling of gold by the political elites and their close allies.
The Speaker’s decision to prevent proper investigation raises serious doubts about the regime’s commitment to accountability and transparency.
We demand swift action be taken to investigate the matter to ensure that those involved in such illegal activities are brought to justice.
</blockquote>
Mudenda told the two parliamentary committees that Parliament should allow the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), the central bank and the Police to conduct the investigations.
He said in reaching the decision, he was guided by the South African Government’s decision to task specialised agencies with investigating the gold smuggling and money laundering allegations raised in the Gold Mafia documentary.
“Gold Mafia” is a four-part investigation by Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit (I-Unit) which exposed gold smuggling gangs in Southern Africa.
The gangs help criminals launder hundreds of millions of dollars, getting rich themselves while plundering their nations.
They use gold to turn dirty cash into clean, seemingly legitimate money for those with large amounts of unaccounted wealth.
The gangs do so by using a complex web of companies, counterfeit identities and fake documents.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Gold Mafia: CCC Chides Mudenda For Refusing To Grant Investigation Authority To Committees

Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda has rejected a proposal by the Public Accounts and the Budget, Finance, and Economic Development committees to investigate allegations raised in the Gold Mafia documentary which was premiered by Al Jazeera recently.
In a memorandum addressed to the two parliamentary committees, Mudenda said Parliament should allow the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), the central bank and the Police to conduct the investigations.
He said in reaching the decision, he was guided by the South African Government’s decision to task specialised agencies with investigating the gold smuggling and money laundering allegations raised in the Gold Mafia documentary. Reads the memo:
<blockquote>
I wish to state from the outset that the matter is serious and of national importance.
However, it is pertinent to note that the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the RBZ have already started processes to investigate the matter.
In that vein, it would be improper for Parliament to embark on an inquiry on a matter that other arms of the State are investigating.
In addition, the matters are of a complex nature and may require extraterritorial visits due to the alleged involvement of foreign players.
In that regard, it is prudent to leave the investigations to specialised agencies like ZACC, and the Police are better placed to investigate matters.
Parliament will continue to monitor the investigations and will carry out its oversight role when the specialised agencies have completed their investigation.
In addition, the Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development conducted an inquiry into Illicit Financial flows in the Mining Sector in the course of last year.
In reaching this decision I have also been guided by the stance taken by the South African Government which has deferred to specialised agencies regarding the same issues.
</blockquote>
“Gold Mafia” is a four-part investigation by Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit (I-Unit) which exposed gold smuggling gangs in Southern Africa.
The gangs help criminals launder hundreds of millions of dollars, getting rich themselves while plundering their nations.
They use gold to turn dirty cash into clean, seemingly legitimate money for those with large amounts of unaccounted wealth.
The gangs do so by using a complex web of companies, counterfeit identities and fake documents.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Gold Mafia: Speaker Of Parliament Refuses To Grant Investigation Authority To Committees

Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda has urged Members of Parliament to familiarise themselves with what the constitution says about the delimitation exercise and not be distracted by “sideshows”.
This comes after the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, and the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet George Charamba claimed that the report that was given to President Emmerson Mnangagwa by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) was not final.
The issue was then raised in the National Assembly during a question and answer session by Glen Norah MP Wellington Chikombo, reported <a href="https://openparly.com/delimitation-report-speaker-tells-parliament-do-not-listen-to-nick-mangwana-and-george-charamba/">Open Parly</a>.
Chikombo said the statements that were uttered by Mangwana and Charamba have caused a lot of polarisation, disharmony, and anxiety across the country.
He demanded that the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi come through to elaborate to the House what the correct position is pertaining to the delimitation report process.
In response, Mudenda said”musateerere nyaya yemuma newspaper kana social media.” He added:
<blockquote>
Section 161 is very clear in terms of the processes. The report is tabled here in the House in Parliament, we scrutinize it and make our observations.
We then submit to the Head of State and Government in terms of Section 161. Within the specified 14 days, the Head of State must submit to ZEC, which was done.
After that ZEC will start on whatever contributions or analysis that were done by the relevant stakeholders.
They will look at them, make adjustments where it is possible and send those adjustments in a report to His Excellency.
Within 14 days, the President must gazette. What ZEC has said and done in that report is final.
So why do you want to listen to people who talk from the side shows… it does not matter, you must follow the Constitution.
… Do now worry about people who speak outside the Constitution.
</blockquote>

