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NATIONAL ASSEMBLYY HANSARD 31 OCTOBER 2024

         PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE

Thursday, 31^st October, 2024

The National Assembly met at a Quarter-past Two o’clock p.m.

PRAYERS

(THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair)

         *HON. GANYIWA: Thank you and good afternoon Madam Speaker. I stand up this afternoon with my point of national interest, which is reminding each other and all Government departments, especially the Civil Protection Unit  which falls under the Ministry of Local Government, not only the department but together with other departments which intervene during times of various forms of crises. For example, when the rain season starts, we need to be prepared. We need to be ready to assist those who face different challenges such as flooding, which normally affects people`s houses and their livelihoods. This normally comes during the early rains which come as we prepare for the farming season.

         As I am speaking, there are several schools that have been affected. Some schools have been blown away. So, I saw it fit to stand to remind each other that as Government, we must be prepared to assist teachers because their houses are being blown away. It is affecting the roofs and people`s homes in rural areas. This is what prompted me to raise this point which is a challenge that we are already facing and we have faced that before. In Chiredzi East, we experienced that. In Beitbridge, this also happened. So, I wanted to raise this point so that we remind each other if there are any measures that can be brought to this august House so that the responsible departments inform us of the preparations that they have in place for this crisis. This is a burden which is being carried by MPs of different constituencies who are here. They might end up facing bigger challenges, yet they already have other burdens. I thank you.     

*HON. NYABANI: Thank you Hon. Speaker Ma’am. I want to start by thanking His Excellency, President Dr. Mnangagwa. In the past, CDF was being disbursed once in five years but His Excellency saw that five years is a long period so he decided that CDF should be distributed yearly. I heard that 50 000 was availed, I do not know whether my colleagues have received their 50 000 already because it has been long since this has been highlighted and mentioned. I thought that with the challenges that are happening, the roofs that are being blown away, CDF was going to cater for that.

Now, CDF has not been distributed. Firstly, what is the challenge and when can we anticipate receiving CDF?  Secondly, we must not be begging as Members of Parliament, if we were promised to be given something, then it must come right on time. For example, if we are getting travelling allowances fuel, I cannot remember when we last received those allowances. We were told that there are constituency offices to be built were prepared for us in rural areas and I set up in place all the modalities but now, it is quiet. I do not know whether there are people who want us to beg so that they do their jobs. Should we just be talking that we need fuel to visit people who are facing the different plights? We are talking about allowances which allow us to go to our constituencies to reach out to our people. Should we continue begging or should we come to this House? The Administration of Parliament knows what MPs should be receiving. We might be here until the end of the day and coupons are not ready. What do you want us to do?

         Representing people in Parliament is not just representing people. We want to speak through you Madam Speaker Ma’am. As Members of Parliament, we must not continue saying we want fuel to go to rural areas. People should not rush for fuel on Thursday but fuel should be availed on Monday up to Wednesday. So, I feel deeply pained and I have hypertension already. We want to know the format and the formula which should be used so that we do not continue saying we do not have fuel, allowances and CDF. We want the whole country to know that the CDF amounting to USD50 000 that we were told and which we were supposed to be given has not yet been received. Is it 50 000? Let it be said so that we know how much we were given. If it is ZiG or USD50 000, we must be told when we are going to receive it. I thank you.

         *THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Nyabani. Your points have been noted but for today, I have no comment on that. We are going to consult so that we bring comprehensive information and adequate responses explaining the different points that you mentioned. I will not lie to you but I want to consult and bring a concrete response next week but one. – [AN. HON. MEMBER: Toenda sei kuBulawayo tisina maallowances?]- I have responded and I have mentioned that it has been noted.

         HON. MHETU: I rise on a point of national interest regarding the economic environment in Zimbabwe. Our economy is becoming increasingly hostile for businesses and we could soon witness an exodus of companies if this trend continues. This is evidenced by the closure of Unilever, Truworths and recent reports that Choppies, a leading supermarket chain based in Botswana is considering pulling out of Zimbabwe.

         Choppies’s experience is worrisome because it is doing well in other SADC countries. It is only in Zimbabwe where it is facing operational challenges. It is a clear indication of our business environment that is problematic. Closure of big companies triggers unemployment, something we cannot afford as our unemployment rate is already incredibly high. Only 46.3 % Zimbabweans of working age are employed according to statistics released by ZIMSTAT earlier this year. Without urgent efforts to address currency instability and inflation, more business are likely to follow the Choppies route. It is imperative that Zimbabwe stabilises its currency and create an environment where businesses can thrive. The National Development Strategy 1, speaks on creating 760 000 formal jobs by 2025. Such targets cannot be met when major companies continue to close. I so submit Madam Speaker.                 

         THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Mhetu. Your concerns are noted but I thought maybe you were going to ask for a Ministerial Statement so that the responsible Minister will come to this House with a Ministerial Statement and Hon. Members will have time to interrogate and ask questions.

         HON. MHETU: I am guided Madam Speaker Ma’am.

         HON. MATEWU: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. Although one of the points has been mentioned by Hon. Nyabani, I want to stress Madam Speaker that it has been nine months since we got our allowances. I am not sure about you but the Members of Parliament in this House have had nine months without any allowance. That is why you see this House is half empty. It is half empty because sometimes most of us are now going into business which is really killing the work of this Parliament because we need to survive and our families also need to survive. I emplore you to get in contact with whoever it is to give Members of Parliament their allowances because I do not know think we will even go to Bulawayo without our allowances. I thank you Madam Speaker.

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Matewu. Your concern is noted.

MOTION

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

HON. KARIKOGA: Good afternoon Madam Speaker. I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 3 be stood over until Order of Day Number 4 has been disposed of. 

HON. MUSHORIWA:  Thank you Madam Speaker, I want to second but before I do that, I want to raise one pertinent issue. You will notice that from the time the President came and delivered his SONA address, he urged us as a House to ensure that we process the Bills that he raised in the SONA and some which have been there. Right now, Madam Speaker, for the past two weeks, there has not been any Minister that has come. The Minister of Public Service has got the Disability Bill which is here and Members here have been coming day in and day out, ready to debate, the Ministers are not there. The Parks and Wildlife Bill, Members are coming here ready to debate but the Minister is not there.

Madam Speaker, we cannot continue to have a situation where Ministers disregard this Parliament. More importantly, they disregard the Head of State. I think this cannot continue. Right now, on a Thursday, a Government Business Day, we now have to go through other motions when in reality, we should be pursuing our legislative agenda. aeHeHH

Madam Speaker, this is a cause for concern and I think we need to implore your office to make sure that you liaise with the Leader of Government Business, if need be, to even take this matter to the Head of State to simply say that Parliament is being paralysed by the Executive arm of Government. Having said that Madam Speaker, I second the motion.

Motion put and agreed to.

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Thank you Hon. Mushoriwa. On that matter, I am going to engage the Leader of Government Business so that the Ministers will come to this House and do their work.

MOTION

PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS

Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.

Question again proposed.

HON. MAHACHI:  Thank you Madam Speaker. Thank you for allowing me to add my voice on the SONA debate. Before I delve into the core of my motion today, allow me to first acknowledge and thank the insightful and forward-looking SONA delivered by His Excellency, the President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 2^nd October 2024. The President laid out a comprehensive evaluation of our nation’s progress and the challenges we continue to face. He reminded us that we stand at a critical juncture and that the successful implementation of the National Development Strategy (NDS2) is pivotal to achieving the goals set forth in Vision 2030, the transformation of Zimbabwe into an upper-middle income economy. His call for unity, hard work and innovation was a clarion call for us as legislators to ensure that NDS2 becomes more than just a policy framework but a dynamic tool for national transformation.

Today, I rise to initiate a critical discussion on the NDS2 implementation. While NDS1 has certainly set the stage for growth and recovery, there are key areas where our focus must be sharpened, policies refined and oversight strengthened to ensure that we achieve the targets of inclusive growth, industiralisation and sustainable development.

Madam Speaker, Members of Parliament, let us begin by reflecting on the foundation laid by NDS1. The NDS1 was instrumental in stabilising key sectors of our economy, especially agriculture, infrastructure and energy. We saw improvements in food security through the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, road rehabilitation efforts and renewed efforts in mining, which remains the backbone of our economy. These accomplishments are commendable and deserve our recognition.

However, as we transition into NDS2, we are acutely aware that significant challenges remain. As outlined in the State of the Nation Address, the President emphasised the need for economic diversification. This is a key pillar of NDS2 and I wholeheartedly endorse the call for Zimbabwe to reduce its over-reliance on agriculture and mining. These sectors, while critical, expose us to risks such as adverse weather conditions, fluctuating global commodity prices and market volatility.

Therefore, NDS2 must foster the growth of new and emerging sectors particularly, in the areas of digital economy, renewable energy, ICT and technology-driven industries. We need to actively promote tech start-ups, innovation hubs and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) as engines of job creation. The digital economy offers immense potential for growth and I propose that the Government prioritises the expansion of high-speed internet infrastructure to ensure connectivity, especially in rural areas. This will empower our youth to tap into the global digital marketplace and promote e-commerce, e-health and e-education services.

The President’s emphasis on scaling up production in the gold and precious minerals sector resonates deeply with the aspirations of my constituency, Mutare North, which is abundantly blessed with lithium, diamond and gold deposits. While we celebrate the growing investment in our mining sector and the increasing demand for energy minerals, we must ensure that this prosperity reaches our mining communities. As we draft the NDS2, I strongly advocate for the explicit inclusion of comprehensive development plans for mining towns and their surrounding communities.

The case of Chiadzwa serves as both a reminder of our mineral wealth and our responsibility to local communities. The families relocated from Chiadzwa to ARDA Transau deserve sustainable access to clean water, which remains a pressing concern. This basic necessity must be prioritised in our development agenda to ensure their dignity and wellbeing.

Furthermore, the Marange-Riverside and Odzi-Mt. Zuma Roads require urgent attention. The rehabilitation of these roads is not merely about convenience, it is fundamental to rural industrialisation, a vision clearly articulated by His Excellency. I particularly welcome His Excellency’s announcement regarding the modified Nhimbe/Ilima Programme, which will see provincial road authorities pooling equipment into single construction units for prioritised local projects. This initiative, with its promised Government funding and technical support, presents a perfect opportunity for addressing our infrastructure needs in our mining communities. I strongly urge that the Chiadzwa/Marange access roads be prioritised under this modified Nhimbe/Ilima Programme.

