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Parliament has said there is a need to improve the welfare of teachers as a key measure to revitalise the country’s education system, ultimately fostering innovation and development, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200034565/parly-moves-on-teachers-welfare">NewsDay</a>.
This call was made by several Members of Parliament during a workshop hosted by the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) in Harare on Monday, November 4.
Primary and Secondary Education Parliamentary Portfolio Committee chairperson Ophias Murambiwa said:
<blockquote>
Teachers are the heart of our education system. Investing in their continuous professional development, improving their welfare and providing them with the necessary resources are fundamental to achieving educational excellence.
An empowered and motivated teaching workforce can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.
</blockquote>
Murambiwa added that there is a need to increase efforts to expand classroom space, improve learning environments, and incorporate digital technology into all areas of teaching and learning.
He said in today’s world, having a digital-ready education system is essential and cannot be overlooked.
Murambiwa urged for collaboration among legislators, educators, parents, and the private sector to foster sustainable change. He said:
<blockquote>
We must address challenges head-on, from financial constraints to infrastructure gaps, with determination and a shared sense of purpose.
The resources we channel into this vital sector are not mere expenditures but transformative investments that yield boundless returns in developing human potential, fostering social unity and driving sustained economic prosperity.
With courage, collective determination and an unwavering commitment, let us boldly reaffirm our dedication to advancing education for the benefit of every learner in Zimbabwe, striving together to build a future that uplifts and empowers all.
</blockquote>
Higher and Tertiary Education Parliamentary Portfolio Committee chairperson Minehle Gumede said:
<blockquote>
The future of our nation hinges on the quality of education we provide today and with continued investment, we can ensure that our learning institutions produce not just graduates, but innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
</blockquote>
Sifiso Ndlovu, the ZIMTA chief executive officer, urged lawmakers to establish national commissions that include teacher unions and the government to address critical education issues and monitor recommendations.
ZIMTA called for an amendment of the Public Service Act to enable Collective Bargaining, and for the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to urgently introduce a Bill in Parliament for the Teaching Service Commission.
The union asserted that education is a human right and a public good, urging authorities to protect it from corporate greed and influences.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Parliament wants teachers to be treated better to make education better. They say teachers are very important. They want teachers to have good training, be happy, and have the things they need to teach well. They also think schools should have more space, be better for learning, and use technology. They want everyone to work together to make these changes. They say education is very important for the future of the country. They want laws to make sure teachers are treated fairly and that education is not affected by money.

Parliament Calls For Improved Teacher Welfare

The National Assembly of South Africa has confirmed the first sitting of the National Assembly will go ahead as scheduled.
This comes after some political parties, chief among them the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party led by Former President Jacob Zuma, said they will not attend the first sitting.
On Sunday, the MKP said the swearing-in of National Assembly members should not go ahead until irregularities regarding the recent general elections are resolved.
However, the Secretary to the National Assembly Masibulele Xaso said the sitting will go ahead because the National Assembly is constituted. Said Xaso (via <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/national-assemblys-first-sitting-looms/">SABC</a>):
<blockquote>
In terms of the law, we have 400 members, and those members have now been elected. The names have been given to the Chief Justice and in turn given to Parliament. So, as far as we’re concerned, we have elected Members of Parliament.
All that we will be doing in the first sitting is to enable those members to take the oath or affirmation and to be activated to function as Members of Parliament.
</blockquote>
MK says if its 58 members did not attend the first sitting, a quorum would not be met.
However, expelled MK party founder, Jabulani Khumalo said he will go ahead in attending parliament’s first sitting.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has officially set a date for the first sitting of the National Assembly for Friday, 14 June 2024 at 10 AM.
Experts say only 134 members were needed to reach a quorum. 
Meanwhile, Parliament says it has cancelled all flight and accommodation arrangements for members of the MKP, in light of the party informing the institution that they will not attend the first sitting.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South African Parliament's First Sitting To Go Ahead Despite Boycott Threats

ZANU PF chief whip Pupurai Togarepi has said the ruling party will not use its two-thirds majority in the National Assembly to pass laws that erode democracy.
Following the 03 February 2024 by-elections, ZANU PF won all six seats under contest to attain a two-thirds majority in the lower House.
The by-elections were conducted in Chegutu West, Goromonzi South, Mkoba North, Pelandaba-Tshabalala, Seke, and Zvimba East.
All the seats had been won by the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) in the August 2023 general elections but the MPs were recalled by Sengezo Tshabangu, an unknown CCC activist who claims to be the party’s interim secretary-general.
Although ZANU PF doesn’t have a two-thirds majority in the Senate needed to amend the constitution, the party with majority control in Parliament can still amend existing laws and pass new bills.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/two-thirds-majority-wont-be-abused/">The NewsHawks</a>, Togarepi, who is also the Chivi South MP, said ZANU PF will not push to change laws or pass new Acts to further tighten its hold on power but will put the interests of people first. Said Togarepi:
<blockquote>
We will not use our majority to change laws for the sake of it. There hasn’t been an indication from our leaders or Parliament of such intentions.
When we contest any election the primary objective for ZANU PF is to represent the people of Zimbabwe, to give leadership as well as protecting the founding principles of our revolution. More MPs for us means representing more people and their aspirations.
</blockquote>
Local academic Phillan Zamchiya told The NewsHawks that contrary to popular perceptions, ZANU PF does not and cannot have a two-thirds majority in Parliament necessary to pass a constitutional bill on its own. He said:
<blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, a Parliament consists of the Senate and the National Assembly. I have noticed that when pundits talk of Parliament, they tend to colloquially refer to the National Assembly and thus far and no further.
For a constitutional bill to pass as expressed in section 328 (5) of the Constitution, it needs yes votes of a two-thirds majority of the membership of each House of Parliament that is the National Assembly and the Senate.
Following the by-elections held earlier this month, ZANU PF now has 190 seats (150 directly elected through first past the post, 33 proportional representation for women and seven youth quota) out of 280 seats in the National Assembly.
</blockquote>
So, ZANU PF has a two-thirds-majority only in one House of Assembly (Lower House and not Senate) and that is not enough to amend the constitution. Added Zamchiya:
<blockquote>
This is because in the Senate, the other part of Parliament, Zanu PF does not and cannot have a two-thirds majority during the tenure of this Parliament.
In the August 2023 general election, ZANU PF got 33 out of 80 seats and will therefore need 21 seats to get a two thirds-majority in the Senate which is required to pass a constitutional amendment on its own.
Opposition recalls cannot result in ZANU PF getting a two-thirds majority in Parliament necessary to pass a constitutional amendment on its own.
This is because the party that recalls simply fills the vacancy with its members. There are no by-elections for that House.
ZANU PF will therefore need to persuade other members of the Senate for Parliament to be able to pass a constitutional bill.
These Senate members are two representatives for people living with disabilities, the 18 traditional leaders and at least one Member of Parliament from the Citizens Coalition for Change.
Politically, this is feasible given the prevailing Plastic Politics from the decomposing opposition party and the partisan politics of some traditional leaders. Add to that ZANU PF’s use of coercion, persuasion and patronage.
However, it is not given and it is not a fact that ZANU PF has a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has a long-standing desire to amend the constitution to scrap presidential term limits beyond the current two terms (10 years).
However, besides ZANU PF’s failure to attain an outright parliamentary majority, an extension of presidential term limits requires a referendum and cannot benefit the incumbent.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF Won't Abuse Two-thirds Majority - Togarepi