Delimitation Report: Do Not Listen To Mangwana And Charamba, Mudenda Tells MPs

The Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda has said the new Parliament Building in Mount Hampden is still in the hands of the Chinese government and has not yet been handed over to Zimbabwe.
This week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and officially opened the 5th Session of the 9th Parliament of Zimbabwe from the new building.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube also presented the 2023 National Budget from the same building on Thursday.
Independent MP, Temba Mliswa (Norton) recently criticised Parliament over its failure to take legislators on a tour of the new Parliament building before the presentation of SONA and the national budget.
However, Mudenda told legislators in the National Assembly, that they had to ask for special permission to use the building for SONA and budget presentation from the Chinese government.
He said Parliament could not secure space at Rainbow Towers Hotel’s Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) for SONA. Said Mudenda:
<blockquote>
I also have to inform the House that the new Parliament building has not yet been officially handed over to the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
A special request was made to hold the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the 9th Parliament and State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the new Building, which was deemed a suitable venue for the occasion and the Chinese acceded to the request.
Honourable Members will be taken for a familiarisation tour once the handover has been done and Honourable Members will be informed accordingly.
</blockquote>
Mliswa also suggested that traditional leaders should be engaged to conduct rituals at the building before it is used. | <a href="https://openparly.com/new-parliament-still-owned-by-china-we-only-asked-to-use-it-for-sona-budget/">Open Parly</a>

"Zimbabwe's New Parliament Building Still Owned By China"

Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, says the government should urgently modernise the taxation systems and also formalise the informal sector for accelerated economic transformation.
The World Bank estimates that Zimbabwe’s informal sector dominates 60 percent of the economy but the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) puts the figure at 92%.
Speaking at the 2023 Pre-budget seminar last Friday running under the theme “Leveraging on domestic resource mobilisation to accelerate Economic Transformation”, Mudenda said:
<blockquote>
Domestic resource mobilisation can be achieved if we spruce up our taxation regime through a sustainable digital taxation system.
This will ensure the maximisation of revenue collection thereby guaranteeing optimum resource mobilization through the taxation avenue.
Treasury should invest expeditiously in this area. In tandem, the formalization of the informal economic sector is long overdue.
Let us learn from Bolivia, Bangladesh, and Iran how these countries have exponentially formalized their informal economic sector.
At the moment, 60% of our economy is in the informal sector. If and when we formalize it, we are likely to increase the tax base and in so doing enhance our domestic resource mobilization for accelerated economic transformation.
</blockquote>
In 2015, and then again in 2021, the government held discussions to develop a formalisation policy for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) but nothing has been done to date. | <a href="https://openparly.com/expedite-formalization-of-the-informal-sector-gvt-told/">Open Parly</a>

Mudenda Urges Govt To Expedite Formalisation Of Informal Sector

Jacob Mudenda, the National Assembly Speaker, has set a committee that will discuss whether Members of Parliament can wear yellow clothes in the House or not.
The decision came after CCC legislators came to the House for their swearing-in ceremony wearing yellow neckties, while Judith Tobaiwa was putting on a yellow blazer.
Buhera South legislator Joseph Chinotimba (ZANU PF) protested that the CCC legislators were wearing party regalia in the House.
However, Harare East MP, Tendai Biti, argued that there was no provision for colours on the Parliament Standing Rules and Orders.
In his point of privilege, Biti argued that the Parliament Standing Rules and Orders require legislators to dress with dignity and with decorum, but did not mention colours. He said:
<blockquote>
The issue of a necktie is one of the implicit requirements but there is no colour ascribed to a necktie.
So, an ordinary Member has got a constitutional right to put on a necktie of his or her own choice, which is why in this august House, as I speak to you, there are different neckties.
Some have got red, some have green, some blue and some yellow. It is their constitutional right. The only test Honourable Speaker Sir, of how a member dress is decorum.
Is he dressed sufficiently such that he does not bring Parliament into disrepute? Those of us who have chosen to put on yellow neckties are in fact enhancing the dignity of Parliament because we are smartly dressed.
</blockquote>
Responding to Biti, Mudenda said he was setting a committee to look at the matter and if it fails to find a resolution, the issue will be taken to the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders. Said Mudenda:
<blockquote>
Thank you Honourable Biti. You make your point from a position of sobriety and you lose nothing, alright.
I have been checking here on the provisions of the Standing Rules and Orders and taking into account what Honourable Biti has raised.
I shall rule as follows: That there be a combined meeting of representatives from the government side led by the leader of government business, the chief whip and one other.
From this side, we get another three so that at the end of the session, we look closely at the Standing Orders and if we cannot come up with a resolution, I shall rely on the advice of that Committee on whether the matter should proceed to the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders for final arbitration.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://openparly.com/index.php/2022/04/06/parliament-sets-committee-to-discuss-chamisas-colours/">Open Parly</a></h4>

