The circus in the Zimbabwe Parliament

Only three ministers and seven deputy ministers attended Parliament’s Question Time on Wednesday while a total of 27 ministers and deputy ministers sent apologies.

President Mnangagwa’s government has more than 50 ministers, provincial ministers and deputy ministers.

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda has previously stated that he is going to take the issue of ministers not attending Parliament to the President but their behaviour does not seem to have changed.

The poor attendance by the ministers came only a day after President Emmerson Mnangagwa had called on them to recommit themselves to the duty of transforming the livelihoods of Zimbabweans.

Though he did not speak about their attendance in Parliament, Mnangagwa said: “At the outset, all members are reminded of the need to once again recommit ourselves to the duty of transforming livelihoods and developing our great nation towards the achievement of Vision 2030.

“The mandate before us is clear: We must deliver quality services to our citizens, ensuring that their needs are met and lives improved.

“All our collective efforts should be geared towards creating a better future for all, leaving no one and no place behind. In this pursuit, it is critically important to engage with our people, listening to their concerns and responding to their needs.

“The culture of accountability, transparency and excellence within our ministries should be nurtured with a greater sense of urgency for the ultimate objective of achieving transformational results. You must lead by example.”

Ministers that were present at the start of Question Time:

1. Hon. Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development; 
2. Hon. Mavhunga, Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs; 
3. Hon. Chitando, Minister of Mines and Mining Development; 
4. Hon. Jesaya, Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture; 
5. Hon. Kwidini, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care; 
6. Hon. M. Ncube, Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities; 
7. Hon. Gata, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education.
8. Hon Tongai Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry
9. Hon. Mazungunye, Deputy Minister of Justice; 
10. Hon. Phuti, Deputy Minister of ICT.

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