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube has increased the budget allocation for Parliament in response to concerns that were raised by Members of Parliament (MPs).
The MPs had threatened not to pass the 2024 national budget if the Treasury did not meet their demands.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021175/mthuli-gives-in-to-mps-demands">NewsDay</a>, the lawmakers demanded top-of-the-range Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles, hotel stays for their spouses and huge perks, as well as payment of salaries for their workers.
They said their welfare did not match their counterparts in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The legislators made the demands during the budget debate last week.
Ncube was forced to increase the budget allocation for Parliament to appease the MPs. He said:
<blockquote>
I propose increasing the budget for Parliament by another ZWL$225 billion so that it becomes ZWL$700 billion in response to those needs.
There was a question specifically about vehicles, we have budgeted ZWL$132 billion at the current exchange rate, which converts to about US$60 000 per vehicle.
We have done that but I think the main issue is that we increase the budget for Parliament to ZWL$700 billion.
</blockquote>
Ncube also proposed to increase the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) budget allocations.
210 legislators directly elected into office have access to CDF, which is allocated by the Treasury to initiate development projects in their constituencies. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
I am aware that we need to increase the budget for constituency offices and constituency visits.
Also, in the past, we have discussed research officers to support MPs and bolster the CDF. We have done some calculations with my staff.
</blockquote>
Ncube also told the lawmakers that the facility for the importation of their vehicles, including those from the Ninth Parliament, is still in place. He said:
<blockquote>
I must say that the facility for the second vehicle is still in place, so you are free to import a second vehicle.
Those from the Ninth Parliament who could not bring in cars before Parliament was dissolved, we are going to extend the Statutory Instrument so that you can bring in your cars.
I have already received a letter from the Clerk of Parliament of members who were affected. We are processing that as Treasury.
In terms of Parliament staff, they also have access to duty-free motor vehicles just like any other civil servant.
</blockquote>
Towards the end of the Ninth Parliament, the Government pampered MPs with US$40 000 housing loans but the move drew condemnantion from the public.
Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa criticised MPs from his party for accepting the loans which he described as a bribe from the ZANU PF-led government.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mthuli Increases Budget Allocation For Parliament

The newly-commissioned multi-million-dollar Parliament in Mt Hampden has not been spared rolling power cuts as the structure often relies on generators.
This was revealed by the acting Speaker of the National Assembly on Tuesday when he appealed to members to submit their further suggestions to Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona’s ministerial report in writing as power would switch off anytime. Said the acting Speaker:
<blockquote>
I would like to advise Hon. Members that we are going to lose power anytime from now because we are working on generators.
So, if anybody has got any suggestions that they want to give to the Minister, I would urge you to write them down and then hand them over to the Minister through the Administration of Parliament. I will ask the Minister to adjourn the House for us.
</blockquote>
Parliament adds to the list of other key institutions including clinics, schools, universities that are being affected by the debilitating power cuts.
The Parliament of Zimbabwe moved to the new building in October this year following the handover of the facility by the Chinese Government to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

New Parliament Building Hit By Power Cuts

Self-exiled former ZANU PF member <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Walter_Mzembi">Walter Mzembi</a> has advised the Nelson Chamisa-led CCC to withdraw from Parliament and boycott the upcoming by-elections.
This comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa proclaimed 09 December 2023 as the date for by-elections in nine National Assembly constituencies left vacant following recalls by self-proclaimed CCC interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu.
Posting on X, Mzembi said if the Nelson Chamisa-led party participates in the upcoming by-elections, it will have endorsed “Mambara of the Year” (in reference to Tshabangu), as the leader of CCC. Said Mzembi:
<blockquote>
Dump Parliament, it’s time for Politics!
Participation in the forthcoming By-Election ;
1. Endorses ” Mambara of the Year ” as Leader of CCC. In fact, he is being assisted in this blitzkrieg!
2. Reality we may arrive there after his Congress of CCC after which he will make it illegal for anyone to run on this label. 
3. All legislators missing his Congress will be recalled or sanctioned. 
4. There will be calibration and balancing of these expulsions, to align to the new Budget year; collect money first from the Treasury and fire those non-aligned. 
5. There may be a beeline of new allegiances to the one who recalls. 
6. The SADC Report will be history after the By-Elections which will be run differently and used as a future reference. 
7. 2/3 Majority is already in the bag so is the One Party State!
The Chinese model of coopted opposition is upon us. Denial is the biggest issue now and soon some “clapping” is required to wake some of us up, especially elected officials from this horrible dream that their dalliance with the opulence of Parliament was just but a mirage! 
The theatre of change is outside Parliament. Get real, No Salvation without Sacrifice!
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said ZANU PF did not initiate the CCC recalls but has simply taken advantage of factionalism with the opposition party. Said Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
These recalls have not been initiated by ZANU-PF. Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF are only taking advantage of the CCC chaos.
Tshabangu has handlers inside CCC who are disgruntled as they have said on numerous occasions both directly and indirectly.
They say they are disgruntled with how their party has been personalised by Nelson Chamisa. We shouldn’t be lazy to ascribe everything to ZANU PF.
ZANU PF is only making it easier for the CCC faction because ZANU PF controls the state. ZANU PF is predatory, it is taking advantage of the fights in CCC because a divided CCC is a manna from heaven for ZANU PF. Chamisa knows that is happening!
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mzembi Advises CCC To Withdraw From Parliament And Boycott By-elections

