The Harare City Council has criticised the decision to grant free parking discs to Members of Parliament (MPs) in the central business district.
Last week, Jacob Mudenda, Speaker of the National Assembly, announced that MPs were entitled to two exempt vehicles from parking fees, which are set at US$1 per hour in Harare.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200039013/councillors-shoot-down-free-parking-for-mps-plan">NewsDay</a>, during a full council meeting on Friday, Ward 16 councillor Denford Ngadziore said that there had been no council resolution on the matter.
He asserted that the council would reverse the decision, saying only people with disabilities should be exempt from parking fees. Said Ngadziore:
<blockquote>
We are told that MPs will no longer be required to pay parking fees in Harare’s central business district.
As council, we are against the move and this should be reversed at all cost, this decision was not even discussed by us councillors.
We are eating from ratepayers’ money, let’s discuss the matter, we can’t do this without a council resolution, we have people whose cars are being auctioned.
</blockquote>
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume acknowledged the issue, saying, “I have heard you, councillor Denford Ngadziore, we are looking into the matter”
In Harare, war veterans and senior citizens aged 70 and above are exempt from paying parking fees.

Pindula News

Harare City Council is annoyed about MPs getting free parking. They were not asked about this decision. Councillor Denford Ngadziore said only disabled people should be exempt from fees. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said they will look into this issue. In Harare, only war veterans and people over 70 can park for free. The decision to give MPs free parking has caused a lot of disagreement in the city council.

Harare Councillors Challenge Decision To Grant MPs Free Parking Discs

Members of Parliament will enjoy express lanes at selected tollgates as part of a pilot project for exempted government officials.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Mudenda announced that the pilot project will begin at Skyline, Dema, and Eskbank tollgates.
He explained that to use the express lane, vehicles must be equipped with an e-tag, which will be scanned by the system. Once detected, the boom barrier will automatically open. <a href="https://openparly.com/express-lanes-for-exempted-govt-officials-and-mps-at-tollgates/">Said Mudenda</a>:
<blockquote>
I wish to inform the House that ZINARA has introduced express lanes to Government exempted vehicles at selected tollgates; starting with a pilot programme at Skyline, Dema and Eskbank tollgates.
The infrastructure has been established featuring extra wide detour lanes designated as “Express Lanes”.
To use the express lane, vehicles must be equipped with an e-tag which will be scanned by the system. Once detected, the boom banner will automatically open.
Please note that express lanes will not have a cashier on duty. In line with this, the ZINARA team will visit the new Parliament Building on the 26th of February and 5th March 2025 from 0900 hours to 1600 hours for the installation of the e-tags.
All Members of Parliament are encouraged to bring their two exempted vehicles along with their registration books for this installation exercise.
Kindly note that failure to have electronic tags installed on exempt vehicles may cause significant inconvenience when passing through the tollgates.
</blockquote>

Government officials, including Members of Parliament, will have access to express lanes at certain tollgates. This means they can skip the line and go through faster. To use the express lane, their vehicles need a special device called an e-tag. This device will be scanned, and the barrier will open automatically. The pilot project will start at three tollgates. Government officials need to get the e-tags installed to avoid any inconvenience when passing through the tollgates.

Govt Officials And MPs To Use Faster Express Lanes At Tollgates

Members of Parliament are now exempt from paying parking fees in Harare’s Central Business District. This follows an agreement between Parliament and City Parking, the company that collects parking fees for the City of Harare.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, announced that Parliament has reached an agreement with City Parking to allow two vehicles per Member of Parliament to park for free in the CBD. Said Mudenda (via <a href="https://openparly.com/mps-exempted-from-paying-parking-fees-in-harare/">Open Parly</a>):
<blockquote>
I also wish to inform the House that the Administration of Parliament has reached an agreement with the City Parking, to exempt two vehicles belonging to each of the Members of Parliament from paying parking fees in the Harare Central Business District.
You are therefore requested to submit copies of registration of the two vehicles to the Human Capital Department in office No. 340 on the Third Floor in order to finalise the arrangements.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has more than 200 parliamentarians who will now enjoy free parking in Harare, while ordinary citizens and residents will still have to pay US$1 per hour to park in the same area.
Award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono commented on the situation, saying that politics in Zimbabwe has become a business, with both the ruling and opposition parties seeking to renew their “business mandate” during election time. He posted on social media:
<blockquote>
I have told Zimbabweans that politics in Zimbabwe is now a business, where both the ruling and opposition parties come to them at election time to renew their business mandate.
But due to political illiteracy, some of our citizens would die for these crooks and looters! If you want free things, join politics!
The fact that both ruling and opposition parties seek a mandate from the people during elections, only to prioritise their own interests and financial gain once in power when hospitals have no medication is wild and tragic m.
Political illiteracy contributes to this cycle, as citizens who are not well-informed about the political process or the motivations of their leaders are more susceptible to manipulation and empty promises.
</blockquote>

Members of Parliament in Harare now don't have to pay for parking in the city. They made a deal with City Parking to let them park for free. Each MP can have two cars parked for free. This means over 200 MPs in Zimbabwe can park for free while others still have to pay. A journalist, Hopewell Chin'ono, said that politics in Zimbabwe is like a business. He thinks politicians only care about making money, not helping people. People need to be informed about politics so they don't get fooled by politicians.