Parliament Sets Committee To Discuss CCC Colours

Security personnel at Parliament on Wednesday attempted to block CCC MPs led by Tendai Biti from entering the august House for wearing yellow ties.
This came after National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda on Tuesday directed CCC legislators not to wear anything yellow following protests by ZANU PF legislators.
Yesterday, Mudenda revealed that CCC attire would be investigated to establish if it did not violate Parliament’s Standing Rules and Orders. He said:
<blockquote>
I have been checking on the provisions of standing orders, I shall rule as follows, there should be a meeting of representatives from the government side led by the leader of government business (Ziyambi Ziyambi) and the ZANU PF chief whip (Pupurai Togarepi) and from the other side, we get a representative so that we look closely at the standing orders and come up with a conclusion.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/04/chaos-as-parliament-bans-ccc-yellow/">NewsDay</a></h4>

CCC MPs' Yellow Ties Cause Commotion At Parliament

National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda on Tuesday ordered Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MPs not to wear yellow in Parliament.
The order came after Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba (ZANU PF) protested that some CCC MPs were wearing party symbols.
The CCC MPs dressed formally, but some were wearing yellow neck-ties, shirts, tops and blazers. Said Mudenda:
<blockquote>
From tomorrow, can Honourable Members adhere to the dress code and not be seen in colours that are aligned to party affiliation. Please be advised accordingly.
</blockquote>
According to ZimLive, Harare East MP Tendai Biti, wore a striped yellow and navy-blue tie while Prince Dubeko Sibanda (Binga North), Amos Chibaya (Mkoba), Prosper Mutseyami (Chikanga-Dangamvura), Chalton Hwende (Kuwadzana East) and Settlement Chikwinya (Mbizo) all wore yellow ties.
Judith Tobaiwa (Kwekwe Central) and Sichelesile Mahlangu (Pumula) wore yellow blazers.
Mudenda’s directive riled CCC MPs, who vowed to wear colours of their choice as long as it was not party regalia. Speaking outside parliament, Biti, who is also CCC deputy president, said:
<blockquote>
I can understand if the Speaker rules against putting on yellow T-Shirts but if I put on a yellow shirt, a formal business shirt or a yellow tie, I’m not breaching any law.
I hope he doesn’t put us in a position where there’s an unnecessary collision, and that there is litigation and civil war in that House.
A necktie or shirt is not party regalia. If we come wearing Zambias, it’s a different thing but I don’t think anyone has an intention to do that.
There’s no law in the world anywhere that proscribes anyone from putting on a necktie of his or her own choice.
</blockquote>
Mutseyami said what Mudenda suggested is impractical since green, yellow, black and red are among the colours that are used by different political parties. He said:
<blockquote>
Is what the Speaker is saying lawful, or he’s just telling us what’s in his head? This is not Mudenda’s House, it’s a national House.
We were not voted for by Mudenda but by the people. We’re not here out of his compassion.
In any case, no one is quite sure which colour he says belongs to a political party.
In this country, there are political parties that use green, yellow, black and red.
I don’t know which of those colours is a party colour, and which one is not.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/04/05/mudenda-draws-ccc-fury-after-ordering-mps-not-to-wear-yellow/">ZimLive</a></h4>

Parliament Speaker Orders MPs Not To Wear Yellow

Parliament has raised concern over unauthorised expenditure by the government amounting to $6.8 billion, describing it as an “unacceptable anomaly”. 
Jacob Mudenda, the speaker of Parliament, yesterday told a pre-budget seminar for legislators in Victoria Falls that the Finance ministry must regularise the expenditure as a matter of urgency. He said:
<blockquote>
This amount constitutes a supplementary budget, which must follow the normal budget approval process by Parliament.
I, therefore, urge the minister of Finance and Economic Development to promptly engage Parliament and regularise this unacceptable fiscal anomaly. 
I further demand strict adherence to the dictates of the constitution, the Finance Act, the Appropriation Act, the Public Finance Management Act and any other legislation that attempt to ensure value for money in the budgetary processes of our country.
</blockquote>
Auditor-general Mildred Chiri, in reports released in July, said the excess expenditure was done in violation of the constitution.
 MDC Alliance co-vice President, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/10/07/treasury-use-us10-6-billion-outside-the-budget-without-parliament-approval-biti/">Tendai Biti, who used to chair the Parliament’s Public Accounts Portfolio (PAC) has been vocal over the government’s unauthorised expenditure.</a>
Advocate Mudenda also said they were also worried that in his mid-term fiscal review, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube spoke of a $570 million budget surplus for the half-year ending June 2021 when most line ministries and government departments had received allocations far below the 50% threshold of the full-year budget appropriations, including Parliament. 
Mudenda urged MPs to ensure timeous disbursement of the budgeted funds in terms of Section 119 of the constitution. 
More: <a href="https://thestandard.newsday.co.zw/2021/10/24/6-8bn-govt-funds-saga-raises-dust/">The Standard</a>