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fadzayi_Mahere/">Fadzayi Mahere</a>, a Member of Parliament for Mt Pleasant representing the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens'_Coalition_for_Change/">Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)</a>, clarified that the party has not withdrawn its members from Parliament but is rather disengaging from official activities in the house.
The CCC, led by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa/">Nelson Chamisa</a>, made the decision due to a disputed election and ongoing recalls of its representatives. The Speaker of Parliament, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Mudenda/">Jacob Mudenda</a>, acting on an instruction from <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu/">Sengezo Tshabangu</a>, expelled 15 CCC MPs, which led to protests from the party members.
In response to a resident’s question about the meaning of “disengage,” Mahere explained that it involves refraining from conducting official business in the House of Assembly, including parliamentary sittings and committee work. The party will continue to engage with constituents through other means. Mahere said:
<blockquote>
Disengagement entails not transacting official business in the House of Assembly including parliamentary sittings and committee work. This has been necessitated by the fact that unless the illegal conduct of the Speaker is challenged strongly, there is a real risk that we will all be wrongfully recalled, thus compounding an already existing constitutional and governance crisis.
</blockquote>
She said during a parliamentary session, the Speaker obstructed normal debate by disregarding constitutional arguments and points of order. When the MPs insisted on their position, armed riot police were called in to silence them, resulting in physical violence and injuries. Mahere added that the MPs were unlawfully removed from the House, violating parliamentary privilege.
She said in such a hostile and anti-constitutional environment, it becomes challenging to represent the people effectively. She said as the party president Chamisa stated, they will disengage from official House business for 14 days but continue engaging with constituents through community meetings, feedback sessions, and voter education initiatives. Specific details for the Mt Pleasant constituency will be announced soon. She added:
<blockquote>
It’s not a withdrawal yet because we are not formally resigning from Parliament. The legal consequence of not withdrawing at this stage is that the seats can’t be declared vacant at this stage. The extreme measure of withdrawal/resignation will be considered as a last resort and communicated if taken and should the need arise.
</blockquote>
The CCC party 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 Pindula News</a></h3>

"It's Not Withdrawal Yet," Mahere Explains CCC Move In Parliament

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

The opposition CCC has resolved to boycott the official opening of the first session of the Tenth Parliament by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday (today).
<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/ccc-to-boycott-mnangagwa-parliamentary-address/">ZimLive</a> reported CCC spokesperson, Promise Mkhwananzi, as saying the opposition party will boycott the event because it does not recognise the 23 August presidential election. Said Mkhwananzi:
<blockquote>
We are boycotting the processes that Mnangagwa wants us to undertake tomorrow on the basis of the fact that we as CCC do not recognise an election that put him there. The election was a shame, it did not go well.
It fell abysmally short of the expected standards of a free and fair election in terms of the laws of Zimbabwe as well as in terms of SADC and AU protocols on free and fair elections.
Accordingly, we are not attending that process. We want to send a clear message that there should be a free election in Zimbabwe under the auspices of SADC. So, that is the message that will be sending out tomorrow.
</blockquote>
However, Joseph Tshuma, a member of the ZANU PF Central Committee, accused the CCC of taking Zimbabweans for granted.
He queried why CCC wants to boycott the official opening ceremony when they have representatives in the National Assembly.
CCC claims that the 23 August 2023 Harmonised Elections were rigged in favour of ZANU PF and has been lobbying SADC to push for fresh polls.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

CCC To Snub Mnangagwa Parliamentary Address

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on Tuesday, 03 October expected to officially open the First Session of the 10th Parliament where he will spell out the coming session’s legislative agenda.
The event will take place at the Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
<a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/president-to-spell-out-legislative-agenda/">The Chronicle</a> reported that in addition to the new Bills to be spelt out by the President in today’s address, Parliament will also be expected to deal with six Bills from the last Parliament.
Five of the six Bills lapsed following the dissolution of Parliament, meaning they will have to be reintroduced.
Another Bill, the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill, was referred to Parliament after President Mnangagwa withheld his assent, to allow legislators to consider his constitutional reservations.
Five Bills lapsed in terms of Section 147 of the Constitution, which stipulates that all business lapses at the dissolution of Parliament.
The five Bills are; the Insurance Bill, the Insurance and Pensions Commission Amendment Bill, the Medical Services Amendment Bill, the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill and the Financial Adjustments Bill.
The 10th Parliament was constituted after the 23 August 2023 Harmonised Elections in which ZANU PF secured a majority.
Of the 209 contested National Assembly seats, ZANU PF won 136, representing 64.76 percent of the ballot, while the CCC got 73 or 34.76 percent of the vote.
A by-election will be held in Gutu West Constituency on 11 November 2023. The election could not be held on 23 August because one of the candidates died after the completion of the nomination process.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa To Officially Open First Session Of 10th Parliament

The first sitting of the 10th Parliament of Zimbabwe will be held on 03 October 2023 at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
This was proclaimed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in a supplement to the Extraordinary Gazette on Wednesday, 27 September.
Statutory Instrument (SI)159 of 2023 and S.I. 9 of 2023, which is Proclamation 7 of 2023, published yesterday read in part:
<blockquote>
HIS EXCELLENCY, THE PRESIDENT of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, DR. EMMERSON DAMBUDZO MNANGAGWA;
NOW, THEREFORE, under and by virtue of the powers vested in me as aforesaid, I do, by this my Proclamation, fix –
(a) the New Parliament Building, M Hampden, as the place in which the First Session of the Tenth Parliament of Zimbabwe shall be held:
(b) twelve o’clock noon on Tuesday, the 3rd October, 2023, as the time and date on which the First Session of the Tenth Parliament shall begin.
Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Zimbabwe at Harare this 27th day of September in the year of Our Lord two thousand and twenty-three.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa swore in the members of the National Assembly and Senate from both the ruling party ZANU PF and the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) earlier this month.
Zimbabwe held Harmonised Elections on 23 August 2023.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