MPs Now Enjoy Free Parking In Harare Central Business District

Economists have criticized the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ)’s 2025 Monetary Policy Statement (MPS), delivered by Governor John Mushayavanhu, arguing that it fails to tackle the country’s core economic challenges.
One of the key issues highlighted was the reduction of the foreign currency retention threshold from 75% to 70%, which, despite widespread calls for an increase, adds further pressure on businesses.
Speaking to <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/monetary-policy-fails-to-address-core-economic-challenges-economists/">Business Times</a>, Eddie Cross, an economist and former member of the Monetary Policy Committee said that the MPS neglected to address the fundamental issues facing the economy. Said Cross:
<blockquote>
The Monetary Policy Statement did not address the key fundamentals. It contributes little to stabilizing the ZiG or the broader economy.
The Governor’s remarks blaming retailers for the crisis were uncalled for. We need serious efforts to stabilize the local currency and a structured de-dollarization process.
We have lost significant ground over the past two months, and nothing in this policy will reverse that.
</blockquote>
Economist Tony Hawkins also criticised the MPS, arguing that it lacks credibility and fails to inspire confidence in the ZiG. He said:
<blockquote>
This is yet another attempt to push the market into accepting the ZiG, despite ten months of evidence showing its rejection. The policy lacks both credibility and innovative solutions.
Claims of exchange rate and price stability ring hollow, especially after a month where consumer prices—both in ZiG and US dollars—rose above the annual average for sub-Saharan Africa.
</blockquote>
Hawkins also expressed concern over the excessive growth of the money supply, estimating a 600% increase in reserve money.
Meanwhile, Gift Mugano criticized the MPS as overly punitive, especially towards exporters. Said Mugano:
<blockquote>
The policy effectively weakens exporters by reducing their forex retention threshold. Many are already struggling with working capital shortages due to the previous 75% retention, and this reduction will only worsen their position.
It makes Zimbabwe less competitive globally.
</blockquote>
Economist Malone Gwadu argued that the RBZ is prioritizing the stability of the ZiG at the expense of industry growth. Said Gwadu:
<blockquote>
Policies like high interest rates and tight reserve controls are aimed at preventing excess liquidity and inflation. The central bank’s push to liberalize the forex market is a step in the right direction, but the industry is in distress.
The tight monetary policy must be balanced with measures that support production. Perhaps gradually refining the Targeted Finance Facility (TFF) could help provide relief to struggling industries.
</blockquote>
Prosper Chitambara said the reduction in forex retention is part of the government’s broader de-dollarization strategy and an effort to build foreign currency reserves.
He said reserves are essential, as they provide critical support for the ZiG.
However, Chitambara stressed that Zimbabwe’s current reserves, estimated at around US$500 million, fall significantly short of the US$3 billion needed to cover a minimum three-month import requirement for economic stability. He added:
<blockquote>
While reserve accumulation is essential, this policy effectively acts as an indirect tax on exporters, who would prefer to retain more of their forex earnings.
</blockquote>

Economists say Zimbabwe's new money plan doesn't fix big problems. They don't like reducing how much foreign money businesses can keep. They think the plan won't help the economy. People say the plan hurts exporters and makes Zimbabwe less competitive. Some experts worry the plan puts the currency's stability over helping businesses grow. They think the country needs more foreign money to be stable. But they say the new plan makes it harder for exporters. Experts want more help for struggling industries and smarter money rules.

"Monetary Policy Ineffective In Tackling Key Issues"

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has raised concerns about a growing trend in which millions of dollars are sitting idle in cash deposit boxes across the country, warning that this practice is depriving the economy of vital liquidity.
In his 2025 Monetary Policy Statement released last Thursday, RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu the keeping of cash in cash deposit boxes is hindering economic growth by restricting the flow of much-needed capital within the economy.
He said the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Reserve Bank will not tolerate this malpractice and will take decisive action to address the situation. Said Mushayavanhu:
<blockquote>
The Reserve Bank has noted with concern the increasing abuse of safe deposit boxes and the proliferation of “shadow banks”.
It has been observed that some businesses are not banking all or most of their cash receipts and are, instead, keeping such cash in safe deposit boxes held with financial institutions and security companies.
This trend is not only a violation of the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act [Chapter 24:24] which requires businesses to bank all their cash receipts, but it also promotes tax evasion and money laundering.
The Reserve Bank is working with the Financial Intelligence Unit and other Law Enforcement Agencies to curtail such practices and encourage the use of normal banking channels, in line with the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act [Chapter 24:24].
</blockquote>
Many Zimbabweans, both individuals and businesses, prefer to keep their money in safe deposit boxes rather than in banks for several reasons, including a lack of trust in financial institutions, frequent regulatory changes, and the growing prevalence of a cash-based economy.
The country’s economic instability and past experiences have led some to question the banking system’s ability to protect their funds, resulting in a lack of confidence in traditional banking channels.
Zimbabwe’s largely multicurrency system, with cash being the primary method of transaction, has made it easier for people to store cash in safe boxes, as it aligns with the daily needs of individuals and businesses.

