• Version
• Download 0
• File Size 394.56 KB
• File Count 1
• Create Date February 25, 2025
• Last Updated March 12, 2025

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY HANSARD 25 FEBRUARY 2025 VOL 51 No. 27

PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE

Tuesday, 25^th February, 2025

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

PRAYERS

(THE HON. SPEAKER in the Chair)

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE HON. SPEAKER

INTRODUCTION OF EXPRESS LANES PILOT PROGRAMME AT SELECTED TOLLGATES

THE HON. SPEAKER:  I wish to inform the House that ZINARA has introduced express lanes to Government exempted vehicles at selected tollgates; starting with a pilot programme at Skyline, Dema and Eskbank tollgates.  The infrastructure has been established featuring extra wide detour lanes designated as ‘Express Lanes’.  To use the express lane, vehicles must be equipped with an e-tag which will be scanned by the system.  Once detected, the boom banner will automatically open. 

Please note that express lanes will not have a cashier on duty.  In line with this, the ZINARA team will visit the new Parliament Building on the 26^th of February and 5^th March 2025 from 0900 hours to 1600 hours for the installation of the e-tags.  All Members of Parliament are encouraged to bring their two exempted vehicles along with their registration books for this installation exercise.  Kindly note that failure to have electronic tags installed on exempt vehicles may cause significant inconvenience when passing through the tollgates. 

For more information, please visit Human Capital Department in office No. 340.

EXEMPTION OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FROM PAYING PARKING FEES IN HARARE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

THE HON. SPEAKER:  I also wish to inform the House that the Administration of Parliament has reached an agreement with the City Parking, to exempt two vehicles belonging to each of the Members of Parliament from paying parking fees in the Harare Central Business District. 

You are therefore requested to submit copies of registration of the two vehicles to the Human Capital Department in office No. 340 on the Third Floor in order to finalise the arrangements. 

INVITATION TO JOIN CANCER NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND WELLNESS CAUCUS

THE HON. SPEAKER:  I wish to remind the House that all Members who are interested in joining the Cancer Non-Communicable Diseases and Wellness Caucus are invited to a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 26^th February, 2025 at 1200 hours in Special Committee Room 1 on the Ground Floor, Parliament Building.  Chief Whips make sure that there is no conflict of other meetings especially the caucuses.

HON. MAKOPE:  I rise on a matter of national interest with regards to the African armyworm – an outbreak of disastrous armyworm in the Southern and Western parts of Zimbabwe.  The armyworm destroys crops, particularly sorghum, millet as well as maize.  As I speak, in Mwenezi District alone, it has already destroyed over 3,210 hectares of millet.

In the past, the Government used to mobilise resources to curb this menace.  So, I am so much concerned with the outcry in those areas Chiredzi, Mwenezi and Mberengwa. I thank you.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Can you submit a written question for tomorrow's discussion?

HON. MAKOPE:  Thank you Sir.

*HON. GANYIWA:  Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir. Good afternoon.  My point of national interest is with regards to accidents that have increased on the roads, especially of buses that are colliding due to over-speeding.

My main concern is what then happens after those accidents, for the survivors, they give testimony on bad driving as well as refusing to be forewarned? Sometimes they pass through roadblocks or VID manned roadblocks.  Some of them go as far as reporting to the police that the driver is over-speeding and after that, an accident ensues.

So, my request is, as this august House or through the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development that deals with the Traffic Safety Council, to come up with the laws whereby if somebody reports to the police at the roadblocks that the driver is over-speeding, the bus is stopped immediately so that we do not continue losing lives?

As I conclude, I would like to remember people who lost lives recently in the Beitbridge accident.  If it was possible, may this Hon. House stand and observe a minute of silence? I thank you.

*THE HON. SPEAKER:  Thank you.  Why do you not table a motion to that effect?

*HON. GANYIWA:  I will bring it if you say so.

*THE HON. SPEAKER:  Please do that. The standing and observing a minute of silence was done by the His Excellency, the President when he declared it a national disaster.

So, the President already mourned with the bereaved families.   So, we cannot go over that process again. We should have done that during those days.  Unfortunately, now the time has elapsed.

HON. DR. KHUPE:  Thank you very much Hon. Speaker. On Friday, 21^st February, ZBC reported that Government had allocated USD30.8 million from the Sugar Tax for the procurement of cancer machines and medicines.

