Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address in full

To enhance good governance, transparency and accountability among Private Voluntary Organisations, the Act governing these entities is going to be amended. The Bill seeks to align the Act with best practices, including on adherence to the Financial Action Task Force Standards. Proposed amendments will further ensure that PVOs operate within the thematic parameters, under which they are registered.

The Persons with Disabilities Bill is set to amend the 1992 Disabled Persons Act, informed by other contemporary legislation on disability rights.

With regards to children, the Child Justice Bill seeks to establish a child justice system for children in conflict with the law in accordance with the Constitution and international obligations. Additionally, the Guardianship of Minors Amendment Bill will amend the Guardianship of Minors Act by revising matters incidental to the definition of guardianship and custody.

Through the Administration of Justice Amendment Bill, Government intends to align the Administration of Justice Act to the Constitution.  The Judicial Laws Amendment Bill will amend the High Court Act, Labour Court Act and the Magistrates Court Act to ensure the proper functioning of the lower courts and efficient justice delivery.

The Fourth Session will consider the Prisons Amendment Bill, targeted at establishing a progressive system based on principles of rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.

The Independent Security Service Complaints Commission Bill which seeks to provide for an independent complaints mechanism by members of the public should equally be considered during this Session.

The Defence Amendment Bill; Anti-Personnel Landmines Prohibition Amendment Bill and Biological and Toxin Weapon Warfare Bill will also be tabled before the Fourth Session, in accordance with the need to fulfil our country’s international obligations.

I am also aware of the expectation to migrate to the New Parliament Building in the new city in Mt. Hampden. The progress on the construction works to date is indeed pleasing. To our Parliamentarians, I wish to reiterate the need to expedite the legislative work that lies ahead. For the remainder of this year, and going into 2022, let there be a common desire to prioritise the enactment of laws which reflect and give impetus to the developmental aspirations of our people.

Mr. Speaker Sir, Madame President,

In concluding my address, I wish to express my profound gratitude to all the people of our great country for collectively creating and sustaining an atmosphere of peace, love and unity. I urge us not to tire in doing well, working hard and building our mother country. In due season, we shall surely reap successes and prosperity in the Zimbabwe we all want and deserve.

With these remarks, it is now my singular honour and privilege to declare the Fourth Session of the Ninth Parliament of Zimbabwe duly open for business.

God bless you all.

God bless Zimbabwe.

I thank you.

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