The RBZ in Zimbabwe is worried that lots of money is kept in cash boxes instead of banks, which is not good for the economy. Businesses are not putting their cash receipts in banks like they should, which is against the law and promotes bad things like tax evasion. The RBZ is working to stop this and encourage businesses to use banks. People don't trust banks in Zimbabwe because of past problems, so they keep cash in boxes instead. The country uses a lot of cash for transactions, which makes keeping money in boxes easier and more convenient for everyone.

RBZ Targets Businesses "Abusing" Cash Deposit Boxes

Pressure from Members of Parliament has led Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube, to announce increases in funding for lawmakers, <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/ncube-raises-parliaments-budget-and-doubles-cdf-to-us100k/">reported ZimLive</a>.
In response to their demands, Ncube has doubled the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation and pledged to purchase more vehicles for MPs.
Originally, Ncube allocated ZiG1.7 billion for Parliament in his budget statement presented on November 28. However, following parliamentary pressure, he raised this amount by an additional ZiG1 billion.
During the debate on his 2025 budget on Wednesday, Ncube explained that financing the added costs required tapping into “back pocket funds.”
Some of the specific requests from MPs included more vehicles for parliamentary committee chairpersons, allowances for staff, residential stands for lawmakers, the clearance of CDF arrears, as well as increased sitting, fuel, and foreign allowances.
To meet these demands, Ncube allocated approximately US$120 million for staff salaries, ZiG250 million for additional cars for MPs, ZiG378 million for clearing CDF arrears, ZiG72 million for MPs’ fuel allowances, ZiG50 million for domestic and foreign allowances, and another ZiG50 million for lawmakers’ offices and tools of trade.
Additionally, Ncube doubled the CDF allocation to US$100,000 per constituency for the country’s 210 constituencies and set aside funds to purchase buses for transporting parliamentary staff. He said:
<blockquote>
What we did not do is in a sense we can see that it is an area of pressure and we need some back pocket to approve what they were proposing but to make provision for it because within our budget to cater for additional motor vehicles.
Now let me go back and say that for the CDF and clearance of tools of trade and office equipment for staff and MPs, I am proposing an additional ZiG72 million.
To support additional motor vehicle requirements which is a tool of trade, I am proposing an additional ZiG50 million.
For MPs’ fuel requirements, I am proposing an additional budget of ZiG378 million.
I am proposing a back pocket for parliament of ZiG200 million and an additional ZiG50 million for the constituency offices and other tools of the trade ZiG250 million.
For domestic and foreign allowances, I am proposing ZiG 50 million.
</blockquote>
Ncube said that the issue of residential stands for parliamentary staff is still under consideration and being addressed by the Ministry of Local Government.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, gave more money and benefits to MPs after they asked for it. He doubled the amount of money each constituency gets to help its people and promised to buy more vehicles for MPs. Ncube had originally set aside a certain amount of money for Parliament, but had to add more because MPs wanted more. He provided extra money for things like staff salaries, cars for MPs, fuel, allowances, and office supplies. He also promised to buy buses for parliamentary staff. Ncube said he will think about giving residential stands to parliamentary staff.

In A Year Of Drought, Mthuli Ncube Pampers MPs With Stands, Cars, And Increased CDF

Zimbabwean Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Chairpersons have requested the Treasury to provide them with new vehicles, arguing that the ones issued to them just a few months ago have become worn out from extensive use.
This request was made by Marondera Central MP Caston Matewu (CCC) during a review of the national budget for 2025.
Matewu said the existing vehicles have deteriorated, making it difficult for them to carry out their duties effectively. He said (via <a href="https://openparly.com/mamps-okumbira-dzimwe-motokari-kubva-kuhurumende-mubudget-ra2025/">OpenParly</a>):
<blockquote>
All the parliamentary portfolio committee chairpersons agree with me that we are constantly on the move every week.
Currently, if you look at the distance covered by our vehicles, mine has already reached 40,000 kilometres because we are always travelling as chairpersons.
So, we were requesting that in the 2025 budget, you allocate funds for us to purchase second vehicles, but not expensive ones, so that we can efficiently perform our parliamentary duties as outlined in our Standing Orders.”
</blockquote>
The current members of parliament were elected in August 2023 and received their vehicles at the beginning of this year.
In a post on X, Matewu said that he was merely conveying resolutions from a recent Chairpersons’ meeting. Said Matewu:
<blockquote>
Just to make it clear, I was simply reading out resolutions from Chairpersons meeting who had requested a low cost vehicle for traveling across the country weekly in executing their duties, NOT giving my personal views; Personally I had already expressed my feelings.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean MPs want new cars because their current ones are too old after just a few months. They say they need to travel a lot for their jobs and their cars have gone long distances. The MPs want the government to buy them new, affordable cars so they can do their work properly. They got their current cars in 2025 when they were elected in 2023. The MPs say they are not asking for new cars for themselves, but for the sake of their duties.