This modified approach aligns perfectly with our vision for mining towns development as it demonstrates Government’s commitment to providing both the funding and technical expertise needed for crucial infrastructure projects. The synergy between the Nhimbe/Ilima Programme and mining sector development cannot be overstated. Let us, therefore, commit to a strategy that channels mineral wealth back into the communities from which it originates, empowering places like Odzi to become self-sustaining and thriving contributors to our nation’s economy.

Madam Speaker, one of the greatest lessons we learned from NDS1 is the need for better policy coordination. Too often, ministries and Government agencies operate in silos leading to delays, duplication of efforts and inefficiencies. The NDS2 must address these bottlenecks by strengthening the coordination between Government departments, parastatals and local authorities.

The strategic development of Osbourne Dam, Odzi River and surrounding water bodies in Mutare North holds immense potential to transform local communities. Through comprehensive utilisation of these water resources, over 1000 families could establish sustainable irrigation systems, ensuring year-round agricultural production regardless of rainfall patterns. This water infrastructure could serve as a crucial buffer against climate variability, enabling communities to grow diverse crops and create reliable food sources not just for themselves, but for the broader region. The expansion of irrigated farming would strengthen food security, generate income opportunities and build climate resilience for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, we cannot discuss national development without addressing the existential threat posed by climate change. The President highlighted the increasing frequency of natural disasters such as droughts and cyclones, which continue to affect our agriculture, water resources and infrastructure. The NDS2 must place climate resilience and green growth at the heart of its agenda. However, for Zimbabwe to truly thrive amid climate challenges, we must transition to climate-smart agriculture nationwide. By equipping our farmers with drought resistant seeds, water harvesting technologies and precision farming methods, we can build resilience and improve food security. 

         Hon. Members, we must also prioritise renewable energy as a corner stone for our industrialisation.  Our land is endowed with abundant solar, wind and geothermal resources.  It is time we scale up investments in these areas. Solar farms, hydro plants and wind energy projects must be expanded to reduce our carbon footprint, create sustainable jobs and secure our energy future. 

Further, NDS2 calls for ambitious yet achievable measures in water management.  This includes expanded investments in dam construction, irrigation, infrastructure and advanced water harvesting systems.   By embracing these solutions, we can mitigate the impact of unpredictable rainfall and fortify our agricultural sector.  This is not just a strategy for survival, it is a pathway to prosperity.  Madam Speaker Ma’am, His Excellency, the President emphasised the need for inclusive growth during his address and this must be a key focus of NDS 2.   We cannot build a prosperous nation if large segments of our population are excluded from the benefits of development.  NDS2 must address socio-economic inequality by expanding socio-economic inequality including healthcare, education and social welfare programmes.

Madam Speaker Ma’am, as we pursue the goals set in NDS2, ensuring universal access to quality healthcare and education must be a top priority, particularly for women, children and vulnerable groups.  In Mutare North, for instance, the pressing need to revamp and upgrade facilities such as Odzi Clinic and Marange Clinic to district hospitals cannot be overstated.  These healthcare centres are vital for communities they save, yet they require urgent investment to improve infrastructure, supply essential medicine and increase staff capacity to adequately meet local needs.

Equally, we must address the educational infrastructure gap in these areas by building more schools.  Expanding access to education in Mutare North is essential for nurturing the next generation, reducing school dropouts and empowering our youths to unlock their full potential. 

Additionally, under NDS2, engineering and entrepreneurship will enable young people to participate meaningfully in our economy, bridging the divide between urban and rural areas.  By investing comprehensively in healthcare, education and skill-building, we fulfill NDS2’s vision of inclusive and equitable development, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s growth story is shared by all. 

Lastly, accountability must be a core pillar of NDS2. As custodians of public resources, we have a duty to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely and delivers value for the people of Zimbabwe.  We must establish robust mechanisms for public financial management, monitoring and auditing of NDS2 projects.  Parliament has a crucial role to play in this regard – providing oversight and holding the Executive to account on the implementation of the NDS2. 

Madam Speaker Ma’am, esteemed Members of Parliament, as we reflect on the State of the Nation Address (SONA), it is clear that the National Development Strategy 2 will be pivotal to the realisation of our national aspirations.  While it provides a vision for a resilient, inclusive and diversified economy, it is up to us to ensure that vision is realised through concrete action.   The future of Zimbabwe rests in our hands and we must approach this task with a commitment to equity, innovation and sustainability.  As Kwame Nkrumah once said; “The task ahead is great indeed and heavy is the responsibility; and yet it is a noble and glorious challenge.”  Let this challenge inspire us to fully engage in NDS2, fostering debate and offering solutions that will propel Zimbabwe towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all citizens.  I thank you.

^*HON. NKANI:  Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am for giving me this opportunity.  Let me start by thanking Hon. Kambuzuma who moved the motion pertaining to the State of the Nation Address BY His Excellency President E. D. Mnangagwa which focused at where we are coming from and where we are going. 

I want to start by congratulating His Excellency for taking over the Chairmanship of the SADC region.  Let me start by talking about the vision of His Excellency, President E. D. Mnangagwa.  His vision is that Zimbabwe should have a middle-class economy by 2030.  How do we attain that vision? We will attain that vision by following what His Excellency would have told us as the head of Government including this august House.  We need to follow and to adhere to his guidance towards vision 2030.  For us to embrace vision 2030 with a middle-class economy, the President talks about peace as the key.  He emphasises the need for peace.

I want to thank the People of Zimbabwe for paying attention to the President’s clarion call for peace even those who used to burn tyres along roads have desisted from that. Development cannot come when there is violence. Instead of going to till our land, we will be insulting each other but I appreciate that the people of Zimbabwe have listened and I want to urge the people of Zimbabwe to continue in the same vein.  I also want to talk about development and looking at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, it is evident that there is development.  Our roads are being rehabilitated, a lot of roads that is Harare/Beitbridge Road and others.  In Harare, the road from the CBD to Mt. Hampden that leads to New Parliament is also a good example. I cannot mention urban areas only.

         I want to refer to my constituency in Chakari, the road from Golden Valley to Sanyati, Gokwe is being rehabilitated and I appreciate that. There are small roads that are being gravelled, for example, the Chegutu/ Chakari Road. The grader is on the ground as I am speaking right now.  Then there is the Kadoma to the old Chakari Road, gravel has been laid on that road and it is still work in progress. On the same note….

         HON. M. SIBANDA: On a point of order Madam President. 

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is your point of order?

HON. M. SIBANDA: I think the speaker is generalising, particularly on the roads.  In Matabeleland, we have not seen that – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  You may proceed Hon. Nkani.

*HON. NKANI:  Thank you Hon. Speaker.  I believe the Hon. Member is not listening.  I am talking about Chakari, the constituency I represent.  I want to talk about the movement of people.  I spoke about buses, in particular ZUPCO that we requested in the rural areas, Chakari to be specific. Now that the roads are in a good state, I request the Ministry of Local Government to provide ZUPCO buses so that we can have transport in Sanyati and Chakari constituencies.

The ZUPCO buses were bought and we are happy but we have not yet received them in rural areas. Now, there are a few ZUPCO buses and are not in good condition.  Our request is that we need buses in the rural areas because Government, through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, is fixing all the roads, even roads that are in the rural areas.

I want to talk about water also, His Excellency, the President talked about the need for the people of Zimbabwe to have access to clean water and water for irrigation in the case of droughts.  Our livelihoods now depend on irrigation. I appreciate the programme which was initiated by His Excellency, the President on the issue of drilling boreholes.  Even though the pace might not be as fast as we have anticipated.  In Chakari, we have 10 wards, five wards have no boreholes. 

In the other five wards, we have one or two boreholes per ward.  I wanted to be clear that when His Excellency the President launches an initiative like the borehole drilling scheme, the responsible Ministry must hit the ground running and implement the vision by His Excellency, the President.

So, this should be done in an orderly manner, instead of sinking 20 boreholes in one area and few in other areas, there should be equity.  I now move on to dams; because of climate, there is need for scooping of dams. I heard the Hon. Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement talking about scooping and desiltation.  The Hon. Minster said that it is expensive to desilt a dam, so as a Member of Parliament, I can hire a scooper with the limited budget I have as a Member of Parliament. I request that the responsible ministry should put effort in the building of new dams so that our livestock have water and our people will benefit. 

I also want to talk about agricultural inputs and implements that are now needed as we approach the farming season. I want to appreciate that in Chakari, we launched this programme, the Presidential Input Scheme and the inputs are being distributed to communities.  Some have already starting receiving the inputs.   I request the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion that when people have farmed and harvested, when they take their harvest to the Grain Marketing Board, they must be given their money, ZiG or USD.

Lastly, I want to talk about the Mines and Minerals Act which was mentioned by His Excellency, the President.   We have a big problem that where we stay, we know that Zimbabwe’s economy relies on mining.  We have big mines that have over two thousand claims and they are lying idle yet we have our young people who are not employed.  They cannot go there and they are not allowed to benefit from such.  I request that we expedite the Mines and Minerals Act so that the Act is reviewed.  Our people must be able to benefit.

I also want to talk about Rio-Zim, we had meetings and the issue was taken up to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development and I appreciate that they gave us 50 blocks, which we allocated to our young people and right now, they have already started the project. I thank you Hon. Speaker.

HON. MHETU:  I thank you Hon. Speaker for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the State of the Nation Address.  I would like to comment on various achievements highlighted by His Excellency, the President. Firstly, on the mining sector growth, His Excellency, the President spoke positively on the mining sector’s performance and the Sovereign Wealth Fund.  However, there is need to address the environmental degradation concerns which are being raised.

There is also urgent need to consider reports of poor labour practices which are prevalent in the mining sectors, concerns that the communities are not benefiting from the local mining activities.  On the infrastructural development, Hon. Speaker, there is no country which can succeed without proper rail, water and road facilities. 

Though the President spoke about the Nhimbe programme which seeks to pool resources for infrastructural development, it is unfortunate to say that this programme and previous ones have not brought about adequate development.  Most of our roads are in a terrible state, there has been no rail development to talk about over the last couple of years.  The water situation is a nightmare and this is what we need, I am just proposing two things. 

A modern transport system, which should include multiple travel, including rail which are trains, light rail which are trams, micro-mobility devices like electric bicycles, scooters, a proper bus system among others.  Madam Speaker, the biggest indication that the country does not have the proper transportation system is a nation’s fascination with private cars.

