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

HON. T. MLISWA:  My point is that you are empowered according to the Standing Rules just the same way you also ruled on me according to the Standing Rules to also do the same to the Ministers.  It has gone on and on and my appeal to you Sir, Standing Rules are very clear in terms of Ministers who fail to do that and it is important that you also make a ruling on that pertaining to their behavior, whether they will apologise or be suspended.  The Standing Rules guide us and that is the document that helps us run this Parliament and this is the reason why I am bringing it up.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Yes, thank you very much.  The Standing Orders also allow Members to bring a motion about the same issue.  So, until we get to know who exactly is absent, check with your Order Paper for tomorrow then you can move a motion accordingly –

[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] ­   Hon. Mliswa, Hon. Mliswa…

HON. T. MLISWA: Sir, they are provoking me.  My dad taught that if I am beaten up at school, I must also hit back.  They must be restrained, they are old people.  I respect them and there are some ladies who are doing that and who are old enough to be my mother.  Can they behave like mothers and not be involved in the fight of kids.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Order, order.  Can you sit down please. Hon. Member?  Hon. Mliswa, what you were told by your father is inapplicable because at that time you were not a Member of Parliament. Allow the Chair to control the House.  Thank you.

HON. MUNETSI:  Thank you very much Hon. Speaker Sir and a very good afternoon to you.  Last week, we had some public consultations on the Amendment Bill and I was surprised to see …

THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Member, ask the question, you are making a statement.  What is your question?

HON. MUNETSI: My question is, what is the Government’s policy with regard to Non­ Governmental Organisations who pay some monies to youths and women when we are doing public consultations and giving them talking points.   – [AN HON. MEMBER:  Did you see them?] ­  I saw them, I saw them.

HON. SIKHALA:  On a point of order Mr. Speaker.  – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] ­

THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Sikhala, can we be procedural?

HON. SIKHALA:  If these people continue to provoke like this Mr. Speaker and you protect them – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] – [HON. T. MLISWA: I am ready to be suspended. I am better off in my Constituency than a bunch of empty heads like these …

THE HON. SPEAKER:   Order, order.  Hon. Mliswa, order. – [HON. T. MLISWA: Why are you not reprimanding them.  Order, I will answer you.  Hon. Mliswa, can you withdraw your language again?

HON. T. MLISWA: I cannot be told to withdraw all the time when others are not told to withdraw.  It never works like that.  The law is for both sides.   Therefore, I withdraw but may they be reprimanded when it is their time.  We are also human.  Our self esteem is important when we come here.  We were elected by people.  They have the manifesto which they cannot follow and the economy is dying, why do they not work on that and call Government.  The Ministers do not come.

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