MPs Request New Vehicles, Claim Current Ones Are Worn Out After Just A Few Months

Zimbabwe’s Members of Parliament (MPs) have reported going nine months without receiving fuel and other allowances from the government, leading to frequent absences from the House, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/mps-claim-they-have-gone-for-9-months-without-receiving-allowances/">ZimLive</a>.
This issue was raised in the National Assembly by Rushinga MP Tendai Nyabani (ZANU PF) on Thursday, who said parliamentarians have been reduced to a state of begging as they struggle to receive their rightful dues. Said Nyabani:
<blockquote>
We must not be begging as Members of Parliament. If we were promised to be given something, then it must come right on time.
For example, if we are getting travelling allowances, and fuel, I cannot remember when we last received those allowances.
We are talking about allowances which allow us to go to our constituencies to reach out to our people. Should we continue begging?
</blockquote>
Nyabani also disclosed that MPs have not received their Constituency Development Funds (CDF), which are essential for advancing various programmes in their communities. He said:
<blockquote>
We want the whole country to know that the CDF amounting to US$50,000 that we were told and which we were supposed to be given has not yet been received.
</blockquote>
Marondera Central MP Caston Matewu (CCC) said legislators have begun to abscond from Parliament due to not receiving any payments since January of this year. Said Matewu:
<blockquote>
I want to stress that it has been nine months since we got our allowances. I am not sure about you (deputy speaker) but the Members of Parliament in this House have had nine months without any allowance.
That is why you see this House is half empty. It is half empty because sometimes most of us are now going into business, which is really killing the work of this parliament because we need to survive and our families also need to survive.
</blockquote>
Deputy Speaker Tsitsi Gezi opted to postpone her response to allow for consultation with the appropriate offices. She said:
<blockquote>
Your points have been noted but for today, I have no comment on that. We are going to consult so that we bring comprehensive information and adequate responses explaining the different points that you mentioned. I will not lie to you, but I want to consult and bring a concrete response next week but one.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's MPs have not been getting their money for nine months. They are missing in parliament because they can't afford to travel to work. They are upset because they need the money to help their communities. Even the money meant for helping their communities has not arrived. Some MPs are now skipping work to make money in other ways. The government promises to talk about this issue next week. MPs say they are tired of waiting and need their money now.

Government Fails To Pay Allowances To MPs For Nine Months

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has said the Treasury will soon announce additional measures to support the 2024 Monetary Policy Statement (MPS), reported <a href="https://www.businessweekly.co.zw/mthuli-to-announce-measures-to-bolster-zig/">Business Weekly</a>.
The major highlight of the MPS was the introduction of a structured currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) which replaced the Zimbabwe dollar in both electronic and physical forms, commonly referred to as RTGS and bond notes, respectively.
The new currency is backed by a combination of foreign currency and gold reserves held by the central bank and will co-circulate with other foreign currencies in the economy.
Responding to questions in the National Assembly on Wednesday on the 2024 Monetary Policy Statement (MPS), Minister Ncube said:
<blockquote>
The statement is coming. Just be patient with me and we will make the announcement sooner.
In the fullness of time, we will announce specific services that can be purchased in ZiG as we seek to promote the demand for our local currency.
We will be very specific when we announce as to which fees and taxes will be paid in ZiG beyond the request that corporates pay in domestic currency.
</blockquote>
Ncube said that there was a need to give businesses time to adapt following the recent tax adjustments detailed in the 2024 National Budget Statement. He said:
<blockquote>
There will be more coming through. You know, we have just gone through what I will call a very gruelling period Madam Speaker Ma’am since the announcement of the 2024 Budget with various tax measures and so forth, making adjustments, sugar content tax, this and that.
We did not want as fiscal authorities, to start announcing further things on the fiscal front. We have just gone through that. We think the industry is fairly comfortable now.
We want to make sure they are accountable so that they can continue to employ more people to grow exports and so forth.
I did not want to start imposing further fiscal measures immediately. We will do those gradually over time but something is coming.
That is the reason why we held back on announcing a few fiscal measures after having gone through fiscal measures through the 2024 Budget.
</blockquote>
Economist Gift Mugano recently said that Ncube should promptly present fiscal measures that complement the monetary policy statement.
Mugano said Ncube should not delay presenting his mid-term budget review in July or exclusively favour the use of USD over ZiG.
He said Treasury should immediately direct fuel, all duties, taxes, levies and fees including government services such as passports, birth certificates, death certificates, and other statutory payments to Government to be in ZiG.
Mugano also called for a downward review of taxes and the elimination of some tax heads such as the sugar tax, among other interventions.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mthuli Ncube To Announce Measures To Promote ZiG Currency

