Zimbabwe, coronavirus and by-elections, is government hiding behind a finger?

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  I am being advised by the Clerk here that the PLC is still considering the S.I. in question and has not pronounced its step on the matter.

HON. CHIKWINYA:  The question does not only speak to the S.I.  The S.I. was only augmenting the gravity of the matter but he touched on a number of issues which require supplementary.

The Hon. Minister alluded to the issue that they do not take the advice from hook, line and sinker but we have seen that in all other S.Is which he has mentioned, there is reference to WHO guidelines. That is number one.

Number two; we have seen the opening of spaces that even endanger people to the extent of contravening COVID 19; exercises like political parties gathering and certainly in his case, the DCCs of ZANU PF are currently gathering.  Primary elections are happening across political parties; churches are gathering – why is it that specifically for elections, the Government is not comfortable to hold by-elections when people have the right to be represented by persons of their choice?

+HON. MATHE:  On a point of order Madam Speaker. My point of order is to see Hon. Chikwinya contributing in this Parliament.  I am pained by the way he treated me when I was contributing.  He did not treat me well as a woman yet I have a right to express myself and issues that are happening in my community in this Parliament. He insulted me Madam Speaker.  I am appealing to you to assist me because I am really pained – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Order, order Hon. Members, please may you take your seats. – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] – Order, order Hon. Members! Hon. Members, this is what we are always advised, to respect this House and always use appropriate words. Let us never denigrate women especially from you as leaders.  I have spoken to Hon. Mathe; she has understood and has gone to sit down after I assured her that will never be repeated, otherwise we will take action.

The Hon. Member also understood that since Hon. Chikwinya withdrew the offensive statement the issue has been resolved.  So let us not have a repeat of the offending issue because as women, we will act. I thank you.   – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Order, order Hon. Members, new question please, Hon. Khumalo S.S.

HON. CHIKWINYA:  On a point  of order Madam Speaker!  The Hon. Minister is yet to respond to my question.

THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. ZIYAMBI):  Thank you Madam Speaker, the first part … – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –

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