When you see people being overly obsessed with ownership of private cars, just know that you have failed as a nation in terms of transport provision. In countries with proper transport system, everybody uses public transport. Some people even die and live without ever owning a car, not because they do not have the money to buy one but because it is not necessary for them to do so. This is the direction in which we need as a country.

Proper water provision infrastructure. Our major cities are reeling from effects of a terrible water crises. The Government needs to speed up the implementation projects meant to improve this situation. This includes Kunzvi Dam, Gwayi- Shangani pipe line project, Nyamandlovu aquifer and a pipeline drawing water from Marondera via Epworth.

I am going to speak a little bit about the energy crises which the President touched on. The President’s acknowledgement of low power generation and the involvement of independent power producers is a welcome and much needed measure. I fully support this initiation which aligns with what I have been actively pushing for in Parliament in addition to these efforts. We also need to do the following, optimise Kariba Dam’s power generating capacity.

Lake Kariba is the biggest man-made dam in the entire world in terms of water capacity, yet elsewhere, many dams which are much smaller in terms of water capacity produce more electricity than Kariba Dam. This is because we are not using our resources efficiently. We should study dams that are smaller than Kariba but are producing more power than us such as the Revelstoke Dam in Canada and the Shruti Dam in China.

We need to maximise the potential of existing and upcoming dams, power stations should be built to tap up into the existing and upcoming dams such as Kunzvi Dam so that they can contribute to the power grid.

The President touched on education and I am going to speak on just two things about education. On the issue of modernising education, the President correctly highlighted the need for a strong educational foundation to drive our nation’s industrialisation. However, there is urgent concern about proliferation of unregistered tertiary institutions offering unaccredited qualifications. This situation is undermining the quality of education for many of our young people who are unwittingly enrolling in these institutions. Also, there is the issue of commercialisation of products from University Hubs and industrial parts which the President touched on. The Government should intervene decisively by creating an online platform that lists all accredited institutions accessible to parents and students. This will ensure that people make informed decisions and avoid wasting resources on unaccredited programmes. It is a straight forward solution that can drastically reduce the number of fraudulent institutions taking advantage of unsuspecting students.

Encourage the export of products from University Hubs to countries that offer duty free access, for example Chinhoyi University of Technology is already exporting rock melons. The Government should promote such initiative to target countries like Norway, which provides duty relief through the generalised system of preference, they call it GSP to developing countries.  Allowing them to export goods without duty, exporting goods duty free will result in more realisation of profits and faster business growth.

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, the Government must walk the talk. If we are to truly achieve the goals laid out in the President’s address, I urge this House to critically examine the promises made and ensure that the polices put forward are not just ambitious but are SMART; that is specific measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound. I so submit. 

HON. DAVID BUTAU:  Good afternoon, Madam Speaker, I am immensely privileged to proffer my gratitude to His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe Dr. E. D Mnangagwa for a well-received State of the Nation Address (SONA). I offer my appreciation for his visionary and pragmatic approach to economic development. The SONA espouses multiple economic policies that are meant to ensure that under NDS1 policy framework achieves middle income status by 2023. The quittance of any economic framework that ought to impel economic growth and economic development are namely energy and energy infrastructure, transport and transport infrastructure, agriculture, mining and bio medical research which is critical for agriculture and our pharmaceutical industry. These are the key pillars that the President speaks to.

Zimbabwe is on the right course, a right consequence of the leadership of His Excellency, the President and the First Secretary of ZANU-PF in case others may be delusional. We can achieve our aspirations if we all play our part in supporting the President’s vision. The Zimbabwean people must also be realistic because Zimbabwe is under a cruel and illegal sanctions regime. I know that there are some Members in this House who are not well informed about sanctions -[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear]- 

I would like to share some village knowledge about sanctions. When the western governments proclaim that they have imposed sanctions on a country, it is not a joke. Sometimes it maybe sugar coated for the gullible ones and less exposed among us to think that sanctions are a joke. Executive orders and beacon of measures by their nature, are highly complex. So, I would understand if others do not quite appreciate their impact on our country.

In the case of Zimbabwe, these measures have a charge over effect on all economic activities because they operate within the global banking and financial systems which I am also aware that others are not familiar with. Government, enterprises and individuals cannot open bank facilities to access offshore markets. Those are sanctions.  You can check with South Africa, you can check with Stanbic here in Zimbabwe.  If you are a Member of this House, you are a PEP.  Go and check.

Enterprises that seek new technologies to improve beneficiation are curtailed from such efforts under the guise of lack of financial guarantees.  These are sanctions.  New investors cannot raise funds from international houses because no bank or financial institution can underwrite either their public offering or their private placements.  A critical and classic example is Invictus which is trying to develop oil and gas facilities in Mbire District and this is in my home area so I know it well.

Madam Speaker, this has a direct impact on all citizens of Zimbabwe, those who believe that sanctions are there and those who choose not to.  We are hostage to the few investors that use parent companies in home country to finance guarantees to support agriculture and mining investments.  Companies that are extracting platinum, just as an illustration Madam Speaker, export semi-processed platinum matte that has a nominal value of $900 per ounce;  that same ounce transforms as soon as it leaves Zimbabwean borders to a value of $4,500 per ounce.  It means we are exporting value in excess of 300% for free.  We are a generous nation, Madam Speaker, because of sanctions.

The energy sector is no exception.  Our farmers and industrialists are forced to pay 12c to 20c per kilowatt hour simply because ZESA has no access to lines of credit, both local and offshore. 

HON. MADZIVANYIKA:  On a point of order Madam Speaker.

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  What is your point of order?

HON. MADZIVANYIKA:  Thank you Madam Speaker.  I want to put it on record that Zimbabwe's failure to access lines of credit is not as a result of sanctions.  It is as a result of – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.]-

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Hon. Madzivanyika, you will have your time to debate.

HON. MADZIVA:  It is important to tell the truth, Madam Speaker.

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  You will have your time to debate. Please take your seat.

HON. BUTAU:  Madam Speaker, thank you very much.  I really appreciate your protection, especially because you are one of the female leaders from my province.  For the sake of illiteracy and ignorance that maybe resident in some Members in this House – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –

HON. MUTSEYAMI:  Point of order, Madam Speaker.

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  May we have order in the house.  Please, may we have order.

*HON. MUTSEYAMI:  On a point of order Hon. Madam Speaker.  The words that were said by the Hon. Member are insulting because when the Hon. Member says that we are born with ignorance, it is insulting.  It is not parliamentary.  It cannot be said by a Member of Parliament that some people do not think, yet we were elected by people.  Let us use constructive language.  Let us not be insulting to each other.  Insulting each other is not right.

HON. MUGWADI:  On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Hon. Mugwadi, please take your seat.  You cannot stand over another point of order. Please, may you follow the procedures.

*HON. MUTSEYAMI:  That is my request, Madam Speaker, that we must not be insulted by another Member.  May the Hon. Member be diplomatic.  He must also exercise courtesy when communicating.  The Hon. Member cannot just insult others.

*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Hon. Butau, can you please communicate in a dignified manner because we respond differently to different situations.

HON. MOLOKELA-TSIYE:  On a point of order Madam Speaker.

*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Hon. Members, those who want to contribute to the debate will be given the opportunity to speak.  May you allow the Hon. Member to speak – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –

HON. MOLOKELA-TSIYE:  It is my right to have a point of order – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] – Shut up!

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Hon. Molokela, please withdraw the words shut up.

HON. MOLOKELA-TSIYE:  I just stood up to do a point of order and someone andituka.  It is a point of order.  It is a right.

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Hon. Molekela, withdraw.

HON. MOLOKELA-TSIYE:  I withdraw Madam Speaker.  Point of order Madam Speaker.

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  You may proceed.

HON. MOLOKELA-TSIYE:  Thank you Madam Speaker.  I rise on a point of order in direct – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] -  why are you switching me off?  It is my right to speak.

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Hon. Members please may we behave like Hon. Members?

         HON. MOLOKELA-TSIYE: I rise on a point of order Madam Speaker.  This is in direct response to what you said a few minutes ago, it was very unparliamentary and not worth of you as a Speaker.  It has brought our august House into disrepute because if you can refer back to the Hansard, the words that you used are not parliamentary and not fit for someone who is sitting at the Chair of Speaker – [AN HON. MEMBER: Gara pasi iwe] - I rise because as a Parliamentarian, I feel I have not been respected of my dignity as a duly elected Member of Parliament and I am willing to take this matter up with the Hon. Speaker of Parliament.  Because kuti munhu haana kusvinura, I am very intelligent you cannot insult me like that, you must withdraw those words, they are very unparliamentary and they are not worth... 

         Hon. Molokele-Tsiye’s microphone having been switched off.

         *HON. MOLOKELA-TSIYE: I have a point of order, please do not switch me off.  It is unparliamentary Madam Speaker, you are insulting the dignity of other Parliamentarians and you must withdraw.

*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Ndazvinzwa Hon. Member, ndanga ndichida kuedza kuti nguva yokuziva zvinhu inosiyanasiyana – [AN HON. MEMBER: Precisely Madam Speaker Ma’am, precisely.] –

HON. MOLOKELA-TSIYE: Hon. Butau did not withdraw and you did not withdraw. 

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  I have understood Hon. Molokela, I withdraw the word kusvinura.

HON. BUTAU: Thank you Madam Speaker – [AN HON MEMBER: Gamatox!] – Are you the Speaker?

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Order, Hon. Sithole, manga muchideedzera kuti gamatox nyarara, ndakanyatsokutarisai.  Apa ndakuregererai, if you continue I am going to ask you to leave the House. 

*HON. S. SITHOLE:  Madam Speaker, there are many Hon. Sitholes, please clarify which Sithole because people will think that it is me. 

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Hon. Butau, can you continue?

HON. BUTAU:  Thank you Madam Speaker.  In Shona, there is an adage which says that the guilty is always afraid, if you are not guilty, then why are you afraid and if you are not ignorant? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] -

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Order! Hon. Butau, may you please debate the motion. 

HON. BUTAU:  Thank you Madam Speaker.  I want to make a very good illustration. Stanbic Bank was given the mandate to fundraise for ZESA and ZESCO in Zambia.  The funds were coming from the European Union.  I am putting a lot of emphasis on this because we continue and have endured the past 12 months of people who do not understand and who are ignorant about what sanctions are. 

Stanbic Bank was mandated by the EU to raise 130 million dollars for the Kariba plant for rehabilitation.  They had to apply to OFAC for a special licence to handle that financial transaction….