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has been urged to promptly present fiscal measures that complement the monetary policy announced by Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor John Mushayavanhu last week.
The 2024 Monetary Policy Statement outlines key strategies and measures aimed at achieving currency stability. These include the introduction of a structured currency called ZiG, backed by reserves and royalties.
Economist Gift Mugano suggests that Minister Ncube should not delay presenting his mid-term budget review in July or exclusively favour the use of USD over ZiG. He said:
<blockquote>
The Minister of Finance must address the following:
1. Directing all local payments by the GOZ to be in ZiG;
2. Directing all duties, taxes, levies and fees including government services such as passports, birth certificates, death certificates, etc to be in ZiG;
3. Directing fuel stations to accept both ZiG and USD – this must enforced in line with the spirit of the use of a multi-currency regime;
4. Recalibrating the financing model for the public infrastructure with a view to moving away from using cash to long-term finance e.g., diaspora bonds;
5. Setting aside a budget for the liquidation of the 25% export retention surrender requirement view a view to stop the RBZ from printing money;
6. Present a new budget statement in ZiG – this budget must include a supplementary budget with a view to accommodate the exchange movements as the current has been eroded by exchange rate upheavals. This submission is grounded on the fact that the fact that the exchange rate shot from ZWL$6,000/US$1 when the 2024 budget was presented to ZWL$33,882.72 as of 5 April 2024.
7. Downward review of taxes and elimination of some tax heads such as the sugar tax – the current tax regime is causing inflation in USD which means that inflation in ZiG will be massive.
</blockquote>
The annual inflation rate in Zimbabwe has recently risen, reaching an over-one-year high of 55.3% in March 2024. This increase follows a rate of 47.6% in February.
The depreciation of the now-discarded Zimbabwe dollar played a role in this surge. Since the beginning of the year, the Zimbabwe dollar experienced a decline of more than 70% against the US dollar before being replaced by ZiG last week.
The introduction of ZiG marks Zimbabwe’s sixth attempt at creating a new currency since 2008.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mthuli Ncube Urged To Present Fiscal Measures To Complement Monetary Policy

Bikita South MP, <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Energy_Mutodi">Energy Mutodi</a> (ZANU PF) has moved a motion asking Parliament to send a team of parliamentarians to the United States of America to request Congress to remove sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe over two decades ago.
The United States imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe through the enactment of the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA) back in 2001 alleging rampant rights abuses and poll fraud under late former President Robert Mugabe’s government.
The measures were imposed after the Mugabe administration embarked on a controversial land reform programme characterised by violence targeted at white farmers.
The sanctions include a travel ban on targeted Zimbabwean authorities, among them security chiefs, businessman Kuda Tagwirei and former State Security Minister Owen Ncube, coupled with a trade embargo between US and local firms.
As reported by <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/mutodi-pushes-zimbabwe-mps-visit-to-us-to-lobby-sanctions-removal/">ZimLive</a>, Mutodi said a high-powered delegation comprising legislators would put weight behind the call for sanctions removal.
Mutodi made the call while supporting his motion in parliament on Thursday last week. He said:
<blockquote>
Now, therefore, resolves that a delegation from Zimbabwe Parliament be sent to the United States of America to present a briefing paper to the President of the United States of America and Congress requesting their administration to expeditiously and unconditionally repeal ZIDERA which has caused so much suffering to ordinary citizens of our country;
The delegation engages the United States of America Congress to lift the unwarranted and illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe; Zimbabwe presents its case to the United Nations by the end of December 2024 so that these illegal sanctions imposed on our country are unconditionally lifted once and for all; and The United States of America Government to engage with the Zimbabwean government on terms that promote mutual benefit through economic and political cooperation, put and agreed to.
I have no doubt that the presence of the high-powered delegation from the Parliament of Zimbabwe will be of great impact as it will allow the inauguration or commencement of effective engagement between the Parliament of Zimbabwe and Congress.
</blockquote>
The ZANU PF-led Government continues to blame the country’s economic challenges on sanctions imposed by the US and its European allies.
The Government claim the sanctions have caused Zimbabwe over US$100 billion in terms of economic losses since they were imposed.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mutodi Wants Zimbabwean MPs To Visit U.S. To Lobby For Sanctions Removal

