The debate that led to Mliswa’s suspension from Zimbabwe Parliament

HON. T. MLISWA:  On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.  If the Minister can bring a statement on the auction system because we do not understand how it works.  He spoke about it and I do not know how many understand it so that we are able to comprehend and disseminate the right information to the people.  How does the auction system work? If we can have a statement on that so that we are all enlightened about it, it would actually help us a lot.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  That is an appropriate point of order.  I have discussed the matter with the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development and he would include that in his ministerial statement.

HON. CHIKWINYA:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Perhaps the Leader of Government Business may want to assist me.  I have a question for the Minister of Health and Child Care but I saw a communication that the one who was there is currently suspended.  Can he advise us on who the acting Minister is so that we can direct our question to him?

THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND  PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI):  I think the Hon. Member is misdirecting himself.  Every time Hon. Ministers are not here, the questions are directed to the Leader of Government Business. It is not his business to constitute the Cabinet.  His business is to ask whoever is there and if that person is not there, we ask the Leader of Government Business – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.]­

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Order, order!  The long and short of it is we are not yet advised as to who is acting but any other questions will be dealt with by the Leader of Government Business.

HON. T. MLISWA:  On a point of procedure Mr. Speaker Sir. Hon. Speaker, Standing Order 47 (1) talks about any Member who will be absent writes to you that they will be absent from this.  Did you get any written notices from the Members of Cabinet who are supposed to be here?

THE HON. SPEAKER:  I have not received as yet.  I have a general blanket apology for Members that have gone with His Excellency.  I think they are launching something.  Am I right?  Clerk, do you have any apologies received so far?

The Clerk having indicated that no apologies have been received.

THE HON. SPEAKER: Not as yet.  Some of these apologies come late during the proceedings here, but I know the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement, I cannot remember.

HON. T. MLISWA:  But Mr. Speaker, with due respect you make rulings.  Today – [Hon. Members: Inaudible interjections.]­

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Hon. Mliswa, I indicated that the Leader of Government Business must take charge of that issue.

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