Parliament Concerned By Government's Unauthorised Expenditure Of $6.8 Billion

Buhera South legislator, Mr Joseph Chinotimba has lamented over government workers’ salaries which he said were not sustainable when the government claims to have a surplus.
Chinotimba made the remarks while speaking in the National Assembly saying it was surprising that the government is paying workers paltry salaries and yet there was a surplus. He said:
<blockquote>_The salaries are inadequate, especially for those in rural areas. The current exchange rate is US$1 to ZW$130 and that is the rate that is being used by most shops, except shops such as OK who do not use the black-market rate.  Such shops require that you pay what they charge. It is a ‘take it or leave it’ game._
_…We expect immediate action to be taken on the matter, even if it means Minister Mthuli Ncube to be called into the House to answer questions and to address the matter. At one time, Honourable Mthuli Ncube said that the government has a surplus. How can you talk of surplus when the standard of living for the majority has not improved and they are earning peanuts?_</blockquote>
Chinotimba said it was disheartening that professions in the civil service – teachers, police, armed forces, health sector and so on, were earning less than security guards.
He emphasised the role teachers are playing in society saying everyone went through their hands, including “you Honourable Speaker” and “the President to be where he is today.”
Chinotimba’s remarks come after civil servants have scoffed at the government’s meagre 25% salary increment last month which saw them receiving between $13 300 and $17 000 (US$156 and US$200).
They are demanding a restoration of their 2018 salaries when they earned about US$500.

<ul>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/04/21/teachers-scoff-at-25-salary-increment/">Teachers Scoff At 25% Salary Increment</a></li>
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<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/02/06/covid-19-exposed-fakeness-of-mthulis-surplus-opinion/">COVID-19 Exposed Fakeness Of Mthuli’s Surplus – OPINION</a>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/07/18/list-8-times-mthuli-ncube-proclaimed-a-budget-surplus-since-he-became-the-treasury-boss/">LIST: 8 Times Mthuli Ncube Proclaimed A Budget Surplus Since He Became The Treasury Boss</a>
</li>
<li class="entry-title">
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/08/17/watch-finance-secretary-explains-what-happened-to-budget-surpluses/">WATCH: Finance Secretary Explains What Happened To Budget Surpluses</a>
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More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>; <a href="https://openparly.com/index.php/2021/05/05/chinotimba-questions-mthuli-ncubes-surplus/">Open Parly</a>

Chinotimba Laments Over Workers' Salaries, Critiques Ncube's Surplus Claims

The Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda has spoken on the constitutionality of recalls of members of parliament (MPs) following the recall of several MDC-T members from Parliament.
He made the remarks while presenting a lecture at the Zimbabwe Defence University on the Parliament’s oversight role and contribution to national security. He said:
<blockquote>Equally, if a Member of Parliament ceases to be a member of the sponsoring political party, he or she is recalled from Parliament by that Party in terms of section 129(1)(k) of the Constitution. During the life of the Eighth and Ninth Parliament, both ZANU PF and MDC-T invoked these provisions to cause the expulsion of their Members of Parliament. More than 40 Members of Parliament fell victim to this constitutional provision and consequently by-elections, where applicable, would be held to fill up the vacancies that arose in the National Assembly and the Senate.
Here a number of people have been saying that the speaker of parliament of president of the senate, before they read the letter of recall must find out whether that letter has merit or some demerits. It is not the responsibility of the Speaker to inquire into the merits or demerits of the letter, we follow the constitution. And an impression is given that the presiding officers expel members of parliament is misdirected…
At strategic levels, there is a need to match the laws and strategic operational plans with the requisite financial resources to enable the realisation of the national security vision and mission. In this regard, section 305 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe allocates exclusive powers to Parliament to appropriate resources for deployment to various state institutions. Equally, Parliament itself must be well resourced in order to exercise robust oversight over all state institutions and agencies in the interest of national security.</blockquote>
He urged security institutions to maintain a high degree of vigilance to guarantee national security.
Mudenda speaks as opposition MDC-T has since last year been recalling rival MDC Alliance’s MPs and councillors arguing that they had ceased to be members of the party that made them attain those posts.
While some are questioning the constitutionality of the recalls, MDC Alliance claims they are instigated by the ruling ZANU PF in a bid to cripple the opposition in the country. ZANU PF denies the allegations.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a> <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/speaker-of-the-national-assembly-clarifies-recall-process/">ZBC News</a>

