Maridadi says ZANU-PF politburo might as well meet in Africa Unity Square because its discussions are leaked to the public even before the meeting is over

Full contribution

HON. MARIDADI:  Thank you Mr. Speaker and a very good afternoon.  Mr. Speaker, my presentation is on power point.  The reason being that last week, the House congratulated Hon. Thokozani Khupe on attaining a PhD and I thought it would be remiss of us if we do not acknowledge you Mr. Speaker that ever since you came in as Speaker of Parliament of this particular Parliament; you have encouraged Members of the House to go to school.  Most of them have taken heed and this includes myself.  I took lessons in computers.  It is for that reason that I want to do a power-point presentation with the indulgence of the House – [HON. MEMBERS:  Hear, hear.] – [HON. MISIHAIRABWI MUSHONGA: He did not hear it. Dzokorora.] –

[Hon. Mliswa having speaking to Hon. Dr. Shumba.]

HON. MARIDADI:  Ifbe Hon. Shumba could speak with Hon. Mliswa outside the House.  Mr. Speaker, I take the pleasure to repeat myself – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Sorry Hon. Member.

HON. MARIDADI:  Mr. Speaker, last week we congratulated Hon. Thokozani Khupe on attaining a PhD from the University of Zimbabwe. I think it would be remiss if we do not acknowledge that when you came in as Speaker in 2013, you encouraged most of the Members of Parliament to go back to school.  I am one of those who went back to school and I took lessons in basic computer lessons for six months.  That is why I want to do my presentation on power-point.  I have bought a second hand computer which has been serviced and is in good order.

Hon. Maridadi pointing to the slide.

If we go to the first slide, there is a 1942 Rolls Royce which the President is pleased to use at the official opening of Parliament.  There are horses following behind.  The President sits there with his lovely wife and there is a driver and a police officer.  That is the picture I took to kick-start this presentation.

I will go to the meat of the matter, the next slide.  The presentation layout is as follows: I am going to talk about constitutional matters, anecdotes which I take from the President’s speech  I will also talk about common vision and unity  I am going to talk about the issue of corruption which now sounds like a record stuck in a groove I will talk about State enterprises or parastatals – Air Zimbabwe, ZESA, ZINWA and NRZ in particular  I will talk about the budget deficit I will talk about Command Agriculture and I will talk about my recommendations because it is not good to talk about things and you do not proffer recommendations.

I will go to the next slide.  According to the Constitution, the President is not supposed to open Parliament but there was a resolution by this Parliament that the President must come and officially open Parliament.  We were glad that the President was pleased to come and officially open Parliament and set out the legislative agenda.  It is my very humble submission that in the interest of separation of powers, Parliament must be officially opened by the Speaker who is the Chairperson of the Presiding officers.

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