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Hon. Butau, you are left with five minutes.

HON. BUTAU:  I come from a North Eastern District in Mashonaland Central called Mbire.  Our district thrives and survives through tourism and because of sanctions, the tourists do not come anymore. They are told in their countries that there is a lot of chaos in Zimbabwe, it is risky and these things are affecting the livelihoods of the very people that I represent.  So, if someone chooses not to take that as sanctions, I take offence.

We have a Government programme that was developed by the Government of Zimbabwe called CAMPFIRE.  It survives through tourism.  This programme is under threat because we do not have linkages and transfer flights that should bring tourists to Zimbabwe because of sanctions. 

Madam Speaker, I need to share these facts so that we are clear that we should stop these divisions whether they are a product of lack of knowledge – I am trying to mould my words so that I do not offend those who are not exposed to literacy – [HO. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections] - I wish to give my closing remarks because I see that I am facing a hostile left wing of the House.  I have accepted that we have challenges with dealing with reality, absolutely.  I wish to say that sometimes you get this impression that the western countries have not learnt from history. I do not want to sound like I am accusing them of not learning from history but a good illustration is that just before Mbuya Nehanda was executed by the colonialists, the words were, “there are enough resources in this country for all of us, those who have come to live with us, the white people with no knees and those of us who live here”. That message was ignored then. President Mnangagwa has reiterated the same message and I wish to quote that message, “we are friends to everyone and enemy to none.” This is not a new culture of the Zimbabwean people. We have a listening President. Those on the left side that have grievances, the President also happens to be the Chair of SADC.

         So, you now have a consolidated portal where you can take all these grievances that you have. I would like to appeal to our trading partners…

         THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Butau, please may you wind up?

         HON. BUTAU: Thank you Madam Speaker. I would like to appeal to our trading partners that we are not a charity case as a country. We want to trade and we do not want charity. I want to appeal to our all-weather friends China, that we are looking for the most favoured nation status at international law and we are not looking to burden them with basket demands. I thank you Madam Speaker for granting me this opportunity to deal with this hostile left wing of the House.

         THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon. Butau, please may you withdraw that hostile left wing of the House?

         HON. BUTAU: Madam Speaker, I would like to withdraw the statement that I made, the hostile, the left side of the House. –[AN HON. MEMBER: Go back to gamatox]-

         *HON. NYABANI: The Hon. Member who said gamatox should withdraw.

         *THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: What does it mean to say gamatox?

         *HON. NYABANI: Hon. Speaker, whatever it means, we know that gamatox is a pesticide, so we do not know whether they are referring to the Hon. Member as a pesticide.

         THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Who said gamatox? –[AN HON. MEMBER: It is Hon. Molokela]- Hon. Molokela, please withdraw that because gamatox is a pesticide.

         HON. MOLOKELA-TSIYE: I cannot withdraw because there is no one called gamatox. Is there anyone by the name gamatox? Sorry Hon. Speaker, there is no one called gamatox although Butau is a bit suspicious.

         *HON. MUDZINGWA: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am for giving me the opportunity to stand up to contribute to the State of the Nation Address which was presented by His Excellency, President Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa. I want to thank God for giving us a President who cares for his people and a President who is peace loving. The President emphasised on the issue of peace. When there is peace, there is development. When there is peace and there is no war, then as women we are able to thrive because when there is war, women die and children die.

I want to thank His Excellency because when we talk about peace, he is assisting us as women and children. He also spoke of perseverance. As people, we must know that we go through different challenges but the President urged us to be patient. I was just thinking on my own that you find women being patient and lenient in their marriages. You will be trying to work on your marriage. So, let us be patient so that our nation thrives because our nation will be built by its people. Some people say that it is the owners of the land who destroy their own land. Let us not destroy our country but let us build it as Zimbabweans.

His Excellency also spoke about agriculture. As a nation, we faced a big challenge last year because we did not get adequate rains which resulted in us experiencing a drought. The President came up with several interventions and he also provided food to school children. This is a challenge and you find children going to school without a lunch box but His Excellency decided that our children should be fed in schools. He also said that no one is going to die of hunger. It does not matter who you are and no one is going to be discriminated. The President is distributing food throughout the country so that the people of Zimbabwe are well fed without choosing people on their political affiliation or on their religious persuasions. 

We thank His Excellency because he loves us. Sometimes we do not appreciate but we need to appreciate the good works of His Excellency because what he is doing is commendable. The President spoke about the local currency ZiG, this is our money. Other currencies are not our local currency. Our local currency is the ZiG. We must embrace our currency and we must be proud of our currency. We must give it the respect it deserves because it is our money. It is ours. Sometimes you find people refusing or denying their own mother but preferring the mother next door. This is our money. Our money is ZiG. We must honour and respect it and use it for transactions. The President said that.

Let me also talk about roads. I do not like fighting. The President also spoke about roads and the road network – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] – The President also spoke about roads - – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] – May I be protected Madam Speaker?

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  May we have order, may the Hon. Member be heard in silence?

HON. MUSHORIWA:  On a point of order Madam Speaker. The Hon. Member, instead of sticking to the debate, has gone to state that she is a war veteran and is threatening violence – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] – Madam Speaker, whilst we need to acknowledge our freedom fighters for bringing independence to Zimbabwe, I think the Hon. Member is off the mark to then use that as a means that she can do violence in the House.

*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Hon. Mudzingwa, please do not use such threatening words.

*HON. MUDZINGWA:  Madam Speaker, the President also spoke about roads and the roads that we see are quite beautiful from Beitbridge to Chirundu. The President said it is as if you would drop a biscuit and pick it up because of the beauty of our roads…

*HON. GWANGWABA:  On a point of order Madam Speaker. I am requesting the Hon. Member to debate about SONA and not mention Chirundu Road which is in a bad state. It does not give a clear picture.

*THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER:  Honourable, she has seen the road in a good state. If you are seeing the road as in a bad state, I will give you time to debate. Proceed Honourable.

*HON. MUDZINGWA:  Madam Speaker, I went to Zambia, the road is not that bad but the Chirundu Road needs rehabilitation here and there. I also want to talk about the Mbudzi interchange.  When you go there, you would ask yourself whether you are in Zimbabwe because of the quality of the interchange. What is taking place at the interchange is quite amazing. You would marvel at the beauty of the Mbudzi interchange. The President promised that in a short time, the cars will be using the interchange from different directions. You would marvel at the beauty of such creation.

I went to the Airport Madam Speaker. The airport is beautiful. I compared it to a certain international airport and ours is far ahead. I also want to mention the road which is being worked on. The President also mentioned the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road which the President said is the next project that is being worked on so that our visitors and tourists will come in their numbers and will travel on a beautiful road. We appreciate that initiative.

The President also spoke about provision of water. Where I come from, there is Muchekeranwa Dam which was constructed and because of its size, you might not be able to determine its length and breath but this is amazing. Sometimes you end up eating dried vegetables, not because you are desperate but because we have a lot of vegetables, fish and other relish in abundance. So, we eat dried vegetables, mufushwa because we love it.

In the past, vegetables were dried to preserve them so that people would have relish when it is dry but now, you would find that there are dams in Muchekeranwa and other areas. There are also irrigation schemes because of the New Dispensation of Cde. E. D. Mnangagwa. He also initiated the borehole drilling scheme and I love His Excellency for that. We appreciate that. In every village, there is a borehole. In the past, women would be carrying children on their backs, walking for a kilometre or so to go and get water. Now they have access to water in their homes. There are a lot of boreholes and people have access to boreholes in their homes.

It is not easy for a pregnant woman to carry a bucket. It was painful but President Mnangagwa saw it fit to initiate the programme of drilling of boreholes so that people have boreholes in their homes. I went to the Beitbridge Border Post, going to South Africa in the past, we would ask ourselves where we could wash our faces but now there are so many taps at the border post. There is a lot of water at the border post.

The President also spoke about mines and minerals. He spoke about minerals like lithium. Where I come from, there is lithium and there are 1 500 young people who are employed in lithium mines. These are the jobs that are being provided by the new dispensation.  The President also said that we need to preserve our minerals so that we would be able to develop our nation then the nation would indeed be developed. 

         The President spoke about this august House, he spoke about Parliament.  He said that in this august House, we must do our job and expedite different Bills that are in Parliament instead of insulting each other. When I stand up, people start attacking me – no, that is not right.  We end up being afraid to stand up because of those attacks.  Why are we attacking each other? Let me give others opportunity to debate. I thank you.

         ⁺HON. MGUNI: Thank you Hon. Speaker Ma’am for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

I want to thank His Excellency, President Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa for presenting the SONA. It had quite a number of developmental issues and we appreciate that.  He also spoke about some things which show the direction that we are taking as a nation, for example, the health of the people of Zimbabwe, the economy and others.  The President spoke about health.  He said that he desires that in outlying areas, there should be specialist doctors.  There should be specialists of different chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.

In rural areas, people travel long distances to go to urban areas to get specialist attention and they do not have money for transport.  When we have specialists or physicians in outlying areas, then this is going to benefit people in the villages.  When people are healthy, they become productive because they can work hard.  There is also the Health Bill which should go through Parliament and this has already been alluded to by the President, he said that Parliament should expedite these Bills as soon as possible because these laws guide us on how we execute our duties so that we develop our nation. 

The President also spoke about mining.  It pains to note that we have minerals like platinum which are exported without being refined.  Within platinum, you find other by-products; you find other minerals within the platinum ore.  The Hon. Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion promised this august House that by the end of this year, there will be a platinum processing plant in Selous. This will contribute in beneficiation and value addition of platinum once the plant in Selous has been built and completed. 

This is quite pleasing because it shows that our children will then get jobs.  The plant is quite big and the Minister also said that those who want to see the plant can go and visit the plant.  When we do the beneficiation initiative, then this would enhance our economy so that we would be able to fund our hospitals with different projects like the buying of machines in hospitals. 

The President also spoke about roads.  Indeed, the roads are good.  Where I come from in Matobo, we have not seen that progress in our roads but I believe that this is going to happen because the President said that no place and no one will be left behind. I believe one day we will have tar along the Kezi Road.

Coming to education, the President values education and it is a good thing because education is very important.  We argued a bit about ignorance but it is important, when people have knowledge, it guides us and it helps us to know how to do our things.