First Session Of The 10th Parliament To Be Held On 03 October

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono says the recent arrest of two CCC MPs is a brazen attempt by ZANU PF to whittle down the opposition’s numbers in Parliament and attain a two-thirds majority to enable the ruling party to push for constitutional amendments.
CCC’s Maureen Kademaunga (Sunningdale), was arrested on charges of attempted murder and malicious damage to property, while Gift Siziba (Tshabalala Pelandaba) was also arrested, accused of inciting the football violence at a football match.
Kademaunga was arrested on Tuesday and spent the night in police cells before the charges were dropped in court on Wednesday.
Siziba was arrested on Wednesday and released on the same day but was ordered to appear before a magistrate on Friday.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Chin’ono warned CCC MPs to avoid saying things that will get the government to craft “false charges” against them.
He said ZANU PF is planning to arrest “as many CCC MPs as possible” and then call for by-elections which it will rig to achieve a two-thirds majority necessary for constitutional amendments. Wrote Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
The attempt to keep opposition MPs in courts on flimsy and comical charges continues with the latest victim being Gift Ostallos Siziba the CCC MP for Tshabalala-Pelandaba in Bulawayo, and its Deputy spokesperson.
ZANU-PF is desperate for a 2/3 majority in parliament that will enable it to remove term limits after Mnangagwa’s consolidation of power which culminated with a mediocre cabinet of cronies and relatives.
Siziba was arrested for posting a message which said, “We fear fokol” which was accompanied by a picture of himself wearing a Highlanders football club jersey. It was football banter on a football day!
The police said that he was Inciting public violence at a football match by saying that his team feared nothing. He will be in court on Friday to answer these charges.
CCC MP for Sunningdale, Maureen Kademaunga was also arrested in Harare 2 days ago on false charges of malicious damage to property and attempted murder.
The prosecution service dropped the charges in court because these cases were politically motivated and there was no basis for arresting and charging her.
There are other CCC election candidates who are in prison pending bail, and of course, former CCC MP Job Sikhala has been in prison for over 500 days without bail, something that is a constitutional right.
So CCC MPs must trade carefully and avoid saying things that will get the regime to craft false charges against them.
ZANU PF wants by-elections that it will rig in order to get the desired 2/3 majority in parliament, their plan is to arrest as many CCC MPs as possible.
CCC should not allow this, its MPs should be tactful and stay alert to the prevailing political realities, otherwise, they will spend years in courts to the detriment of their political programs!
The last five years saw journalists arrested and jailed for exposing corruption, opposition members jailed for doing their work and critics jailed for doing and saying what is allowed under our constitution.
The man who presided over this abuse of the court system is Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
He has been retained as Justice Minister without a parliamentary constituency in the recently appointed government of cronies and relatives, so we should expect more abuse of the court system.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Arrest Of CCC MPs A ZANU PF Strategy To Attain Two-thirds Parliamentary Majority, Says Chin'ono

Mabel Chinomona has been re-elected as the President of the Senate with Retired General (Rtd) Mike Nyambuya re-elected her deputy.
The elections were held on Friday afternoon at the New Parliament building in Mt Hampden.
ZANU PF’s Chinomona garnered 50 votes beating the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC)’s Felix Magalela Sibanda who received 25 votes.
Nyambuya (ZANU PF) was elected Deputy President of the Senate after getting 49 votes, against CCC’s Maggie Chakabuda who received 26 votes.
<figure class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 1080px"><img alt="Image" decoding="async" height="720" loading="lazy" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5g8-FmWEAAzopn?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" width="1080"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Mike Nyambuya</figcaption></figure>
Chinomona and Nyambuya were duly sworn in by Chief Justice Luke Malaba. Nyambuya also becomes the Chairperson of Committees.
Earlier on Friday, ZANU PF’s Jacob Mudenda was re-elected unopposed as the Speaker of the National Assembly also 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 unopposed 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 composition of the 10th Parliament of Zimbabwe (2023-2028) is as follows:
National Assembly
ZANUPF: 176 MPs.
<ul>
<li>136 direct election.</li>
<li>33 women’s quota.</li>
<li>7 youth quota.</li>
</ul>
CCC: 103 MPs.
<ul>
<li>73 direct election.</li>
<li>27 women’s quota.</li>
<li>3 youth quota.</li>
</ul>
Senate
<ul>
<li>ZANUPF: 33.</li>
<li>CCC: 27.</li>
<li>18 Chiefs.</li>
<li>2 representing People With Disabilities.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mabel Chinomona Re-elected Senate President