Members of Parliament (MPs) have demanded their sitting allowances which have not been paid for nearly five months.
On Wednesday, Norton MP, Temba Mliswa (Independent), raised a point of privilege in the National Assembly saying MPs have not received their allowances since September 2022. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200007296/mps-raise-new-demands">NewsDay</a> quoted Mliswa as saying:
My point of national interest is sad because we seem to be seized with it and I know that it has a lot of unnecessary responsibility.
<blockquote>
It is about the welfare of the MPs, in particular, their outstanding allowances — they have not received their outstanding allowances since September.
On allowances, we did not get our monies, especially after coming from the pre-budget seminar.
This was in November, so we actually thought that since we had pre-budget in November, all the outstanding issues would be taken care of.
We then went on a break; there are field visits that are also outstanding in terms of payments.
The rate was $600 to US$1 at that time and now it has gone to $1 200, so we are merely getting half of what we were supposed to get.
So it is really out of that and the pre-budget Mr. Speaker Sir, also alluded to the fact that the Standing Orders Committee would sit down to come up with a way forward in terms of accommodation and allowances for MPs for those who do not stay in hotels.
</blockquote>
Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, then promised to take up the matter with the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mthuli Ncube.
Towards the end of 2022, it emerged that the Government had offered a US$40 000 loan to each sitting MP, US$500 000 for individual Cabinet ministers, and US$350 000 for their deputies.

MPs' Sitting Allowances Unpaid Since September 2022

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has cut its policy rate to 150 per cent from 200 per cent following a gradual decline in the rate of inflation since late last year.
Monthly inflation fell to 1.1 percent in January 2023 from 2.4 percent in December 2022, while yearly inflation fell to 229.8 percent from 243.8 percent.
In his 2023 Monetary Policy Statement issued on Thursday, 02 February, RBZ Governor John Mangudya said:
<blockquote>
The moderation in interest rates is important and necessitated by the downward trend in month-on-month inflation since the last quarter of 2022. The Bank will continue its tight monetary policy stance.
</blockquote>
Mangudya also increased export retentions to 75 percent across all sectors, including firms listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX).
He also announced the upward review of the export of foreign currency cash and gold coins from US$5 000 to US$10 000.
The maximum amount of local currency notes and coins that may be taken out of the country has been capped at an equivalent of US$1 000 at the prevailing interbank exchange rate.

RBZ Cuts Policy Rate To 150 Percent After Inflation Falls

An unnamed girl was allegedly impregnated by a Member of Parliament and when she came to Parliament to confront the alleged father, she was impregnated by another legislator.
This was said by Norton MP, Temba Mliswa (Independent), as he interrupted the debate on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission preliminary delimitation report in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
Mliswa challenged male legislators to be responsible and support their children when they impregnate girls. He said:
<blockquote>
Mr. Speaker, my point of order which I would like the male Members of Parliament to pay attention to is: I received a family today who needed my assistance.
They have a daughter who was impregnated by a Member of Parliament. When she came here to seek assistance from another Member of Parliament, she was impregnated again.
I had asked them to put them in black and white. I do not know the Members of Parliament but just for you to know. 
Members of Parliament who are male must be responsible.
I will be putting this letter on social media and I would like the Members of Parliament who are involved to quickly support them.
We cannot be seen to be abusing children and making them pregnant. Those children need to eat.
If you are not able to support a child, do not have a child. Stop abusing the girl child.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://insiderzim.com/girl-impregnated-by-two-zimbabwe-mps/">Insider</a>

“Girl” Impregnated By Two Zimbabwe MPs, Says Mliswa

The leader of the opposition Labour Economists African Democrats (LEAD) party, Linda Masarira, has warned that the US$40 000 loans provided to legislators by the government will create voter apathy in the 2023 general elections.
The government extended a US$40 000 loan facility to all Members of Parliament (MPs) across the political divide and US$500 000 and US$350 000 for ministers and their deputies respectively.
The loan facility has been condemned by citizens considering that it comes when the MPs are nearing the end of their terms and the country’s health sector is in a sorry state.
Commenting on the loan facility in a Facebook post, Masarira said it will result in a low voter turnout in the 2023 election. She said:
<blockquote>
These loans are going to increase voter apathy in 2023.
Since elections are about 7 to 8 months away, how are the legislators going to pay back the loans if they are not re-elected into office?
I sense a grant packaged as a loan and we can’t keep silent as taxpayers’ funds are once again been looted.
The next we will hear is that the loans have been written off.
</blockquote>
According to a recent Afrobarometer survey, the electorate was dissatisfied with how its interests were being represented by MPs.
Parliamentarians are expected to represent those who elected them into office, but they seem to put a lot of pressure on the Treasury only when they want their needs to be met and their welfare to be catered for. | <a href="https://openparly.com/us40000-loan-facility-heres-why-masarira-has-rang-alarm-bells/">Open Parly</a>

