Gukurahundi rears its ugly head again as Parliament discusses Mphoko’s Peace and Reconciliation bill- Part Two

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Chasi, you may continue with your debate.

HON. CHASI: Madam Speaker, I really do not want to repeat. Most of the points have been raised by those that have spoken before me. The points relating to the ministerial certificates are pertinent and I do not want to repeat them. I just want to say overally, it is not a supported Bill. It is not clear in terms of timelines, its import and it is not clear as to when it is meant to commence. I agree with what most of the Speakers before me have mentioned. I want to repeat that I have difficulty in supporting it. I thank you.

HON. MAJOME: Thank you Madam Speaker for according me this opportunity to speak. I do not take your indulgence lightly and I thank you. I want to also lend my voice to support what was said by our Hon. Chairperson and my colleagues from the Portfolio Committee. Hon. Madam Speaker, in debating this particular Bill…

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Hon. Members, can Hon. Majome be heard in silence. You will be given a chance to debate if you like the issue.

 HON. MAJOME: In debating this particular Bill, I wish to possibly begin on a point of privilege. With the absence of the Hon. Minister, I would like to inquire if there are any officials who work in the office of His Excellency, the President and Cabinet and particularly Hon. Mphoko’s Ministry because they do not appear to be here.

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: I will allow them to give me some feedback but from what I can see, I do not see anyone on the back.

HON. MAJOME: So with that Hon. Madam Speaker, I will beg for your assistance. This is because it is a point of privilege, as was raised by Hon. Gonese. The Hon. Minister who sponsored the Bill is not here, who is the Vice President and there is not a single official from their Ministry to debate this. The question is how often do Bills from the organ on Healing and Reconciliation come to this Parliament, the point is that this is very rare. So Madam Speaker, I would wish it put on record and hope that Hon. Members of Parliament take very strong exception to the attitude of the Executive in not valuing the processes of this Parliament.

As we are now, Hon. Members where we are debating, we raise certain issues in connection with the attitude of the Office of the Hon. Minister regarding issues of healing and reconciliation and also the attitude of the Hon. Minister with respect to him about his attitude and understanding of what an Independent Commission should or should not do. That attitude will be critical in the success of this Commission in its operations. If the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission is going to enjoy its independence as envisaged and indeed as demanded by the Constitution…

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