I would like to commend Government for this very progressive move – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]  It is a clear testimony that money from the Sugar Tax is being used for the intended purpose.

Mr. Speaker Sir, cancer is on the rise.  When you look at many deaths which are occurring these days, they are all cancer related and if this money could buy machines and medicines, many lives would be saved. The doctor who spoke also alluded to the fact that money was being used to procure CT scan machines.  I would like to recommend that instead of buying CT scan machines separately, they must buy combined PET-CT scans.  These two combined scans provide a more accurate diagnosis than when the scans operate separately.

On medicines, I would like to also recommend that Government does more research and development of new and modern cancer medicines, in order to have a variety of these medicines so that if cancer is being cured using one, if it does not work, you have got an option of using another one.

The doctor also alluded to the fact that some of the machines were going to be placed in Mutare and some in Gweru. Meaning that we will have four public institutions in the country with cancer units, which is another very progressive move – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] -  People with cancer, those in the Matabeleland South region will be going to Bulawayo and Gweru. Those in the northern region will be going to Manicaland and Harare. So, it is a very progressive move.

Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to commend Government for this progressive move.  I move that if Government, in the long run, could make sure that all Provincial hospitals have got cancer units, then we will know that cancer treatment is available for everyone in Zimbabwe.  I thank you.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Thank you very much Hon. Dr. Khupe.  I hope that Members of Parliament will support the establishment of the Caucus. It is an important Caucus which should help all of us because none of us are immune from the attack of cancer from all directions.

MOTION

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

HON. TOGAREPI:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 20 be stood over until Order of the Day Number 21 has been disposed of. 

HON. C. MOYO:  I second.

Motion put and agreed to.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Administration of Parliament, can you make sure that those mics there are sorted out and made functional?

MOTION

ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEDICATED FRAMEWORK TO ENSURE GOVERNMENT TENDERS ARE RESERVED FOR YOUTH LED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

Twenty-First Order read:  Adjourned debate on motion on the promotion of youth economic empowerment and entrepreneurial growth.

Question again proposed.

         HON. CHAKUKURA: Thank you Mr Speaker Sir, good afternoon. Youths are innovative, they have unique insights, they are diverse and they represent a significance portion of the population -thus their participation and empowerment in the economic development is crucial for creating an inclusive and sustainable growth in this country. Empowering our youth is not merely about creating jobs it is about creating an enabling environment where young people can strive.

In addition, this is why this motion is very important. It somehow levels the playing ground for economic opportunities in this country specifically in the procurement system. Already the youth were given the quota system and we have our President Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa to thank for that because he made it possible for the youths’ voices from all provinces to be heard. It aligns with the theme of this year’s 21^st February Movement, ‘empower youth secure the future’.

         Furthermore, our youth need vocational training which has to start at secondary level so that it equips them with skills needed in the labour market programmes that focus on entrepreneurship, foster self-employment and innovation.  Also, these programmes need financial backup from the Government. There must be policies which explicitly include youth empowerment, laws promoting youth participation in economic activities which will enhance their role in development. Ensuring that young people have access to financial resources is vital.

         In a bid for financial resources, there must also be a network or systems like mentorship programmes and networking opportunities which can facilitate youth engagement in various sectors. I want to thank our President again and also you Mr. Speaker for allowing the youth MPs to include the youth in the Pre-Budget Seminar; such programmes should be promoted as they influence policies that affect their lives, this fosters leadership skills also.

         Mr. Speaker Sir, engaging youth in tender processes can lead to the establishment of new businesses and start-ups, contributing to job creation and reducing unemployment rates which promotes self-sufficiency. Tender processes help young people acquire essential skills such as project management budgeting and negotiating skills.

         Moreover, supporting youth through tenders is an investment in the future workforce as it encourages them to develop sustainable businesses that can thrive over time. Youth led businesses often reinvest in their communities, enhancing local economies and fostering community and development.

         In conclusion, giving youth tenders is a strategic move that not only benefits youth entrepreneurs but also contributes to broader economic and social development goals, by empowering youth, communities and harness their potential to drive innovation and growth. I thank you.

*HON. THOMPSON:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for giving me this opportunity to contribute to this debate.  Those responsible for the census say the youth are more than any other population group. Yes, I am one of those supporting this motion.  I propose that they also receive a quota on these tenders.  The youth run around for innovations which is key development, be it in agriculture.  We see a lot of development because of brilliant ideas.  We realised that there is new technology through machinery that makes work easy such as in gold mining.  Most of the gold that we see in this country comes from the youth who are called small artisanal miners. 