Speaker Of Parliament Speaks On Constitutionality Of Recalls

The Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda has said unproductive Parliamentary Committee Chairpersons will be ejected from their posts.
Advocate Mudenda was responding to a recommendation by Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa which said action should be taken to ensure that the chairs executed their duties and responsibilities.
Mliswa likened Mudenda to a driver who should make sure his vehicle was in good condition. He added:
<blockquote>I implore your good office to task the chief whips to look at the capacity (of MPs) and to look at the work. The reports which come here are not that strong.
The recommendations which other committees have done before have not been implemented.
It seems some chairpersons have no confidence to discharge their duties according to the Standing Rules and Orders.
I am wondering, with many things which are happening right now, our committees seem not to be vibrant.
A lot is happening, and I am wondering what is really happening that is stopping them from discharging their duties.</blockquote>
Mudenda revealed that three unproductive Parliamentary chairpersons had been confronted over the matter and cautioned that they might be ejected.
<blockquote>I am aware honourable Mliswa of three chairpersons that have not been up to scratch and they have been told. If they do not improve, then we stand them down…
I can assure you, we have identified three. If they do not improve, we shall stand them down because they would not be doing good service for parliament, the electorate and the party that proposed them to be chairpersons accordingly.</blockquote>
He commended Mliswa for having done a good job during his tenure as committee chairperson. Mliswa was forced to dump the post following reports that he had engaged in underhand dealings.
Mudenda expressed his desire to see Mliswa coming back urging the independent legislator to be “reformed so that you do not suffer the same exigencies that occurred resulting in your stepping down, but you were one of the good chairpersons.”
Mudenda singled out education committee chair Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga as one of the most competent and hardworking chairpersons.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/parliament-to-axe-non-performing-committee-chairs/">NewZimbabwe</a>

We Identified Unproductive Parliamentary Chairs Who Might Be Ejected - Mudenda

8 Ministers including the country’s 2 Vice Presidents reportedly snubbed this week’s parliamentary sitting which was supposed to be a question and answer session over COVID-19 concerns, Newsday reports.
Speaker of the Parliament Jacob Mudenda said he had received apologies from:
<blockquote>Hon Rtd General Dr Constantino D N Chiwenga, Hon Kembo C D Mohadi, Hon Oppah C Z Muchinguri-Kashiri, Hon July Moyo, Hon Ziyambi Ziyambi, Hon Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu and Hon Cain Mathema</blockquote>
Norton MP Temba Mliswa was reportedly livid and accused the ministers of disrespecting the house given the safety measures that had been put in place to ensure COVID-19 safety measures were observed. Mudenda in response however said some ministers had connected virtually
<blockquote>Some of those ministers who are not here are connecting virtually. I think what we need to do, Hon Mliswa, is to actually indicate that they should be here in the House and not to connect virtually, but my calculation is that, the honourable ministers are present, the Clerk is showing me. But we need to write to them that they should be here in person accordingly.</blockquote>
Sources that observed the proceedings were adamant that the ministers were still fearful of the pandemic that claimed 3 ministers last month.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/02/ministers-snub-parly/">NewsDay </a>

Ministers Snub Parly Over COVID-19 Fears - Report

National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda on Wednesday upbraided Monica Mutsvangwa, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services over the absence of both state and private media during sitting.
Mudenda raised the issue of the absence of the Fourth Estate from Parliament during the question-and-answer session.
Mutsvangwa said she was not aware of journalists’ whereabouts and directed Mudenda to his clerks within the National Assembly.
However, Mudenda reminded the minister of the importance of media coverage on proceedings in the House. He said:
<blockquote>Minister, today is members’ day just like it is tomorrow Thursday.
The message from this House and the Senate must go to the people through the media. We are not quite happy with the sluggish manner in which ZBC in particular covers this House and the Senate.
The message must go out there; policy issues from honourable ministers must go out there and can only do so through the media, both public and private.
This is the importance of the fourth estate in any country.</blockquote>
Parliament resumed business on Tuesday but members of the media who had turned up to cover proceedings were turned away.
The journalists were told to follow proceedings through parliament’s Zoom platform due to the coronavirus restrictions.
On Wednesday, reporters were told that a negative COVID-19 certificate was a pre-requisite for getting into the parliament building.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mudenda-roasts-mutsvangwa-over-media-ban-in-parliament/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

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