The upcoming 10th Parliament of Zimbabwe will consist of two main political parties: the ruling ZANU PF and the primary opposition, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The ZANU PF party holds the majority of seats in the Parliament, but they were not able to secure the required two-thirds majority.
<h3>The 2023 – 2028 National Assembly will be constituted as follows:</h3>
<ol>
<li>A). ZANUPF: 176 MPs </li>
</ol>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>1.a). 136 direct election.</li>
<li>1.b). 33 women’s quota.</li>
<li>1.c). 7 youth quota.</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>B). CCC: 103 MPs.</li>
</ol>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>2.a). 73 direct.</li>
<li>2.b). 27 women’s quota.</li>
<li>2.c). 3 youth quota.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The 2023 – 2028 Senate will be constituted as follows:</h3>
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-roman;">
<li>ZANUPF: 33.</li>
<li>CCC: 27.</li>
<li>18 Chiefs.</li>
<li>2 representing People With Disabilities.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Missing National Assembly Constituency:</h3>
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) postponed the Gutu West constituency election, which was originally scheduled to be held alongside the harmonised polls on August 23, 2023. This decision was made due to the death of one of the candidates, Mr. Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi, in a road accident that occurred after the nominations had closed.
This postponement is a standard procedure to allow for the nomination of an alternative candidate by those who had originally nominated the deceased candidate. Essentially, this converts the election into a by-election solely for that constituency.
The announcement of the postponement was made by Mr. Utloile Silaigwana, the chief elections officer of ZEC, through a notice published in the Government Gazette. According to the notice, a nomination court will be established at a later date, as advised by the Commission, to solicit fresh nominations for the election of a member of Parliament in the aforementioned constituency.
The Electoral Act mandates ZEC to defer a constituency election in the event of a candidate’s death between the nomination and the polling period, or even during the voting process itself. In such cases, all proceedings related to that election are deemed null and void, and the election process must start anew, following the same procedures as if a vacancy had occurred.
The candidates who were already duly nominated for the Gutu West Constituency do not require fresh nominations. These are John Paradza from ZANU PF and Mr Ephraim Murudu of CCC. However, the surviving candidates or their representatives must inform the constituency elections officer in writing of their intention to remain in the running.
<h3>MDC Missing:</h3>
The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) failed to secure any Parliamentary seats for the first time in 23 years. Since its establishment in 1999, the MDC has been the primary opposition party in the country. But under the leadership of former Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe and later Senator Douglas Mwonzora, the party faced criticism for allegedly collaborating with the ruling party, leading to a decline in its popularity. This accusation tarnished the party’s reputation and affected its support among the people.
Furthermore, the MDC has been grappling with a leadership crisis since 2018, which intensified following the passing of its founding leader, Morgan Tsvangirai. These internal struggles have hindered the party’s ability to effectively navigate the political landscape, contributing to its recent electoral defeat.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindila News</a></h3>

Composition Of The Zimbabwean Parliament For 2023-2028

Lupane villagers have established a community parliament that draws people from across the globe to debate developmental, political, human rights and social issues affecting the district.
Lupane Community Parliament (LCP) speaker Njabulo Sibanda told the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200011794/lupane-villagers-set-up-community-parliament">Southern Eye</a> that they borrowed the idea from the Nkayi Community Parliament, which has been operational since 2021.
LCP currently has a membership of 390 people, according to Sibanda. He added:
<blockquote>
The other reason for the formation of the Lupane Community Parliament (LCP) was to create awareness on policy and constitutional matters.
We have started working and having very robust and informative discussions with the professionals we invite to come and share the information with us.
</blockquote>
Sibanda said they would also hold their representatives in Parliament and local authorities accountable. He said:
<blockquote>
The overall goal of the LCPs is to contribute to the economic, social, cultural, educational and general development and empowerment of the Lupane community by providing a participatory and non-partisan platform for research, learning, exchange of knowledge, sharing of ideas, information dissemination, dialogue and debate on topical public policy matters and by holding public entities and office bearers accountable.
</blockquote>
The Nkayi Community Parliament, which LCP seeks to emulate, has engaged with some of the local leaders such as Nkayi North MP Sithembiso Nyoni, Nkayi South MP Stars Mathe, Nkayi senator Chief Ndlovu on various matters affecting the district.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Lupane Villagers Establish Community 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

Japan’s parliament has expelled an MP from a single-issue party, Yoshikazu Higashitani, known by his online pseudonym GaaSyy, after he failed to show up for work.
According to <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/15/japan-parliament-expels-mp-who-never-came-to-work">Al Jazeera</a>, Higashitani has become the first MP expelled due to persistent absence by Japan’s parliament in more than 70 years.
Higashitani is one of two members elected from the Seijika Joshi 48, or “Politician Girls 48” opposition party.
The party was formerly known as the NHK Party and campaigns for changes to Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK.
Since being elected in July 2022, Higashitani has failed to attend a single session.
Higashitani has been nicknamed “No-show MP”. He is a former businessman and YouTuber, famous for his celebrity gossip videos.
He has remained in Dubai, claiming he is at risk of arrest if he returns to Japan.
Higashitani faces questioning over alleged defamation of some Japanese celebrities related to his YouTube videos.
Last week, the Japanese Parliament asked him to apologise in person in the Tokyo chamber, but he did not travel to Japan.
Instead, Higashitani announced on his YouTube channel that he was going to Turkey and that he planned to donate his salary to Turkish earthquake relief.
Hamada Satoshi, the other member of Seijika Joshi 48, said Higashitani’s expulsion from Parliament was illegal.
The lawmaker will be replaced in the house by another member of the party.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Japan Parliament Expels YouTuber MP Who Never Came To Work Since His Election

Civil servants have urged Parliament to investigate the Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) to establish the cause for the closure of health facilities owned by its subsidiary, Premier Service Medical Investments (PSMI).
PSMAS provides medical cover for almost all State employees as well as other people who are not members of the civil service.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/public-workers-want-parly-to-investigate-psmas/">The Herald</a>, civil servants’ premiums are subsided by the government while PSMAS members outside the civil service pay a higher tariff as they do not get a Government subsidy.
The closure of PSMI clinics, pharmacies and hospitals has forced members to move into the private sector and make co-payments even when their cards are accepted.
Representatives of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (formerly Apex Council) on Monday appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
Speaking before the Committee, ZCPSTU secretary general David Dzatsunga said the situation has become dire for civil servants. He said:
<blockquote>
When it comes to PSMAS, most of the PSMI institutions are closed and the situation has become dire for civil servants who cannot afford the high tariffs charged by private doctors and institutions.
… As a committee you can engage with the regulator of medical aid societies (Ministry of Health and Child Care, Air Commodore Dr. Jasper Chimedza), PSMAS and the Public Service Commission.
These are the institutions you may want to engage and get to know what exactly is going on.
</blockquote>
PSMAS and its subsidiaries have also failed to pay workers for several months, with the bulk of company resources reportedly being channeled to management welfare.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants Want Parliament To Investigate PSMAS