         If they receive assistance, that will contribute to development. We always say wherever there are plans for the youth, they must also be there.  In any serious discussion about this country, the youth must be involved.  If they see others developing through proper means, they will also be motivated to stay away from drugs and embrace education that will ensure that the vision of this country is realised.  I thank you.

         HON. LOVEJOY SIBANDA:  Thank you for the opportunity to add my voice to the motion that was raised by Hon. Maunganidze which specifically addresses the core challenges of the youth in our country.

         Firstly, I would like to note that yes, it is important that youth issues should be given greater attention.  We should acknowledge that the majority of Zimbabweans are young people.  If we reflect on the 2024 Youth Budget Conference, one will note that several recommendations were submitted and these include giving you access to non-collateral loans and there must be an implementation of a youth desk in all Government ministries. 

         Therefore, to address the issues of the motion, I think that we should implement the findings of the Youth 2024 Consultative Budget Conference.  Let us implement the non-collateral loans for our youth.  Generally, tenders are another way of empowering local businesses. If the youth make up the majority of our people, it simply means there should be a substantive number of youth businesses benefiting from the tender system.  So, we thought that any economic suppression or inclusion, it should be a must that youth be given 30% access to all tender businesses.  More importantly, it should be noted that the majority of youth now rely mostly on entrepreneurship for survival.  Hence, the urgent need for the House to initiate a provision whereby the youth are entitled to 30% tender businesses.

         In conclusion, achieving this milestone, will positively contribute to gender equality, economic empowerment and youth inclusion towards building Zimbabwe for all. I thank you.

         HON. DHANZI:  I rise today to add my voice in support of the call for the youths empowerment, a matter that strikes at the heart of Zimbabwe’s development priorities raised by Hon. Maunganidze.  Empowering our youths is not only about fulfilling a constitutional obligation, it is about securing the future of our nation by unlocking the boundless potential of the rest of our population. With over 60% of the population under 35 years of age, our youths represent not just a demographic majority but the very lifeblood of our economy and social system.  Yet, despite their immense potential, most of them face staggering unemployment rates, systematic exclusion and diminishing opportunities to participate in nation building despite Government action in addressing their matter.

The consequences go beyond the individual.  They threaten the very fabric of our Vision 2030 agenda and the promise to leave no one and no place behind.  The call to reserve 30% of Government tenders, youth-led enterprises, is a strategic intervention that demands more than endorsement.  It requires urgency in completion.

Mr. Speaker Sir, let us learn from the best practises from other nations who have shown us transformative power of implementing such policies.  In Kenya, the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) Programme has created a generation of thriving youth entrepreneurs.  This initiative is not just about providing opportunities, it is about creating a systematic shift in how we view and engage with our youths.  By unlocking the potential of young Zimbabweans, we will stimulate innovation, strengthen the formal economy and create jobs which in turn will expand our tax base and enhance our national resilience. The stakes are immense but so too are the opportunities. The failure to act decisively risks entrenching inequality and losing the demographic dividend that our youths present.

In conclusion, our vision to leave no one and no place behind must merely not be an ideal, it must be our guiding principle. The choices we make today will echo in the history of this nation.  Let us seize this moment with courage, wisdom and unwavering resolve to empower our youths and secure Zimbabwe's future as we all know that our Speaker of Parliament will go and help us to move this. I thank you.

*HON. GANYIWA:  Thank you, Mr. Speaker.  I would like to contribute to this motion on the advantages of availing economic opportunities to the youths in our country.  Even research confirms clearly that the youths constitute the bigger proportion of the population in this country, so that is a good thing as we look into the future because we say in Shona, ‘it is almost sunset to the elderly’.  So, by taking care of the youths, they will look after your tomorrow.  If we give them economic opportunities, that will give them more motivation to work hard and they will then work in various sectors of the economy such as mining as well as tenders.  If they are given capital, they will then be able to invest in other business ventures that may be even bigger businesses that can also create employment for others if we give them the necessary requirements to start.

The other advantage of giving the youths is that even for us the seniors, even if those opportunities are available to us, it gives them a sense of patriotism.  As we were growing up, we were well motivated to work and assist our parents because there was motivation for us. There were rewards for that and we were then given the opportunity to sell the yields.  So, the following year, you will then have more energy to work because of that motivation.  So, I really support that, Mr. Speaker.

