Chinotimba, MPs and O-Levels

HON. MLISWA:  On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.  I am one of the few people who believe that we must have capacity moving forward.  So to me, I think, it is important that as legislators and at council level, we also go and further our education.  Some of those who went to the liberation struggle have attained PhDs and so forth.  Really, our legislators must not fear that.  They must go out and be educated and do extra lessons because what we are receiving in terms of leadership in this country; the people are not getting what they deserve in terms of leadership.  They have no capacity, you must encourage and we must push for the Constitution to have people with Ordinary levels, Advanced and degreed.  So, for me when I read that, I was actually quite happy because I think it will definitely change the way this country operate at the end of the day.  Thank you- [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.]-

THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order! The point of order on privilege raised by Hon. Chinotimba was not for debate, so we have to be procedural.  Secondly, having indulged Hon. Mliswa, I want to put it on record that as lawyers, we interpret the law as it is and we cannot start speculating on the question of qualifications.  What we have done, I am sure you know that we have encouraged Members of Parliament to improve their academic and professional qualifications.  I am pleased to note that almost 120 Members of Parliament have gone back to college. Others have done second degrees, masters and there are about half a dozen who are doing their doctorates.  This is by way of encouragement.  If you would want in future to have qualifications then you have to change the Constitution, otherwise as the Constitution stands now, those are the qualifications I have mentioned.  Let the people choose their leaders accordingly – [HON. ZWIZWAI: Chinotimba does not want to go school.] – – [HON. CHINOTIMBA: Ndichienda kunodii?]-

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