The President also spoke about experts that are in different departments and he said that they should expedite their duties with fortitude.  Those who are responsible for different tasks should do them.  If they do not do them, then the country will not prosper.  The President cannot do everything alone but we need to work together as a team and support his vision for the nation to succeed.  

The issue of water; I believe that the President was in Bulawayo last week and a lot of leaders were there and the issue of water was raised. I am happy that the President noted that and he is worried that Bulawayo does not have water, which means that in the near future, Bulawayo will be having water.  The sinking of boreholes is a good project but in urban areas, Hon. Speaker, boreholes cannot suffice because the City Council gives 400 liters to every household but when you ferry water from a borehole, you cannot carry 400 litres.

We need water reticulation system so that we have running water in the toilets and on the taps, so that we can flash the toilet, wash our hands, bath, drink and  wash our clothes from the taps.  You cannot do all these things using a borehole.  Boreholes are good in rural areas but because of the demand of water in urban areas, they cannot suffice.  I believe and hope that since no one would be left behind, we are also going to receive water in Kezi.  Kezi is an arid area, there is not much water.  So, those who sink boreholes should go very deep for them to reach the water table.  I believe that Government will intervene.  We have rivers where we can draw water. What His Excellency, the President said is good and I will not add more.  I thank you.

         HON. MAKWIRANZOU: Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir. I rise to contribute to the State of Nation Address by His Excellency, Hon. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa.  The President’s address left us invigorated, not only us in the august House but even those outside the august House - [HON. MEMBERS:  Hear, hear.] - There was a palpable commitment from His Excellency, the President for the wellbeing of Zimbabwe, our motherland.  Indeed, despite the illegal sanctions imposed on us by the western countries, the President is committed to developing Zimbabwe.  Zimbabwe today enjoys unity, stability and security. 

         The President told us that he was fighting and mitigating the negative effects of the El-Nino droughts by providing food assistance in both rural and urban areas.  What a visionary President – [HON. MBMBERS: Hear, hear.] - The school feeding programme Mr. Speaker, is unparalleled and is showing positive results, indeed the programme is such that we are getting more students in schools.  If anything – students were going hungry to schools knowing that when they get to school, they would be well fed.  Again, we thank His Excellency, the President for this vision.

         But he is not just  giving us food, the President has set into place a borehole drilling and nutrition garden programme to ensure that even after the drought crisis is over, the people of Zimbabwe can still continue to have food security.  Mr. Speaker Sir, we have not only met the harvest record of 600 tonnes of winter crop, but we have a sound footing for Pfumvudza/Intwasa, that is the President’s agricultural production programme.

         Mr. Speaker Sir, in my own constituency, Mutoko North, there are many minerals that include granite, lithium and gold, indeed there are more than 15 granite miners in Mutoko.  Their production is on the increase and Government is open to discuss value addition challenges with miners.  It was pleasing to learn that Mutapa Investments, the Sovereign Wealth Fund, is now on the go with several assets now in their books. This is in spite of the illegal sanctions.  Mr. Speaker Sir, coupled with illegal sanctions, the absence of a Sovereign Wealth Fund had hindered development and essential Government projects could not be done but with the Mutapa Investment Fund, this will now be a thing of the past.

         Mr. Speaker Sir, it was a pleasure to learn that tourism is on the increase, we are putting Zimbabwe firmly on the tourist map and we would encourage also to have rural tourism.  It is also encouraging to learn that there is a very strong emphasis being made by His Excellency on the use of renewable energy such as solar power and wind energy.

         In my constituency in Mutoko, we are mitigating power outages by now manufacturing solar panels, though it is still on a small scale but surely, it will increase with the leadership from President, Hon. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa – [HON. MEMBERS:  Hear, hear.] –

         Mr. Speaker Sir, independent power producers need to be nurtured so that we can banish these power outages and hence, power our industrialisation and mordernisation trajectory.  It was enlightening to know that foreign currency inflows increased from a USD7 billion in 2023 to USD8 billion to date in 2024.  We praise all the efforts being made to stabilise our currency.  May the ZiG continue to grow and be a good store of wealth, long live the ZiG – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -

         Mr. Speaker Sir, there is a monster on the prowl, this monster is called social media.  In most cases, it spreads imaginary or false news, we welcome the licencing of over seven new broadcasting stations in the provinces.  These, together with the Broadcasting Authority, can reign in social media miscreants.  There is no substitute for a good education.  The innovation and industrial parks at our universities are already showing results. Every district, Mr. Speaker Sir, should have a university or a learning centre to support the commercialisation of the products of learning. 

         Mr. Speaker Sir, industrialisation and modernisation goes hand in hand with transport and infrastructure development. Our engineers and contractors need a pat on the back for work done on the Harare/Beitbridge Road. We understand that additional work is going to be started on Victoria Falls road, it has already started on the Harare/Kanyemba Road and it will be started in Harare/Nyamapanda Road.

         I pray that some secondary roads that are used to ferry agricultural produce to growth points and to the markets be improved to tarred, all weather, in particular in my area, Mutoko North, these include Mutoko/Nyamuzewe Road, Mutoko/Chindenga Road and Mutoko Nyadire Road. 

         Mr. Speaker Sir, as a good servant leader, His Excellency, the President, Hon. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, reminded us as Parliament to diligently get stuck to our legislative work because there are many Bills to be discussed and passed.  On behalf of my fellow parliamentarians, I take this challenge seriously and implore our commitment to be seized with Bills.

         Mr. Speaker Sir, it was also heartening to learn that efforts are being made to provide facilities to diasporan Zimbabweans who make a significant contribution to our GDP, the e-passports are an example and incentives which should be given to diasporans who have now formed Zimbabwean Development Groups.

         In conclusion, it will be amiss if I conclude my speech without congratulating His Excellency, the President on his installation as Chairman of SADC regional group, he is a true visionary who will leave no one and no place behind.  So, I submit, Hon. Speaker Sir.

         *THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Makwiranzou. I do not know where you ride the elephant to. Our President said now that he is the Chairperson of SADC, so is everyone in Zimbabwe.  We are all Chairperson of SADC.

HON. MATINENGA: Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Speaker Sir. I would like to start by saying as Members of Parliament, it is within our mandate to comment on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) by our President, highlighting the positives mentioned and any gaps which may need improvements. I will give a few comments on the SONA as I read and reflected on it.

Most importantly, I need to encourage each and every one of us to analyse and implement issues positively, ensuring true unity of purpose and national development. Referring to the comments he made on page 1, he acknowledges all Zimbabweans, inclusive of the diasporans. On that positive note, I think we need to respect the Zimbabweans who are in the diaspora at the moment and give them the opportunity to fully participate in national development and even giving them the opportunity to vote –[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear]-

Referring to page 3 of the SONA report, the President did mention that he wanted every Zimbabwean to be assured that no one will go without food. My question is, is this what is happening? We need, as Parliamentarians, not to be found wanting in that respect. Are we not the ones who are encouraging the implementers of the project to act otherwise? I think it is up to us to introspect and think of what we are doing and take corrective action so that we behave as Hon. Members.

On page 4 of the SONA report, the President did express profound appreciation of all those countries and organisations who responded to the domestic appeal for humanitarian assistance. As Hon. Members, in our supervisory role, let us ensure good relations are maintained at all levels. The language which we use even in this Parliament should promote harmony, unity and encourage these organisations – [HON. MEMEBRS: Hear, hear.] - to support us because we need the support.

I do not have many comments because most issues have been commented by other Hon. Members. I also refer to page 7 of the report where he acknowledged the natural resources …

THE HON. SPEAKER: Order! The SONA is not a report, it is an address.

HON. MATINENGA: I stand guided. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. The SONA address on page 7, there is mention of the rich natural resources. As we plan especially when we are planning to discuss and formulate the 2025 budget, let us ensure we gain a lot of revenue from our mining sector. We need to strategise and think of ways of gaining from the mining sector, even from the trucks which are consigning a lot of minerals from our country. I think that is homework for us.

On page 10, he mentioned about the resurgence of parallel market activities driven by speculative tendencies. I think there should be an effort to ensure that at least there is a way of managing this situation. In Shona they say, “chii chaita kuti musoro uteme”. Let us analyse all those issues which are causing a lot of problems because the aim is to ensure that our entrepreneurs should have the forex which they need to buy inputs and assets. So, let us ensure we do something so that we have tangible benefits. They say in law ‘justice should not only be done but be seen to be done’. We should have growth in our industries so that we have jobs for our children. We really need these jobs.

I deliberately decided to end by commenting on what was mentioned on page 2, about entrenching unity. I will leave on unity of purpose. We should ask ourselves even as parliamentarians in this august House, what we are really doing. The way we mock each other, hackle each other, is it really necessary Mr. Speaker Sir? We need to ask ourselves as Hon. Members so that we think of issues which help in developing our country, create unity and harmony, be fair to each other, respect each other. I so submit.

THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you very much Hon. Matinenga. Just a reminder, I can see some Hon. Members, male ones in particular. You must stick to Standing Order No.80 in terms of your dress code. It is the female Members who can freely use African wear attire. Those that have got long sleeved shirts must bear the Zimbabwean flag or they must have the Zimbabwean bird. I do not want to name you. I think you know yourselves. So, please be guided accordingly. Next time I will ask you to leave the House.

HON. MAKUMIRE: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker for affording me this opportunity to add my voice to the SONA …

THE HON. SPEAKER: Why are you afraid of saying Mr. Speaker Sir? That is my proper title. Do not hesitate “tichiripanyanga’ - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -

         HON. MAKUMIRE: Mr. Speaker Sir, the President, in his address, was constantly referring to the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind but as we look at how things and development are happening in this country, I have noted, Mr. Speaker Sir, that there are a lot of areas that we are leaving behind.  Most of our rural areas, Mr. Speaker Sir, do not have trafficable roads, adequate communication networks, adequate power supply and healthcare services.

The President, in his address, also mentioned the efforts being made by the Government of Zimbabwe in addressing the drought that is prevalent and induced by the El Nino effect.  Inasmuch as I appreciate the efforts made so far, Mr. Speaker Sir, I am concerned about how food aid is being distributed in some of the drought-stricken areas.  We have noted with concern that some of the aid is being distributed on partisan lines.

It is also concerning, Mr. Speaker Sir, that we have read...

HON. GANYIWA:  On a point of order.  Thank you, Mr. Speaker.  I think the Hon. Member – [HON. MEMBERS:  It is Mr. Speaker Sir.] –

THE HON. SPEAKER:  You are being corrected here.  It is Mr. Speaker Sir.