I wish to propose that we come up with further laws that ring-fence opportunities for the youths that should be exclusive to them so that the elderly do not snatch those opportunities from them. As we were growing up, the elders would not eat in the same plate with the youths because they eat much faster, so the youths will not be able to take those opportunities.  So, we say, may this House come up with laws that ring-fence those opportunities for the youths so that in the future, they may take care of us.

We do not create and promote that culture from what we already have as what is being called for by the President.  We saw that last week, the President appointed one youthful Hon. Member to become a Deputy Minister.  We really like that and it gives us hope that as we approach our sunset, our youths will be responsible and will believe in them. They will be confident that they will be able to lead this country properly. I would like to think that even in this august House, in the Speaker’s Panel, we even see youthful Hon. Members who take up our Chair when you are out. That way, they are groomed for the future and they develop confidence. They lack confidence at the beginning but as a mature person, you encourage them to work and in that way, they develop confidence.

         Looking at availing opportunities for the youths, I am saying if we keep on speaking without looking at the tricky aspects of what we want to discuss, we may end up going round and round without coming up with clear solutions. I think one of the problems that we have is to do with Higher or Tertiary Education and the universities. I realise that those opportunities that we want to avail to them may be fruitless because education is not providing requisite skills to proffer solutions to the problems that are developing.

         I do not encourage those tenders that give the youths money, I do not think they are great in developing thinkers or innovators because there is not much sweat that is involved. I think we should look at developing the education system in the universities. It means the power of the oppressor is cheaper for them to perpetuate the colonialism through the education system. What is happening is that we have a lot of universities in this country that are only teaching or speaking theory. It is only about regurgitating what they have learnt without innovating something tangible.

         We will end up going forward giving and creating opportunities for them, that is a setback. Let us analyse the education system because we inherited a colonial system. Right now, they are only learning things that cannot extricate them from problems and that is what I think. I speak whilst I am in the middle of what I am saying from the beginning of my debate to where I am going. Giving the youth opportunities, we had advanced very well as a country, but we seem to be content with where we are instead of going forward so that they also progress.

         If we look at other countries, the previous speaker said there is no argument that the youths are much more advanced in terms of technology. I was looking with much honour to this House even in those Committees that we have, the Parliamentary Committees like the ICT. If we put a lot of the youths, those who are technology savvy, their contributions in the Committees are clear because it shows that this is their field. I think we should encourage the elderly like us to join other Committees whilst we concentrate on the youths more than on those Committees. I think that will be much more progressive. I really have a lot of points to argue but I do not want to consume other people’s time and I may tread on deeper grounds.

         In conclusion, in other working spaces like Siyaso and other markets to be opened by the Government, youth quotas should be availed. We also have a problem that the youth quotas are grabbed by the elderly. So, people who may be responsible for that, be it the ministry responsible for economic development of the youths, the youth quotas must be allocated to the rightful beneficiaries. I thank you.

         *THE HON. SPEAKER: Thank you. What really impressed me is that you spoke eloquently in Shona. I am sure others have also learnt that we should respect the mother language that you can eloquently speak. I thank you.

         *HON. NYABANI: Good afternoon Mr. Speaker Sir. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to add my view in this debate. I am grateful that the youths will be given opportunities. Everyone who is here including yourself were young once upon a time. If only you were not given an opportunity, you would not be where you are right now. So, we would like to thank the parents as well as all those who gave you the opportunity. This is what we are supposed to do to all the youths. The saying goes, ‘the youths are our future and without the youths, there is no future’. If we fail to get them opportunities, it means there is no future.

         I am glad that this motion came into this House and I decided to add my views to ensure that indeed, we add weight to this motion. If I grow grey beard like this, it is not that I was born like this. I was given opportunities by the elderly who were ahead of me. So, I should reciprocate. The youths must be given various opportunities not only in business, they should also be given opportunities to develop in terms of culture. If they are uncultured, they would not know what happens in Nyabani’s area.  So, we must also respect our cultures and our traditions.  Before the colonialists came, we would walk with various trades or expertise, some would be farmers.  If you are born by a hunter or someone with a certain expertise, you would inherit that. Our culture must point to that.  In our livelihood, let us not leave behind the children in terms of our culture. 