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has summoned Parliament to an Extra-Ordinary Sitting that will see members debate the preliminary delimitation report handed over to the President recently.
Parliament is currently on a festive period break but members are set to conduct a virtual sitting to debate the preliminary delimitation report on 6 January 2023.
The report was submitted to Mnangagwa by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Priscilla Chigumba on 26 December 2022.
In a message to lawmakers on Tuesday, Parliament said:
<blockquote>
In terms of Section 110(2) (c), His Excellency, the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa has summoned Parliament to an Extra-Ordinary Sitting to conduct special business relating to the Preliminary Delimitation Report on Friday, 6th January 2023 at 9:00 am.
Due to accommodation challenges still being experienced in Harare, Members are advised to attend the Sitting virtually.
The login details will be shared in due course. A few Members who will attend physically will be advised by the Chief Whips.
</blockquote>
The report has not yet been seen by both legislators or the public <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zanu-pf-affiliated-groups-condemn-zec-preliminary-delimitation-report/">but some ZANU PF-affiliated organisations have expressed disgruntlement over the document.</a>

Parliament Breaks Recess To Debate ZEC Delimitation Report

Blinart Investments managing director, Elizabeth Muchenje, defended the US$9 200 per laptop price which the company had levied the Parliament of Zimbabwe in a tender that was eventually cancelled.
Addressing the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) committee on how laptop prices reached a price of US$9000 each, Muchenje said:
<blockquote>
It was a high-end laptop with seven other accessories with it.
</blockquote>
Muchenje said the laptop was priced at US$9 264.49, payable in RTGS – the local currency – at the prevailing bank rate. She further gave a breakdown of the costs of the laptop. 
There was the HP Spectra 32GB laptop, Laptop Stand, Laptop Backup, HDMI Adapter, USB Adapter, Wireless Mouse HP, Laptop pouch, and Microsoft Professional Office 2019.
The cost amounted to US$5 176.36 for the laptop and all the accessories. 
<blockquote>
The company factored in ZIMRA Tax (14.5%) and courier charges, hotel and tickets, US$6026.12.
Markup (35%) US$2109.14 per laptop. 
The Grand total rose to US$9 314.87.
</blockquote>
NB: laptops don’t pay customs duties, but they pay Value Added Tax (VAT) of 14.5%.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development issued statements to the effect that it had <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/treasury-cancels-tender-authorised-by-parliament-directs-that-suppliers-be-blacklisted/">cancelled two tenders to supply laptops and desktops</a> arguing that the suppliers had overpriced the commodities.
Blinart Investments which had been awarded the tender to supply laptops was selling each laptop at USD9 264.49  and the government would have paid US$1 602 755.77 for 173 laptops.
The other company, Mid-End Computers and Hardware (P/L), demanded US$243 052.36 for 79 desktops as each was priced at USD3 076.61.
Members of the public criticised Parliament for awarding the tender saying this was grand corruption. 
It also emerged that some companies, Lacheln for instance, submitted bids for the Laptop tender at Parliament for as low as $213 655 but Parliament opted for Blinart which had tendered for $1.6 million. 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/list-of-companies-that-submitted-bids-for-laptops-tender-awarded-to-blinart-at-us9k-each/">List Of Companies That Submitted Bids For Laptops Tender Awarded To Blinart At US$9K Each</a></li>
</ul>
Previously,<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/09/19/us9k-per-laptop-tender-in-a-normal-economy-usd4590-46-shouldve-been-the-final-price/"> Pindula News published a Twitter thread by Michael Rushizha @mrushizha</a> who believes that Blinart Investments’ price was justified. This reporter believes it is important to reproduce the post for some context. See below:
<blockquote>
It is important to understand that this is not just any laptop. This is a high-end laptop with a touch-screen, some fancy software and accessories. These laptops don’t come cheap. We need to break down the requirement into smaller components for everyone’s comprehension.
According to pages 16 and 17 of the tender document, Parliament of Zimbabwe ordered 173x 13.3 or 14-inch laptops consisting of the following: 1x Microsoft Office 2019 Professional 1x Sophos Antivirus 1x HP Wireless Mouses 1x HP Laptop Stands 1x HP Laptop Carry Cases.
Now we need to cost each item. For the 13.3 or 14-inch laptop, I’m going to use a ‘cheaper’ HP EliteBook 840 G8 for this example. This baby costs a cool USD 2,259.00 with a storage of 512 GB. We need the storage to be 1.0 TB, so we add USD 80.00 to get USD 2,339.00.
Next, we need to factor in the cost of Microsoft Office Professional. The current version is 2021 and it goes for USD 439.99 bringing our running total to USD 2,778.99.
We also need a Sophos Antivirus license, which is actually an annual subscription. This license costs USD 28.00 per user, or per laptop. This brings our running total to USD 2,806.99.
Next, is the Wireless Mouses going for USD 16.99 each. This brings our running total to USD 2,823.98
The HP laptop stands are next for USD 49.95 each. This brings our running total to USD 2,869.93.
Last but not least, the HP laptop carry cases go for USD 36.99 each. This brings our running total to USD 2,906.92
Now the business dynamics. These computers are not manufactured in Zimbabwe or Africa. The prices are from HP, so I’m going to use a 3% shipping fee to one of the South African distributors which suppliers in Zimbabwe deal with, bringing our running cost per laptop to USD 2,994.13.
Next, we need to add another 3% shipping fee from South Africa to Harare, Zimbabwe. This brings our running cost per laptop to USD 3,083.95.
Our laptops are now in Zimbabwe, and fortunately, laptops don’t pay customs duties, but they pay VAT of 14.5% and this adds a further USD 447.17 to our laptop bringing the running cost per laptop to USD 3,531.12
After the taxman’s lion’s share, the retailer adds a markup for their trouble ranging between 20% – 30% depending on the risk. For this example, we will go high-end and apply a 30% markup to come to USD 4,590.46.
In a normal economy, USD 4,590.46 should have been the final price for each of these laptops. Sadly, Zimbabwe’s economy is anything but normal. This is where it all starts to become interesting.
You see, @ReserveBankZIM and local banks haven’t been issuing foreign currency to non-priority sectors for some time now. This led to people using alternative means to acquire this resource. At the time this tender close, parallel market rates were at a record USD 1: ZWL 800.
Page 10 of the tender states that, bids should be priced in ZW$ and foreign currency equivalent at the prevailing market rate. And that payment will be done in ZW$ converted at the ruling rate on the agreed delivery timelines as stated in the contract.
To cater for losses presented by the disparity between the ZW$ parallel market rate and US$ interbank rate, for which payment was going to be made at the date of payment, one needs to multiply the final US$ value of the laptops with the parallel rate of 800 to get the ZW$ value and divide by the interbank rate of July 15th 2022, which was 396.8940 In the end, the final ZW$ value of each laptop will be ZWL 3,672,368.00 and the US$ value will be USD 9,252.77 which is very close to the much-disputed USD 9,264.48 you see today.
Whether we like it or not, Blinart may NOT be the villain here. I would like to think that @ParliamentZim did their adjudication processes and found everything above board. It’s possible that they may have been bidders with lower prices, but got disqualified for non-compliance.
Tenders of such value usually go through the Special Oversight Committee (SPOC) to which every bidder MUST pay a SPOC Administration Fee of typically ZWL 15,000.00, in which in this case, no such payment was asked of the bidders, and I don’t think it went through SPOC.
In conclusion, the noise made since yesterday was caused by government officials that are not actually in touch with the realities of the country that claim to serve.
@ParliamentZim made the mistake of reacting by cancelling the tender which it professed had gone through internal processes and SPOC. They should have defended their internal adjudication processes and shed light on how the decision was reached with the backing of the SPOC.
</blockquote>
<h2>More Pindula News</h2>

