ZANU-PF MP says opposition must apologise for telling people lies about land reform

Kwekwe legislator Masango Matambanadzo says opposition Members of Parliament, who now want their share of the land in Zimbabwe, must first apologise to the people for lying to them that they should not take up land that was being distributed by the government claiming this was a political gimmick.

In his contribution to the debate on the Land Commission Bill, Matambanadzo said: “Now that they have seen that the land programme is irreversible and is a reality; the members from the opposition should go back to the people and apologize, telling them that they misinformed them that the Land Redistribution Programme was a political gimmick.  Now they have seen the beneficiaries benefiting, succeeding and improving their lives.”

Full contribution:

*HON. MATAMBANADZO: Thank you Mr. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to make my contribution on Land Commission Bill. The Commission will now have a relook into the land redistribution programme.   I support this Bill, it is a noble one.  My request to the Commission is that, the Land Commissioners must be very careful, especially in the operations, they should be aware that we have opposition parties which are fighting against the success of this programme.  We have had experienced in the past – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –

HON. MAWONDERA: On a point or order Mr. Speaker Sir.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  What is your point or order?

HON. MAWONDERA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  Standing Order Number 93, subsection (d), is very clear that members are not allowed to waffle or to use derogatory language.  So, can the member be guided accordingly because he is waffling and using derogatory language.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Order, order.  Hon. Member who raised this point of order; please do not take over my Chair.  When the member waffles I will say so myself.  I thank you.

*HON. MATAMBANADZO: Thank you Mr. Speaker for the ruling.  I am making this contribution and I have been listening to other members making their contributions on this Bill.  I am requesting the Commissioners who will be in this Commission – I know we have opposition parties who are making contributions in this Bill.  I understand that their introduction is very good but when they come to conclusion they make some remarks which are really destructive, hence I am pleading with them that we were voted into this august House by the people so that we make constructive discussions.  It pains me when a member comes here and starts making destructive comments on such a noble Bill.

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