Mugabe full speech at the official opening of Parliament

Government is to launch the 2016-2026 STEM Policy Strategy to support Zimbabwe’s quest for industrialisation and modernisation within the framework of the African Unions Agenda 2063. The Manpower Development Act will be amended, while the enabling statutes of all higher and tertiary education institutions will be reviewed to ensure greater focus on their core mandates.

Madame President, Mr. Speaker, Sir,

Government remains committed to youth development and economic empowerment. The Zimbabwe Youth Council Bill, which provides a legal framework for youth development activities, will therefore be brought to this House for debate. It will be recalled that I issued a Statement to clarify Government’s position regarding the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Policy on 11th April, 2016. The relevant Act will thus be amended to bring it into consonance with the enunciated policy position.

Madame President, Mr. Speaker, Sir,

My Government is committed to the provision of a conducive working environment for the Legislature, in spite of the prevailing resource constraints. I am happy to inform this august House that, following approval of the designs for the New Parliament Building to be located in Mt Hampden, implementation of the project is now proceeding under a Chinese grant.

Madame President, Mr. Speaker, Sir,

Increasing reliance on the use of plastic money and other on-line applications, which characterizes the modern era, comes with the attendant rising risk of computer and cyber crimes. As a consequence of this lingering threat, Governments, the world over, are grappling with the threat of cyber crime.  As such, it is my fervent hope that this Fourth Session of Parliament will constructively and objectively debate the Computer Crime and Cyber Security Bill, the Electronic Transactions and Electronic Commerce Bill, and the Data Protection Bill, which will be tabled in this august House.

Madame President, Mr. Speaker, Sir,

In conclusion, I wish to remind you, Honourable Members of Parliament, of your sacrosanct duty to enact laws and build institutions that promote development, in an environment of peace.  You not only have the duty to enact laws but to also respect and adhere to them, and indeed to our Constitution, in word, deed and spirit.

 I now take this opportunity to declare the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament of Zimbabwe duly open.

I thank you.

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