Blinart Investments Defends US$9 000 Per Laptop Price

The opposition CCC Parliamentary Caucus has denied claims that the US$40 000 loans granted to Members of Parliament by Treasury are donations.
CCC MPs have received a lot of criticism especially on social media platforms for taking the loans.
Critics accuse the opposition MPs of joining the “gravy train” saying they are no longer serving the interets of the electorate, but their selfish interests.
Even CCC president Nelson Chamisa has criticised his MPs for accepting the loans and warned them that they will be punished by voters.
But CCC Chief Whip in Parliament Prosper Mutseyami defended the party’s MPs, saying the loans are a “genuine part of the MPs’ welfare.” He said:
<blockquote>
The suggestion in some quarters that loans are donations is not correct. In the midterm supplementary budget of September 2022 approved, provision was made for a housing or vehicle loan of US$40 000.
This loan was understood as a genuine part of the MPs’ welfare. The loan is therefore not a surprise executive instrument but one that went through the due process of appropriation as is provided in the constitution.
It is not a discretionary issue or an executive gratuitous gesture like the grants granted to ministers and deputy ministers.
In October of 2022, MPs were made to sign binding loan application forms which they executed.
In late November, parliament made partial disbursements of these loans. The loan in question is above board.
</blockquote>
Mutseyami, who is the MP for Dangamvura, said it was unfair to compare CCC legislators with those of ZANU PF simply because they accepted the loans. He said:
<blockquote>
The loan in question is no excuse for state failure or the deplorable state of public services.
It is no excuse for 42 years of mismanagement and misallocation of public resources. And most certainly the loan cannot bribe or derail our cause.
We therefore reject the equalisation. We are not Zanu, have never been Zanu. We have remained principled and committed.
We have remained unwavering in our quest for transformation and change in our country We have faced dictatorship and its billions of dollars weaponised against our people.
</blockquote>
Mutseyami also claimed that MPs are currently earning ZWL$$200 000 “which is equivalent to US$200.” He added:
<blockquote>
The new salary remains way below the poverty datum line by a long margin.
It also remains way below the average regional salary of MPs which is US$2 000 even in economies smaller than Zimbabwe or countries such as Kenya and others where MPs are paid around US$13,000 a month.
This is in addition to the provision of constituency offices, and paid research assistance.
</blockquote>
| ZimLive

CCC MPs Say US$40 000 Loans Are Not A Donation

The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Tsitsi Gezi on Tuesday castigated Members of Parliament across the political divide for “behaving like drunkards”.
This was after she struggled to bring the House to order for about 15 minutes during a heated argument between ZANU PF and MDC MPs on one side and CCC MPs on the other side.
The chaos was triggered by Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent), who had accused CCC leader Nelson Chamisa of “hypocrisy” over the US$40 000 loans given to MPs and this angered CCC MPs.
Cabinet ministers were each offered US$500 000, deputy ministers US$350 000 and MPs US$40 000 as loans by the government.
Chamisa then criticised his own MPs for accepting the US$40 000 loans and also condemned the government for its seeming misplaced priorities.
Mliswa raised a matter of national interest on the welfare of legislators, saying MPs in Zimbabwe were the least paid in the region, and then went on to attack Chamisa. He said:
<blockquote>
I would also want leaders of other political parties, especially Advocate Chamisa, to really understand — him being a lawyer — that MPs have a contract with Parliament; not with the party when they are here. I don’t know why he gets involved.
He must not whip them (MPs) on contractual issues. He was once an MP. I expected him to stand for other MPs because he knows how we have suffered.
We don’t want such hypocrisy from any leader. Let him deal with putting out his structures at CCC while here in Parliament, we get our money.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF and MDC Alliance legislators cheered Mliswa, but CCC MPs were displeased.
Mbizo MP Settlement Chikwinya then raised a point of order and accused Mliswa of denigrating Chamisa. Said Chikwinya:
<blockquote>
He cannot respond for himself as he (Chamisa) does not sit in this Parliament.
</blockquote>
Some MPs jumped over seats to get to Chikwinya and threaten him, and the commotion lasted for about 15 minutes. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004667/chaos-in-parly-over-chamisa">NewsDay</a>

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Chides MPs For "Behaving Like Drunkards"