Those overseas in places like India or Nigeria respect their cultures. You cannot just rise or advance in education or economically if you do not respect your culture and traditions. Let us also ensure that we include them in our culture and tradition because that is where the ancestral spirits reside.  That is essential in development. In other countries, priority is given to food.  Whatever you are given as a gift it is not very profound.  The youth are being left behind in terms of agriculture.  Inasmuch as you may prioritise education, let us also prioritise food. 

According to the Bible, in Genesis, when Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden, they were told to work for food. For you to do ICT or work in the industry you should eat.  Let us not look up to America for food and cry foul if the donors are closed. Let us not encourage our children to live in bubbles and just be fed like birds in nests.  We should encourage them to work for their food.  We are encouraging our children to embrace education but a fund must be set aside for business start-ups.  I think if possible, let us show our children the most important area because sometimes they just read and cram theories and they graduate after that. When they come home, they start asking me as a father if I have connections for employment.  They start blaming the Government that it is not creating jobs.  The children must learn that it is not about academic learning only, they must learn real-life situations.  Their thinking must be opened to real-life situations.

         Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I think the children must learn.  The children were affected by drugs. I brought one of the illicit drugs to Parliament because I was so troubled by the behaviour of children who are involved in a lot of drug and substance abuse.  I am glad that the Government is taking that serious step of arresting those who are providing that.  We may debate that the youth must be given tenders but if they do not have the requisite education, it is pointless.  You may destroy the child by providing those opportunities. So, they need to embrace culture. 

These days if you go anywhere, you see them smoking mbanje in Magaba – Mbare or everywhere yet in the past, it was not like that.  Inasmuch as it is good to avail economic opportunities to the youth, let us also prioritise the development of culture to ensure that those aspects go hand-in-hand. I thank you Mr. Speaker for giving me this opportunity.

         HON. CHIGUMBU: I want to thank the mover of the motion.  I have divided the motion into two parts. There is going to be the spirit of the motion which I agree with.  There is going to be the letter of the motion, which has some disputes to some certain extent.  On the spirit of the motion, I think the mover of the motion is highlighting important issues Mr. Speaker that are affecting young people.  One key area that the mover of the motion highlighted in this motion is that the largest demographic group in the country is not well taken care of as much as the presentation of opportunities is concerned.  This is a very important motion that many young people are not being accorded opportunities in as far as taking care of themselves and their livelihood is concerned.

         The other important aspect that has been raised by the mover of the motion is the opportunities that are being presented by our struggling economy are not good enough to cater to the biggest demographic group that we have in this country and there is a need for us to do something to address this.

         The other issue that also has been highlighted by this motion is that this country has become highly informal and it is a serious cause for concern.  The issue that I have with the motion is what the mover is prescribing to be a solution to this challenge Mr. Speaker Sir, asking for the Government to preserve a 30% quota for according opportunities for young people.   In my view, it is like asking somebody to sail on a dry land.  I think the mover of the motion is addressing the challenges that are being highlighted by the motion from a micro perspective yet the challenges must be addressed from a macro perspective.

         The challenges that the young people are facing in terms of getting opportunities by preserving a 30% quota in the tendering system then excludes other young people who are involved in certain trends that cannot be part of the tendering systems that we have witnessed as presented by the Government.  If we are to say let us have a 30% youth quota for young people, what will happen to those young people who are doctors? What kind of tenders are they going to tender for? What would be the opportunities that his proposal will avail to those young who are in, for instance hairdressing? What kind of tenders are those young people going to get? If you are to avail 30% quota for the young people, what opportunities would be availed to those young people, those who are into schematics?  So, I feel this motion is giving us a piecemeal solution to a wholesome problem. The good thing is that it is as good motion that will then force us to open our minds. It will also force us to think outside the box. The problem that we have is a macro problem that cannot be addressed by the micro solutions. What then do we need to do? This is the biggest question that we must answer. Do we have to give youths 30% tender quota so that every youth becomes a tenderpreneur? It is not sustainable.

         We need to address the fundamentals so that these young people can have sustainable solutions. If we are to push for 30% quota system, we will see a lot of things happening because we would have created a patronage system. These young people are failing to even open a bank account. How do you expect a young person who cannot open a bank account to participate into a tender system? That is so exorbitant. - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]

What will then happen is you will see these young people becoming fronts to those big established guys. They will simply become a face because they cannot afford even to register a company that is around USD150.

