Biti says 2023 budget cannot be debated in the absence of Finance Minister- hakusi kufudza mombe

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Please take your seat Hon. Mliswa.

HON. T. MLISWA: No, it was on a lighter note, to be honest with you, I think we must take this budget seriously. The first thing is that the Minister of Finance and Economic Development and the Deputy Minister are not here and the Permanent Secretary is not here as well.  The second issue is that Ministers and Deputy Ministers responsible for these portfolios like Information, Broadcasting and Media Services are not here.  The Chairpersons of Portfolio Committees are not here, we cannot undermine authority to such a point.  Madam Speaker, may I propose that those substantive Chairpersons who are here be given a chance to read.  Like in this case, there was no reason given for the Chairperson why she is not here. At least she could have said I am giving a report for the Chairperson who is not well or who is somewhere.    

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Hon. Members, please may we behave like Hon. Members of Parliament.  Why are you making a lot of noise? 

Hon. Biti having stood up

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  No, no, you cannot stand on another point of order Hon. Biti, you are a seasoned Parliamentarian, please switch off the microphone. -[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections]-Order, order, may we have order in the House.  Hon. Mliswa, the presentation of a Chairperson presenting is not different from the presentation of any other Committee member presenting on behalf of the Chairperson. Please allow Hon. Sithole to continue with his presentation – [HON, MEMBERS: Achiudza ani?] – Achiudza imimi nemamwe ma Ministers arimo! [HON. MUNENGAMI:  Inaudible interjection.] – Hon. Munengami, if you continue with such behaviour, I will send you out. 

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