A fistfight broke out among legislators in Senegal’s parliament on Thursday after a male opposition lawmaker slapped a female colleague in the face.
The attack reportedly happened during a budget presentation.
Opposition MP Massata Samb walked over and slapped Amy Ndiaye Gniby of the ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY) coalition, resulting in a brawl.
Gniby threw a chair back at Samb before another MP tackled her to the floor. The session was eventually suspended as MPs exchanged blows, accusations, and insults.
Samb was addressing the assembly about comments Gniby made over the weekend in which she criticised a spiritual leader opposed to a third term for Senegal President Macky Sall. Samb said:
<blockquote>
Mister President, a deputy has stood in front of this tribune to insult someone’s marabout (spiritual leader).
</blockquote>
Gniby made fun of Samb’s remarks and declared she did not care, after which Samb walked over and hit her, sparking a mass brawl among MPs.
In July this year, reports suggested that Sall will seek a third term in 2024. This resulted in the ruling party losing its comfortable parliamentary majority in elections held that month.
Since then, tension has been growing between ruling and opposition politicians.
Sall (60) has refused to state clearly whether he plans to run for a third term.
Currently, the Senegalese constitution provides for a two-term presidential limit but Sall’s supporters argue a constitutional reform reset the clock, allowing him to run again. | <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/feminists-denounce-slapping-of-female-politician-in-senegals-parliament/">SABC News</a>

Senegal Opposition MP Slaps Female Lawmaker In Parliament

Norton MP, Temba Mliswa (Independent) is not happy over Parliament’s failure to take legislators on a tour of the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden before the presentation of SONA and the national budget.
Last week the Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda announced that the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and 2023 Budget, to be delivered by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube, respectively, will take place from the Mount Hampden site.
However, Mliswa believes MPs should have been taken there first before they sit for SONA and the national budget presentation. Said Mliswa:
<blockquote>
Unfortunately, the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden is set to start being used when the Fifth session of the Ninth Parliament begins without the MPs having visited it. It’s a very queer arrangement to me.
The President visited, some Ministers and so did the Speaker of Parliament also. However, we, the legislators who shall be utilising the facility were never taken there to see and proffer our thoughts. The level of disrespect for the office of the MP is gross.
Now we are like cattle being herded into the dip, ignorant and blind about its state. Chero imba yawavakirwa you don’t just start using it before assessing it.
I suspected that this would happen and even thought of raising a point of order about it.
We cannot even respect our own institutions and national offices. This country is strange at times.
</blockquote>
The New Parliament Building was built by Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) and fully funded by the Chinese government as “a gift to the people of Zimbabwe”.
The US$140 million 650-seat structure comprises a six-storey office complex and a four-storey building housing the National Assembly and Senate.

Mliswa Says MPs Were Never Invited To Tour New Parliament Building

The New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden will on Wednesday host President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the official opening of the Fifth Session of the Ninth Parliament.
The development was confirmed by the clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda in a statement on Friday.
He added that Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube will also present his 2023 national budget at the New Parliament building next Thursday. He said:
<blockquote>
Parliament of Zimbabwe would like to advise the nation, all clients and stakeholders of the State of the Nation Address and the Official Opening of the 5th Session of the Ninth Parliament by His Excellency, the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa on 23rd November at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, Harare.
This is a historic and momentous occasion where the last session of Parliament will be officially opened, before the next general elections.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, The Hon. Prof. Mthuli Ncube will present the 2023 National Budget to the National Assembly on 24th November 2022 at the New Parliament Building. Presentation of the Budget will commence at 14.30hrs
</blockquote>
Chokuda said that the two events will be broadcast LIVE on mainstream media, as well as on the Parliament of Zimbabwe’s social media platforms.
He said the public will also be able to follow proceedings on giant screens that will be mounted in the Africa Unity Square.
The New Parliament Building was built by Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) and fully funded by the Chinese government as “a gift to the people of Zimbabwe”.
The US$140 million 650-seat structure comprises a six-storey office complex and a four-storey building housing the National Assembly and Senate.

New Parliament Building To Host Mnangagwa's SONA

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

The newly-formed ZANU PF War Veterans League has asked President Emmerson Mnangagwa to reserve seats in Parliament exclusively for their members.
Presenting the War Veterans League conference resolution at the weekend, its secretary for legal affairs Jairos Mapuranga said reserving parliamentary seats for their members will enable Parliament to expedite the enactment of the Patriotic Bill.
The Patriotic Bill seeks to criminalise private correspondence between what was termed “self-serving citizens” and foreign governments. Said Mapuranga:
<blockquote>
Consideration should be made to have a war veterans quota in the (National) Assembly to ensure that the party is represented by the comrades grounded in ideology to override the system of individuals with narrow selfish interests and that the legislators expedite the enactment of the Patriotic Bill to effectively protect the country and its leadership from treacherous machinations by political malcontents.
</blockquote>
However, Mnangagwa said some of the war veterans’ demands were impossible to fulfil. He said:
<blockquote>
I was listening very carefully to your resolutions, others are very sound, but some are beyond sound.
The depth and all-encompassing nature of your conference resolutions reflect your love for the party.
You almost want your government to do the impossible.
</blockquote>
The ZANU PF War Veterans League also said it wants the Chitepo School of Ideology to be well-resourced and fully operational on a full-time basis.
They also requested a quota on boards of government entities as well as commissions. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000516/war-vets-demand-parly-seats">NewsDay</a>

War Veterans Demand Reserved Seats In Parliament

University of Zimbabwe (UZ) students have petitioned Parliament seeking it to intervene over the recent sharp tuition fees hike and guarantee that they enjoy their right to education.
This comes after UZ increased its fees by more than 600%. Undergraduates will now pay $485 500, up from $60 526, while those studying for masters programmes will fork out $1 million per semester. Reads the petition:
<blockquote>
The proposed tuition fees are not considerate of the other essential expenses every student has to go through.
Most students are not from Harare which means they need to cover their accommodation and with where the university campus is located, surrounded by low-density suburbs, the accommodation charges are higher than US$50 per month.
The average salary of a civil servant is US$175. At that amount, the majority of parents cannot afford to pay the proposed fees since they also have to cover family basic expenses.
To consider our petition as an urgent matter and immediately intervene in the UZ fees-making process to guarantee that the right to basic education is respected through the charging of affordable fees.
</blockquote>
The students said the tuition fees must be pegged at $200 000 and below for all degree programmes. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000441/parliament-petitioned-over-hefty-uz-fees">NewsDay</a>

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