US$40 000 Loan Facility Will Create Voter Apathy - Masarira

Social media users, including supporters of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), have condemned the opposition party’s legislators for accepting loans from the government less than 12 months before the end of their terms.
The government has offered a US$40 000 housing loan to each sitting Member of Parliament (MP), US$500 000 for individual ministers and US$350 000 for their deputies.
The loans have seemingly angered CCC supporters who feel that the MPs should reject them to prove that they are not in Parliament for personal gain.
University of Zimbabwe (UZ) Political Science lecturer, Eldred Masunungure, told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004372/ccc-mps-defy-chamisa-on-us40k-loot">NewsDay</a> that CCC MPs had fallen into the ZANU PF trap to expose the opposition party’s “lack of organisational cohesion”. He said:
<blockquote>
In this case of loans, the party is being judged against its moral standards. It is against their party position on pursuing selfless interests, but the MPs are rather benefiting from political patronage.
In this case, no party position has been abided by. The logical thing to do in this case was for them to sit down and discuss the matter and agree on one position.
What it means is that the leader is very consistent, but he has failed to whip his subordinates to one collective stance.
</blockquote>
Another political analyst, Vivid Gwede, said the public expects opposition MPs to act differently from ZANU PF legislators. Said Gwede:
<blockquote>
Members of Parliament from the opposition will always be held to a higher standard than those from ZANU PF because the expectation is that they should represent and bring a new culture.
That expected culture is about service over self. Hence, when they appear to be already enjoying themselves while the rest of the populace is suffering, there is a feeling of betrayal.
But that does mean that people should get acclimatised to the selfishness of ZANU PF MPs.
At this moment, MPs should be fighting for the resuscitation of basic public services such as health and education.
</blockquote>
Team Pachedu, a group of activists, critical of the government and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), said that Harare North MP Allan Norman “Rusty” Markham is the only legislator to reject the loan. It also said:
<blockquote>
US$500,000 grants for ministers is madness. US$350,000 grants for deputies is madness. MPs will not complain about this wasteful spending because they have been silenced with US$40,000. Zimbabweans, we are on our own!
Very unstrategic for CCC MPs to take the $40,000. With only 6 months before the next election how do they attack the other side of failing when they too received the loot? When the alternative acts like the current it ceases being one.
</blockquote>

"CCC Being Judged Against Its Moral Standards"

CCC leader Nelson Chamisa has castigated President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government for its alleged misplaced priorities.
Posting on Twitter on Wednesday, Chamisa said it is “morally and ethically wrong” for the government to give out loans to “chefs” when the majority of the country’s citizens are suffering.
This comes after the government has offered a US$40 000 housing loan to each sitting Member of Parliament (MP), US$500 000 for individual ministers, and US$350 000 for their deputies. Said Chamisa:
<blockquote>
In any public office, any decision that prioritises self over the served is morally wrong, especially in a context where poverty pervades with citizens so hard-pressed and in circumstances of lack! Wrong leaders usually have wrong priorities.
The role of a government is to address citizens’ most urgent and pertinent needs. When this is abandoned, such a government merits replacement.
Any government that prioritises ‘chefs’ over citizens is not fit for the purpose. #CitizensFirst.
No public funds can ever be received or transacted silently. Accountability must always be full!
</blockquote>
Arguably, the majority of CCC supporters who have expressed their thoughts on social media have criticised the party’s MPs for accepting the loans, saying they are selfish.
Last month, Chamisa claimed that the ZANU PF-led government was bribing CCC officials to destabilise the opposition party ahead of the 2023 elections. He said:
<blockquote>
Anything that is valuable is bound to be betrayed or sold out. Economic circumstances are not for the lily-livered and the weak-kneed. Some are very sensitive to poverty and this economic environment has been very harsh.
Some would go for farms, nice cars, cattle, (and) coupons, while others will betray their birthright for a mere bowl of soup.
What is the birthright? Freedom, democracy, success and prosperity, the transformation of our country, good governance, citizen dignity — they will surrender those for their personal benefits.
But we learn from the best. (The late MDC leader) Morgan Tsvangirai never betrayed Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
However, CCC has not publicly stated its position on the issue of the loans, and reports suggest that only Harare North MP, Allan Norman “Rusty” Markham, has rejected the loan. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004372/ccc-mps-defy-chamisa-on-us40k-loot">NewsDay</a>

Chamisa Criticises Govt For Offering USD Loans To Ministers, Deputies & MPs

Members of Parliament are reportedly being turned away from hotels over unpaid bills whenever they come to Harare for Parliament sittings and are now sleeping in brothels.
The matter was raised in Parliament on Tuesday by Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa (Independent). He said:
<blockquote>
I think it is also important for you to know that the conditions which the Members of Parliament are facing are rather sad.
Not only that, just decency and dignity — we are fast losing it because of the accommodation crisis.
We have Members of Parliament staying at places like the Harare Club, which is a no-star and a brothel.
I think if there is no means of accommodation; it is good to advise MPs not to come, rather than exposing them to such places.
Others are married and being seen in such places does not augur well. It causes a lot of pain and disharmony in a family.
</blockquote>
In response to Mliswa, the Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda said the issue of legislators’ accommodation should be presented to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mthuli Ncube. Said Mudenda:
<blockquote>
To that extent, that honour needs to be respected and protected. So as a way forward, we will ensure that by tomorrow when the (Finance) minister is within the country, we iron out some of these issues which not only affect Parliament but have affected all government ministries because they owe the hotels. Some hotels have been owed from six to nine months.
They have been owed for a long time and what they are owed now has been eaten up by inflation. These are the concerns also of the hotels. They also want value for money.
So these are the issues, and we will sort them out. Any challenges are there to be sorted out and get solutions accordingly.
I am sure we should be able to find lasting solutions to that effect. So your point of order Honourable Mliswa is understood in that context.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002294/mps-kicked-out-of-hotels-over-unpaid-bills">NewsDay</a>

