HON. MLISWA: Madam Speaker, just to say this; we are constantly accused of not being efficient as Members of Parliament. You in the Chair have always told us you have written to His Excellency over the conduct of the Ministers. Up to now you have not told us what His Excellency has said. We continue doing this everyday and it becomes a game. Next time can we get a response from you pertaining to the letter that the Speaker wrote to the President pertaining to the conduct of the Ministers who are not here?
Hon. Vice President Mnangagwa, if I am not mistaken is the Acting President and I respect his conduct to duty. He is so disciplined to it. why can the other Hon. Vice President not do the same? He equally has a Minister in his office who is Hon. Tabeth Malinga Kanengoni. To me, if Hon. Mnangagwa is not here, we see Hon. Sibanda presenting issues, why can he not learn from Hon. Vice President Mnangagwa on the way he conducts his duty, maybe he can learn. I think he needs to go for some schooling from the Presidium pertaining to his conduct as Hon. Vice President. If he is not available, his responsible Minister must be able to represent him.
According to the Section 107 (2) of the Constitution, “Every Vice President, Minister and Deputy Minister must attend Parliament and parliamentary committees in order to answer questions concerning matters for which he or she is collectively or individually responsible.” So, the responsible Ministers are not here. In support of Hon. Chamisa’s submission, who are we debating to, who are we talking to? Thank you – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. I have to respond to the point of order raised by Hon. Mliswa. Hon. Mliswa, I think I gave a ruling on the matter. The Office of the Vice President and the Ministry of National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation had communicated with Parliament that they had another engagement in Bulawayo, they are absent. We have heard it and we have had a ruling and we are going to debate this issue when the Vice President is present. However, I had recognised Hon. Majome to debate on the issue, so I will allow Hon. Majome to finish her debate – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – if she is comfortable – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order Hon. Members.
HON. MAJOME: Hon. Madam Speaker as I raise the point of privilege, I would want either the Hon. Minister as well as the State Official and at the very least, the officials from the Ministry to be here because I do not want to talk to myself. However, I have a point of order Madam Speaker. Do I have your assurance that when they come, I will have an opportunity to proceed with my debate? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members. Hon. Members, I think the ruling has already been made and we have agreed that the debate can be adjourned.
HON. MATUKE: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. MUKWANGWARIWA: I second.
See also:
Gukurahundi rears its ugly head again as legislators discuss Mphoko’s Peace and Reconciliation bill
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