HON. GANYIWA:  Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir and I like that muchiripo.  The Hon. Member, I am sure, is not telling the truth that the food is being distributed on partisan lines.  I am sure he is misleading this House as well as the Zimbabwean population that is watching this debate.  The President has clearly said food is distributed to every citizen without looking at the party.  So, I think he should withdraw that statement. Thank you.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Thank you very much for your point of order Hon. Ganyiwa.  You are correct because His Excellency, the President's mantra is leaving no one and no place behind and if there are instances of that sort, it is the responsibility of Hon. Members to raise the red flag and advise the Hon. Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Hon. July Moyo that this is what is happening on the ground so that corrective action is taken. 

As far as His Excellency is concerned, the policy is very clear. He is the President for everyone - those who voted for him, those who did not vote for him, those who did not vote at all.  He is the President of Zimbabwe and therefore his responsibility is to all Zimbabweans, leaving no one and no place behind.

So let us not make general statements that can create some perceptions that are negative.  So, Hon. Makumire, if you have got such instances, report to the police immediately and to Hon. Minister July Moyo, responsible for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. Alright?

HON. MAKUMIRE:  Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir.  I am flagging some of these issues to bring to light people who are sabotaging the efforts that are being made by the President.  This has to be known, Mr. Speaker Sir.  Inasmuch as the President is trying to feed the whole nation, there are people sabotaging such efforts.  We must expose that in this House.

Mr. Speaker Sir...

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Order! You are trying to come through the back door.  I have instructed you now, that if you have got such instances, report to Hon. Minister July Moyo.  If you are afraid of Hon. July Moyo, approach me.  I will approach Government for investigations to take place immediately. Thank you.

HON. KARIKOGA:  On a point of order, Mr. Speaker Sir.  The point of order from Hon. Ganyiwa was for the Hon. Member who is debating to withdraw that statement that inputs and food relief is being given on partisan lines.  Thank you.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Well, part of the process here is to educate each other.  Some of the Hon. Members are new Members and they do not understand Government processes.  So, I give some leeway of indulgence. That is why I corrected the Hon. Member.

HON. MAKUMIRE:  Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir.  The President also mentioned about the school feeding programmes in areas that are stricken by drought but from my experience, I have realised that the assistance is going towards primary schools.  In secondary schools, they have not received anything but these children will be coming from the same home without food, without anything.  It is also important, Mr. Speaker Sir, that secondary schools be considered for such programmes.  The President, in his address, advised the nation that the Pfumvudza Programme is already underway and inputs have already been dispatched to the different corners of the country.

Mr. Speaker Sir, we have realised that some of the companies that have been supplying fertilisers to the Government are owed USD300 million and as parliamentarians, we are concerned.  If farmers are going to receive fertilisers under the present circumstance, it was our expectation that the President informs the nation about the measures being taken to make sure that farmers receive fertilisers before it is too late.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Point of order from the Chair. Look, you must understand your role as Members of Parliament.  It is your duty to ensure that there is some spread of the programme. You do not expect His Excellency, the President to be at every corner of the country. That is why you are elected representatives.  You play a representative role.

So when you see such things, why do you not raise the flag and ask for corrective action?  That is why you are the people’s representatives, that is your role.   You do not expect the President to be at every inch of Zimbabwe, it is not possible. Take responsibility.  Thank you. 

         HON. BUTAU:  Hon. Speaker, I just want to seek some clarity.

         THE HON. SPEAKER:  From what I said, are you sure about that?

         HON. BUTAU:  I am not Hon. Speaker, clarity.

         THE HON. SPEAKER:  I cannot be clearer than that, the President cannot be in every inch of Zimbabwe.  It is your role as Members of Parliament to ensure that Government programmes are being implemented on the ground.  There is no point of clarity on that one – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –

         HON. MAKUMIRE:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  The President also urged the mining houses to scale up production, particularly those in gold mining and some other precious minerals.  I understand the contribution of mining to the GDP of this country. I want to applaud the President for continuously encouraging the mining houses to scale up production so that we realise more revenue as a nation.  However, the President was silent on issues to do with illicit activities around minerals and around gold smuggling, which is a very topical issue Mr. Speaker Sir.  It was going to carry much weight if the President strongly warned those involved in smuggling gold and other precious minerals. 

         On currency stabilisation, the President also rallied his support behind the ZiG and he mentioned that from its introduction, it has managed to stabilise the economy.  Surprisingly, the President did not recognise how the ZiG has fallen and that has affected the welfare of civil servants and businesses in this country.  We expected the voice of the President to such issues. 

         Mr. Speaker Sir, still on issues to do with the stabilisation of the economy, it was our expectation that the President touches on issues to do with debt recovery.  That was silent in his address and as far as I know, if we fail to deal with this issue now, it is going to haunt the future generation.  It will not be surprising …..

         HON. KASHAMBE:  On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir.  Mr. Speaker, in all honesty and earnest, the Hon. Member, the tone at which he is speaking against, whatever omissions could have been left in the SONA, is so attacking, lack of respect to the Head of State and Government and derogatory.  He is supposed to debate what the President said on the SONA and address whatever challenges may have been omitted in a manner that shows you are Zimbabwean like our Hon. Member of Parliament who debated before this Hon. Member of Parliament.  She was speaking like a Zimbabwean.  Thank you, I so submit.

         THE HON. SPEAKER:  Thank you very much Hon. Kashambe.   Hon. Kashambe, you are right, in terms of Standing Order No. 21, it says your roles, especially when you get into Committees, is to monitor, investigate, inquire into and make recommendations relating to any aspect of the legislative programme, budget, policy or any other matter it may consider relevant to the Government Department.  You do not just criticise, you have the responsibility to offer recommendations.  Also let us not forget that His Excellency, the President is not supposed to give minute details of what should happen in the State.  It is up to us to make recommendations.  Do not just criticise, what do you recommend should be done so that the Minister of Finance, for example, in this particular matter, can respond accordingly to your recommendations. 

These recommendations are bound to be taken on board and not just to say zvakaipa, zvakaipa, akulunganga.  It is not about just pointing the bad things that everything is bad, that is not nation building.  If you happen to be by some lucky of some sort, that you become president of Zimbabwe, would you not expect constructive criticism with positive suggestions that should be taken on board in order to improve the governance and the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe.  Hon. Makumire, I am sure you will appreciate that.  Let us have your brighter ideas on how to improve the situation. 

         HON. MUSHORIWA:  On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir, we stand guided by your pronouncement.  I think it is crucial to state that Zimbabwe is a democratic country in the sense that we from this side also stand to critique, expose also the failures on the part of the Executive.  We should never run away from the fact that in a political contestation, where there is a ruling party and the opposition, the opposition member’s job is to critique.   They can offer solutions here and there but they have to also put the Executive, the ruling party to task so that they deliver because they made a commitment – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -

         THE HON. SPEAKER:  It is graceful to be in the opposition but you must be a responsible opposition – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -   A responsible opposition that gives alternative policies which can be analysed by the Government.  You are not there simply to criticise, you are there to make constructive criticism. That is being a responsible opposition because tomorrow you maybe in Government yourself. I close the matter, I think you have understood. May I allow the Hon. Member to continue with constructive criticism?    

HON. MAKUMIRE: Mr. Speaker Sir, if you listened carefully to my debate, I talked about the positive things that we can deduce from the SONA. I spoke of the assistance going to primary schools and I spoke about the encouragement to do more in gold mining and other precious minerals. A debate has got the pros and cons. We touch on both sides of the coin, the head and the tail…

         THE HON. SPEAKER: That is correct Hon. Member. That is why I did not intervene when you said the BEAM exercise must extend to secondary schools. That is very positive. So, I did not interrupt you. You made an observation and offered the solution. That is what I am talking about. Please proceed.

         HON. MAKUMIRE: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. The President also mentioned about the penetration of ICTs in rural schools and he also echoed sentiments that our learners will now be competitive globally. I appreciate the efforts that are being made by the Government to build new schools. A good example is the Makumimavi Government School which was recently commissioned by the President. I recommend that schools in areas like Mbire, Chiredzi Rural, Buhera and other remote areas, also be part of this competitive agenda by establishing base stations to ensure that learners access mobile and data networks.

         The President talked about the efforts being made to capacitate those roads with skills for building schools for automotive engineering and others. The President did not look into issues to do with vocational training centres, especially in a situation where more than 2 million youths are not employed and they are not in education and are not in any form of training.

         If this generation is not capacitated with vocational skills, we will be breeding a whole generation of robbers and drug addicts. It is my recommendation that attention be given towards the rehabilitation of vocational training centres across all the ten provinces to ensure that these youths are capacitated and can venture into various income generating projects.

         On issues to do with international relations…

         THE HON. SPEAKER: You have one minute to go.

         HON. MAKUMIRE: On issues to do with international relations…

         HON. HAMAUSWA: On a point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. I propose that the Hon. Member be given five minutes more.

         THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, the one minute is not over. Do not jump the gun. The Hon. Member can proceed.

         HON. MAKUMIRE: On issues to do with international relations, the President reemphasised his commitment to engage and reengage, which is a good idea because no man is an island. Zimbabwe cannot survive alone. We need others in the region and overseas. It is also important to ensure that we foster good relations with our neighbours. The people in Zambia, Mozambique and Namibia, we must ensure that we are in good terms with our neighbours.

         On infrastructural development, I want to appreciate the road construction that has happened and I will mention of Beitbridge/Harare Highway. It is now a carpet and we are proud of such progress. I recommend that this kind of development be felt in most of our rural areas and in all the districts in this country so that we leave no one and no place behind.

         On issues to do with water, it was our expectation that the President talks about the water crisis in most of our urban areas and rural areas. In rural areas, I am referring to growth points. As the country endeavours to attain an upper middle-class economy or society, it is not possible to realise these visions if the people in growth points are still using blair toilets. Issues to do with sanitisation of these growth points must be addressed.

         In order to address some of the problems in Bulawayo, there is the Gwayi/Shangani Dam project which has been on the cards since 1912 and construction started in 2004. That is 92 or more years after the initiation of the idea and the construction has taken more than 20 years, yet according to the plan, it was supposed to be commissioned in three years. It is my recommendation that more funds be availed towards the completion of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam because it will come with a lot of benefits in Matabeleland North Province and Bulawayo Province. 