MPs Sleeping In Brothels After Being Expelled From Hotels Over Unpaid Bills

Opposition Members of Parliament have expressed frustration over Vice President and Health Minister, Constantino Chiwenga and other Cabinet Ministers’ absence from Parliament.
During the question and answer session on Wednesday, the MPs said various issues have not been addressed due to the absences.
CCC secretary-general Charlton Hwende (Kuwadzana East) told the National Assembly that he was yet to see Chiwenga in the August House since March. He said:
<blockquote>
I need clarity regarding the Honourable Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Hon. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga, since I was elected as a Member of Parliament in March, I have never seen him in this House.
We have a lot of issues that we want to ask him concerning the health of the nation.
Since March, now we are in October, our term of office is going to expire before we even meet him.
My question is: is he still the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care or he is now out of office?
</blockquote>
In response, Deputy National Assembly Speaker, Tsitsi Gezi said Chiwenga still held both his posts. She said:
<blockquote>
I would like to inform you that the Honourable Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care is still in office.
</blockquote>
Rusty Markham (Harare North), also expressed his disappointment over Cabinet Ministers’ failure to attend Wednesday’s session. He said:
<blockquote>
Only a handful of apologies were read out but I can only see one Honourable Minister in this House and I would like to make that point of clarity for the people on Zoom that the only Honourable Minister attending is the Minister of Transport and the media as well should understand that on the apologies that have come in, there is an assumption that they are in the House, but there is only one Honourable Minister in the House today.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi came for Parliament business.
Only a few Cabinet ministers excused themselves, but still, the rest did not turn up. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/chiwengas-absence-from-parly-irks-opposition-mps-demand-answers-to-critical-health-matters/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

VP Chiwenga's Absence Infuriates Opposition MPs

ZANU PF Members of Parliament (MPs) are reportedly unhappy over the government’s alleged failure to prioritise their welfare, while it is awarding cabinet ministers hefty packages.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, some ZANU PF MPs on Wednesday told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000516/war-vets-demand-parly-seats">NewsDay</a> that they were being treated unfairly by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government. One of the MPs said:
<blockquote>
As MPs, we are suffering, we are being treated unfairly, but our ministers are living lavishly.
They are given houses worth almost half a million, they are not being asked to move out of their hotels and it’s very unfair.
Most of the ministers are just technocrats, they don’t even know how to mobilise support for President Mnangagwa going into the 2023 elections.
</blockquote>
MPs were recently kicked out of hotels for non-payment of bills by Parliament, with others yet to get their service vehicles.
Another ZANU PF MP told NewsDay that they won’t speak about their welfare for fear of being branded traitors. Said the MP:
<blockquote>
It’s very unfortunate that as Zanu PF MPs, it is now difficult for us to speak about our welfare in Parliament because we will be seen as traitors.
</blockquote>
However, ZANU PF chief whip Pupurai Togarepi said he was not aware of the MPs’ grievances. He told NewsDay:
<blockquote>
I am not aware of any such disgruntlement from ZANU PF MPs. What I am aware of is our government’s effort to improve the incomes and benefits of the civil servants, including those of MPs.
MPs, like all other people, are entitled to an income of their wish and they can raise their concerns honourably through appropriate parliamentary structures.
I am not aware of ministers’ benefits or how they compare with our MPs.
The duty of every ZANU PF member is to campaign for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and I want to thank our legislators for taking their deployment in their constituencies seriously.
</blockquote>

ZANU PF MPs "Jealous" Of Cabinet Ministers' Lucrative Packages

Norton Member of Parliament Themba Mliswa (Independent) said that MPs are being underfed at Parliament. Mliswa added that for them to function well, they needed to be well-fed. Mliswa had this to say,
<blockquote>You expect people to work yet they do not even get lunch when they are here. This budget must address our welfare. We are talking about having a world-class Parliament, but we only have a one-course meal and the dessert is an apple and a banana yet when we go out to other areas we get a trifle, a nice fruit salad, custard, ice cream and all that. But, look at what we get here — a mere banana and apple! There is no soup.
The diet for Members of Parliament is important. Nutrition is important because when Members do not eat well, they do not function well.
So, it is important that the nutrition of the Members of Parliament is maintained for them to discharge their duties well.</blockquote>
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