         Lastly, on issues of corruption, inasmuch as I acknowledge the interpole sanction to development, I am of the view that we are where we are as a country because of corruption. The Vice President of this country, Cde Chiwenga, has mentioned that corruption is now a security threat. It was our expectation Mr. Speaker Sir, that the President echoed the same sentiments on how we are going to deal with the corrupt and corruption.

         Lastly, Mr. Speaker Sir, it is our duty as parliamentarians that we unite towards the development of this country. This country does not belong to this side or that side. It is our country and we must work together. We must bring the change that our people desire. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  

HON. KARIKOGA:  Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that the debate do now adjourn.

HON. MUSHORIWA:  I second.

Motion put and agreed.

Debate to resume:  Tuesday, 12^th November, 2024.

MOTION

LEAVE TO MOVE SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER NUMBER 142 (1)

THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA):  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I seek leave of the House to move for a waiver that provisions of Standing Order Number 142 (1) regarding the introduction of Bills, which provides that, ‘Every Bill, other than a Constitutional Bill must be published in the Gazette at least 14 days before it is introduced in the National Assembly’, in respect of the Civil Aviation Amendment Bill, [H. B. 4, 2023]. Mr. Speaker Sir, this is an urgent Bill that I do seek the concurrence of the House. Thank you.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Hon. Minister, I think you should have proceeded to give your reasons why you are seeking that waiver and correctly so, you are allowed in terms of Standing Order Number 142 to seek that waiver. You are allowed but if you could favour the House with the reasons for that waiver.

THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA):  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for the guidance. Mr. Speaker Sir, as you know that we are a member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation known as ICAO and we are mandated as a member country to go through audit, the last time when we were audited, in 2019, there were some observations, some gaps that were highlighted by ICAO team that visited Zimbabwe. We are now due as a country, to be audited this year. Failure to have this piece of legislation in place aligned is going to score us low as a country. Therefore, our humble plea to make sure that we take charge and make sure that the Bill goes through both Houses and in particular, this House quite quicker than the scheduled visit of the ICAO team. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir.

Motion put and agreed to.

MOTION

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER NUMBER 142 (1)

THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA):  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I seek leave of the House to move for a waiver that provisions of Standing Order Number 142 (1) regarding the introduction of Bills, which provides that, ‘Every Bill, other than a Constitutional Bill must be published in the Gazette at least 14 days before it is introduced in the National Assembly’, be waived in respect of the Civil Aviation Amendment Bill, [H. B. 4, 2023]. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir – [HON. MUSHORIWA: Inaudible interjections.] –

*THE HON. SPEAKER:  Ko zvinotaurwa here izvozvo?

HON. MUSHORIWA:  I am sorry Mr. Speaker. The Hon. Minister takes Parliament seriously.

*THE HON. SPEAKER:  Yes, we have heard it but should it be mentioned?

HON. JAMES:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Can I ask the Minister of Transport for a clarity? He said we are due to be audited this year. Is that 2024, literally the month or two.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Hon. Minister, clarify the date of the audit.

THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA):  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. Indeed, it is 2024, the year of audit. Thank you.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Thank you very much. Are you happy?

HON. JAMES:  Yes.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Thank you. That underscores the urgency of the matter and I am sure the Hon. Minister is grateful.

Motion put and agreed to.

FIRST READING

Civil Aviation Amendment Bill, [H. B. 4, 2023]

THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA) presented the Civil Aviation Amendment Bill, [H. B. 4, 2023].

Bill read the first time.

Bill referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee.

MOTION

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

         HON. KARIKOGA: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 4 to 8 on today’s Order Paper be stood over until Order of the Day Number 9 has been disposed of.

         HON. MUSHORIWA:  I second.

         Motion put and agreed to. 

MOTION

REPORT OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE ON THE ANALYSIS OF THE ZIMBABWE NATIONAL ROAD ADMINISTRATION (ZINARA) AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         HON. HWENDE: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move the motion standing in my name, that this House considers and adopts the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the Analysis of the Zimbabwe National Road Administration’s (ZINARA) Audited Financial Statements in the Auditor General’s Reports for the years ending December 31, 2021 and 2022.

       HON. MAKUMBE:   I second

       HON. HWENDE:  Thank you Hon. Speaker Sir.  I will go straight to the introduction of the report.

1.0    INTRODUCTION

• The Role of Parliament is provided for in Section 119 of the Constitution, which gives Parliament power to ensure that provisions of the Constitution are upheld and that the State and all institutions and agencies of Government at every level act constitutionally and in the national interest. Section 299 (a) of the Constitution spells out Parliament’s oversight of State revenues and expenditures as follows:

“Parliament must monitor and oversee expenditure by the State and all Commissions and institutions and agencies of Government at every level, including statutory bodies, government-controlled entities, provincial and metropolitan councils and local authorities.”

1.2    In line with that mandate, the Public Accounts Committee analysed the 2021 and 2022 ZINARA Audit Report and made some observation and recommendations as contained in this report.  

2.0    Methodology

2.1    The Committee’s enquiry commenced with an analysis of the audit issues raised by the Auditor General. This was followed by an update from ZINARA Board Members and Management on the implementation of the recommendations made by the Auditor General to address the observations raised in the report. An oral evidence session was held with ZINARA officials, whose delegation comprised of Board Members and the Management Team. During the interaction, ZINARA seized the opportunity to inform the Committee about the progress the Administration had made in implementing the previous Auditor General and Public Accounts Committee recommendations.

2.2    As part of the enquiry the Committee visited ZINARA’s busiest toll gate at Goromonzi as well as 1010 Technologies at Workington in Harare. At Goromonzi the Committee was briefed on the operations of ZINARA and its partner Instatoll. At 10 10 Technologies, the Committee was briefed on the software systems the company provides to ZINARA for collection of vehicle licencing, tolling and transit fees. The Committee was particularly interested in the software solutions provided by Instatoll and 10 10 Technologies.

3.0    FINDINGS BY THE COMMITTEE

3.1    Auditor General’s Opinion

3.1.1 ZINARA was issued with adverse reports on its Consolidated Financial Statements for 2019 and 2020. The basis for adverse reports were non-compliance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 21 which relates to “the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates”, unrecorded tax liabilities and accounts payable in dispute.

3.1.2 On Non-Compliance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 21, ZINARA translated its comparative financial statements including transactions and balances for the period up to February 22, 2019, denominated in USD at a rate of 1:1 to the Zimbabwean Dollar.

The transactions during this period did not comply with IAS 21, an appropriate exchange rate that reflects the economic substance of its value. Subsequent to February 22, 2019, the Authority applied the interbank exchange rates which came into existence, through Exchange Control Directive RU 28 of 2019, issued by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and was initially pegged at a rate of 2.5. As a result, the Auditor General considered the impact of the Authority’s inability to comply with IAS 21 as significant and the effects on the financial statements material and pervasive to the financial statements as a whole.

3.1.3 Unrecorded tax liabilities involved a ZIMRA garnishee order on ZINARA’s subsidiary Infralink (Private) Limited, for understated Income Tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) of US$46 977 476 in 2015. The amount was not provided for as Infralink Management was not in agreement with the determination by the tax authorities and contended that the tax status of the company was still to be established. As a result, no tax assessments and provision for tax liabilities were made for the years 2016 to 2021. The Auditor General noted potential exposure in non-accrual of tax obligations and considered this matter as material to the financial statements.

3.1.4 With respect to Accounts payable in dispute, a provision of ZWL496 796 098 was made in respect of a disputed amount due to a related party arising from reconciliations done in 2016. The matter was yet to be resolved. The Auditor General was unable to determine the adjustments that might have been necessary in respect of comparative information to the financial statements, and to the current year financial statements to achieve fair presentation.

3.1.5          Over and above these issues, the Auditor General drew attention to the fact that ZINARA had incurred a net loss of ZWL 3 202 566 861 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The current liabilities exceeded its current assets by ZWL 2 172 901 256. These conditions indicated that a material uncertainty existed, which cast significant doubt on ZINARA’s ability to continue as a going concern.

3.1.6 In the 2022 Auditor General’s Report, the Auditor General issued an adverse opinion on ZINARA’s Consolidated Financial Statements for 2021 and a qualified opinion on the Road Administration’s financial statements. The basis for an adverse report on the Consolidated Financial Statements were the same as those for the 2019 and 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements outlined above. Below are audit issues raised by the Auditor General accompanied by the responses by ZINARA officials from which the Committee’s findings and recommendations were drawn…

THE HON. SPEAKER: Honourable Chair, may I respectfully interrupt you.  You may take the seat.  If you may allow me to take this opportunity to appeal to you to present your report about the elections that took place in Victoria Falls as soon as possible so that I can take corrective action accordingly.  Alright?

HON. HWENDE: Do you want me to present it now?

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Pardon?

HON. HWENDE: The report that you are referring to, do you want me to present it now?

THE HON. SPEAKER:   No, no, no.  It will be incongruous for me to ask you to do that.  I am only giving you a reminder. 

HON. HWENDE: The problem is that we were never asked to produce a report.

THE HON. SPEAKER: Your Committee Clerk then must not have told you the correct thing.  Please produce that report and let me look at it so that we can make a way forward.  Alright?

HON. HWENDE: Okay.  I will take it to the Committee Mr. Speaker Sir. 

THE HON. SPEAKER: Meanwhile, you proceed as the Chairman of the Committee. 

HON. HWENDE: Thank you very much. 

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Thank you. 

HON. HWENDE: 3.2    Tax Status of Infralink

3.2.1 The Auditor General noted that Infralink (Private) Limited, a ZINARA subsidiary was garnished by Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) for the recovery of income tax and VAT liabilities in 2015. However, the Company did not accrue taxes due in respect of the 2016 to 2021 financial years. This was because management were of the opinion that the Company was exempt from paying taxes contrary to Zimbabwe Revenue Authority’s position that the Company was a taxable entity. This matter remained unresolved at the time of the audit.

3.2.2 The Committee learnt that Infralink was incorporated to manage a US$ 206 million loan for the construction of the Plumtree-Harare-Mutare Highway project. It was supposed to apply for conferment of national project status and income tax exemption. Infralink and ZINARA thought the project had automatic national project status. ZINARA informed the Committee that it had since engaged the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to have Infralink exempted from paying income tax and VAT because the collections at the tollgates are toll fees being collected for ZINARA.

Committee’s Observations

• The non-compliance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 21 was brought about by the fact that ZINARA had to comply with SI 133/2019 which stipulated the exchange rate of 1:1 while the IAS 21 prescribed a market determined exchange rate.
• In view of the losses reported over the years, ZINARA was technically insolvent such that it was no longer able to meet its financial obligations.
• ZINARA and its subsidiary Infralink did not seek for the national project status and tax exemptions, resulting in tax obligation to ZIMRA of 456 million

Committee’s Recommendations

• The Government, when coming up with legal instruments should harmonise them with International Accounting Standards (IAS).

3.2.7 ZINARA and Infralink must seek national project status approval and apply for tax exemption by 31 December 2024.

The ZINARA Board should ensure that ZINARA is managed in accordance with sound corporate governance principles.

3.3    Tollgate Infrastructure

3.3.1 The Auditor-General noted that the Road Administration did not have adequate infrastructure to protect motorists and staff at Mupfurudzi, Lothian and Collen Bawn tollgates. Such infrastructure included signage, barriers or boom gates, lighting and other essential structures. At one of the tollgates, a tent was being used as an administration office. As a result, on November 26, 2020, a heavy rainfall led to loss of revenue for about an hour as the revenue collection officer had to desert their work station to hide from the rains. There was also an incident where a staff member was injured at one of the tollgates.

3.3.2 The Committee leant that tollgate infrastructure is owned by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development which is responsible for its maintenance through the Department of Roads. ZINARA officials submitted that having realized the poor state of the infrastructure, they approached the Ministry and sought authority to maintain the infrastructure.

Permission was granted for ZINARA to maintain the infrastructure within the vicinity of the tollgate, 1km either side. The Authority had then ensured that each tollgate is automated, repaired and a security system installed to monitor activities. The Committee was assured by ZINARA officials that the tollgates cited in the Auditor General’s Report had been attended to and the long-term plan was to convert most of the tollgates into toll plazas by increasing the lanes on either side to six.

Committee’s Observations

3.3.3 ZINARA’s plans to convert tollgates into plazas is noble as plazas improve the appearance of tollgates as well as facilitating increased revenue collection with added convenience to the motoring public.

Committee’s Recommendation

3.3.4 ZINARA must implement its plans of converting all tollgates into plazas progressively and should complete at least two by 31 December 2025.

3.4    Weighbridge at Vehicle Inspection Department     

3.4.1 The Auditor General noted that ZINARA funded the construction of a weighbridge at Axle weighing centre in Mashonaland Central Province by providing building materials (sand, quarry stones and bricks). However, the weighbridge had not been constructed nor works started since the time of funding.  

3.4.2 The Committee gathered that the construction of weighbridges is done by the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID). Following the audit observation ZINARA had engaged VID and the Department of Roads to ensure that there is a clear action plan for the construction of the weighbridge. An agreement had now been signed between ZINARA and VID. ZINARA was now monitoring implementation of the action plan agreed and had conducted a visit at the site to check on the materials procured for construction of the weighbridge.

3.4.3 The Committee conducted a site visit to VID Bindura Depot on 9 July 2024 to verify the situation on the ground. The Committee observed unquantified heaps of sand, quarry stones and bricks which had been delivered without any relevant documents. The depot manager informed the Committee that the proposed site for the weighbridge was not convenient. His recommended site was a place along the highway in Mazowe district, where the weighbridge would capture traffic from Guruve and Concession areas where trucks drive through on their way to Harare.

3.4.4 During the visit the Committee was shown an incomplete inspection workshop whose construction commenced in 2004. In the absence of the inspection, VID Bindura was unable to conduct comprehensive vehicle inspections thereby loosing revenue for the Government. Additionally, a brake roller tester had been left exposed to the sun and rain by the previous manager and staff, resulting in it becoming obsolete. 

Committee’s Findings

3.4.5 There must be better co-ordination between ZINARA, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and VID in project implementation, to ensure that projects are completed with reasonable periods. 

3.4.6 The current site for the weighbridge within the VID yard is not suitable as there is no space for trucks to move in and out freely and for maximisation of revenue collection.

3.4.7 Management that received the brake roller tester acted negligently by not securing it properly resulting in it becoming obsolete.

Committee’s Recommendations

3.4.8 The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development should select a new site by 31 December 2024, a site which is on the main road and about 60 kilometres from Bindura that ensures that the site captures trucks from Mvurwi, Concession and Guruve.

3.4.9 VID officials at the Bindura Depot should quantify and record the construction materials supplied by ZINARA in their registers and ensure safe keeping of the materials.

3.4.10        The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development should institute investigations with a view to taking disciplinary action on the officials found guilty of negligence by not taking the necessary measure to secure the brake roller tester.

3.5    Agency contract

3.5.1 The Auditor General noted that the Administration had no Memorandum of Understanding / contract between Vehicle Inspection Department and ZINARA to govern the principal-agent relationship. The Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) was collecting transit and overload fees on behalf of ZINARA at a commission of 20%.

3.5.2 The absence of a contract was referred to as one of the legacy issues. The Committee was informed that a contact which specified the working arrangement between ZINARA and VID had been signed in August 2022.

Committee’s finding

3.5.3 At 20%, the Commission appears to be relatively high compared to other administration fees such as the amount ZINARA retains when it disburses funds to road authorities. 

         Committee’s recommendation

3.5.4 ZINARA should review the Commission to about 10% to ensure that more financial resources are deployed towards road construction.

3.6    Alignment of procurement processes

3.6.1 The Auditor General noted that the Administration was yet to receive goods that were paid for as far back as 2017. These were, purchase of motor vehicles for USD74 512 paid on December 29, 2017 and purchase of a transformer for ZWL 83,720 on November 07, 2019.

3.6.2 ZINARA officials referred to this as another legacy issue. The officials assured the Committee that they had put in place a procedure to ensure that there would be no payment done without a proper bank guarantee from a reputable financial institution. The Committee learnt that the officials involved in the violation of the law had been dismissed.   ZINARA officials submitted that they had tried to negotiate with the supplier but because there was no agreement, the issue had been taken to the court and was still pending. The supplier of the transformer had vanished and the matter had been reported to the police with investigations ongoing.

3.6.3 The Committee’s investigation of the reasons for non-delivery of the vehicles revealed that ZINARA made the payment through CBZ, but the transfer to the supplier had been in RTGS. This transaction came through when the country was transitioning from the use of the United States dollars to the Zimbabwean dollars. As a result, the vehicle supplier argued that the amount had less value when compared to the value of the vehicles and therefore could not deliver the vehicles.

Committee’s Findings

3.6.4 There was generally poor management of contracts by public entities in the procurement of vehicles.

3.6.5 ZINARA did not conduct due diligence when purchasing the transformer resulting in the supplier absconding.

Committee’s Recommendations

3.6.6          The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe must exclude suppliers who fail to supply vehicles paid for from participating in tenders for the supply of vehicles to all public entities.

3.6.7 The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission should institute investigation into the matter involving the purchase of a transformer. 

3.7    Vehicle Licencing Database

3.7.1 The Auditor-General reported that the Administration’s licensing database included vehicles that were due for deregistration. The last deregistration of vehicles was carried out in 2018, contrary to the provisions of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act [Chapter 13:14] section 12 (c) which provides that the Registrar of Vehicles may cancel the registration of the vehicle if he has reasonable grounds for believing that a registered vehicle is no longer required to be registered in terms of the Act. Management was resorting to manual adjustments of the vehicle licensing revenue figures for vehicles that were due for deregistration, an exercise that is prone to human error.

3.7.2 ZINARA officials attributed the anomaly to the long process of deregistering vehicles arguing that there were a lot of parties involved such as the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development and the Attorney General’s Office. ZINARA officials indicated that they had since identified the vehicles due for deregistration and these had been submitted to the Attorney General’s Office for confirmation. Once the Attorney General’s approval is received about 300 000 vehicles would be deregistered. To assist in speeding up the process, ZINARA had entered into a formal agreement with the CVR to share data on vehicles.

Committees Finding

3.7.3 The process of deregistering vehicles is a long process which requires some improvement.

Committee’s Recommendation

3.7.4 The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development should review the process of deregistration of vehicles by 31 December 2024, with a view to making it simpler and faster.

4.0    ISSUES ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1    The Public Accounts Committee in the Ninth Parliament tabled a Report on audit observations and recommendations from ZINARA’s financial statements in the 2019 and 2020 Auditor General’s Reports as well as the Forensic Audit Report which examined ZINARA’s affairs and transactions. The Authority’s officials gave an update on the implementation of the Committee’s recommendations which are summarised below. The other issues relating to 10 10 Technologies, formerly known as Univern Enterprises (Private) Limited, were observed during the site visit conducted by the Committee.

4.2    The Committee, generally noted tremendous progress made by ZINARA and shaking off of the bad boy image by implementing most of the recommendations made by the Public Accounts Committee in the Ninth Parliament. Some issues of concern are summarised below.

4.2.1 The Committee noted that the contract for 1010 Technologies, which is scheduled for termination in 2025, be extended by five years to allow ZINARA time to be fully prepared to take over the system.  Based on the observations, ZINARA is not yet ready and needs to capacitate its systems and own the data. However, the commissions need to be negotiated

4.2.2          The Committee considers the absence of local shareholding in 10 10 Technologies as an anomaly. It recommends that the investor should have a technical partner in preparation for succession.

4.2.3 ZINARA has an investor agreement with Golden Roads that manages project loans advanced to ZINARA. Negotiations reported to be taking place to terminate such a detrimental contract on the recommendations of the Public Accounts should be concluded by the 31 December 2024. 

4.2.4 Outstanding reimbursements that should be made by former Board Members to ZINARA must be recovered by 31 December 2024. 

5.0    CONCLUSION

5.1.    This Report is a product of the Committee’s thorough scrutiny of the Auditor General’s Reports and the evidence submitted by ZINARA officials. The Committee’s recommendations should be taken seriously by being implemented within the prescribed timeframes. By so doing, public officials will be playing a critical role expected of them, of accounting to the public for use of public resources for the welfare of Zimbabweans.  I thank you, Hon. Speaker Sir.

HON. KARIKOGA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.

HON. MUSHORIWA: I second.

Motion put and agreed to.

Debate to resume: Tuesday, 12^th November, 2024.

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. TSITSI ZHOU): May I request all of us to take our seats and please note that there should be no movement until the procession has been completed.

On the motion of HON. KARIKOGA, seconded by HON. MUSHORIWA the House adjourned at twenty-eight minutes to six o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 12^th November, 2024.