         So, we cannot say we are addressing the issues and the challenges that are being faced by the young people by preserving a 30% youth quota. It is unattainable and is not a good solution. What we also see with this system if we are to push for it as young people is that we will see a girl child being at a serious risk because they will have to sleep with certain big guys in order for them to get an opportunity to this system that is being proposed. We cannot come out with a system which will expose our young people to certain vultures that are out there. I do not think as a House we would push for something that will leave every other young person being a chigananda, a common word that is being used out there these days.

         What we need are wholesome solutions. In my presentation, I have not just come to refute or to dismiss the proposal that has been put across by the mover of this motion but I have also come with solutions. What do I think are the solutions to address the issues that are being highlighted by the spirit of this motion? Firstly, we need to relook at the prerequisites for establishing businesses for the young people.  The next question is to move a motion that addresses start-ups. Our current system is making it so difficult for the young people to start businesses because when they want to start businesses, they are required to go through certain processes that will then make it difficult for them to make funds because they require a lot of money to complete.

 What we need to do as an important institution is to advocate for policies that make it easy for young people to start businesses. For instance, if we look at Senegal, they have come up with a policy that helps their young people to start business without the Government asking a lot from them. When they start to grow now, that is when the Government says your business is thriving, we now want tax from you. Your business is thriving and we now want you to pay for certain things. We need to push for policies that allow for the young people to start businesses using very minimum resources.

The other solution is to address the issue of devolution. We are talking about this proposal because we have not properly implemented our devolution policy. We are having a situation, for example, you find out that the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development will be developing or making a road that passes through a certain region and it will be using people who will be coming from Harare. They are developing a road up to Masvingo but the largest number of the people employed by that particular contractor will be coming from Harare.

We have not fully tapped into our devolution process Mr. Speaker Sir. Our devolution policy is going to address some of these issues. What is the devolution policy going to do? It is also going to allow for the small to medium enterprises which are usually the enterprises that the young people can afford.  If we are to say that let us implement our devolution process, you find that a small company in Rusape will be able to participate in a project that it would have not been able to win if it was going to go for a tender as a loner. We need to say if these big construction companies that you know in this country are to win a tender, why can you not come up with a system where they then absorb other small to medium enterprises in certain regions that they will be implementing their project? It is going to help us Mr. Speaker Sir.

The other issue is the issue of access to resources. We are talking about a policy that seeks to give young people opportunities. How many other policies do we have that were created for the purpose of according young people opportunities that we have not fully utilised? We have got a bank that was solely created to take care of financial needs of the young people. Has it been functional Mr. Speaker? It has not been functional.

 Why do we need to pile a policy upon policy that we are not making use of? It is a no brainer. What we need is that these young people need access to resources. They cannot go and easily get a loan from the banks because there are a lot of requirements that will then be asked of them to comply. What we need is to allow these young people to get access to resources. This in my view, will broaden a solution to this stated problem by the mover of the motion. We also…

HON. TOGAREPI:  Point of order Mr. Speaker Sir. I just wanted to correct the Hon. Member on the issue of the non- existence of a bank that deals with youth issues. We have a bank, Empower Bank. For me, it is this Parliament that is not giving them enough resources. Otherwise, the bank is functional and is looking after the youths.

THE HON. SPEAKER: My understanding was that the bank is there but it needs to be capacitated. - [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]- So, you are on the same page.

HON. CHIGUMBU: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I think you have explained well and I will just continue. The other thing is that we have seen  Government making late payments to contractors. Imagine this scenario where a struggling young man gets a contract. They deliver the services and goods. The Government takes ages to pay this young person. Will the young person survive Mr. Speaker Sir? What we need before we talk of young people getting 30% tender quota is for the Government to pay the contractors on time. We cannot push young people to get into something that will destroy them.  So, this also needs to be addressed.  It is a good thing if a young person who is competent and has capacity gets a tender.  We all applaud that but what we do not want is to create a system of patronage where we say we are leaving a certain portion for the young people and the young people who rightfully deserve to benefit from that intervention will not benefit.  If you ask around, we have the youth quota system that brought people to this Parliament, which is a good initiative but if we were to dig deep into both sides of the political parties which are in here Mr. Speaker Sir, you will find that people who are connected are the ones who are here.  We do not want to perpetuate this problem in tendering systems where only the young people who will be connected will end up getting all the tenders.  This is a very dangerous policy that we can come up with as Parliament.  I am one person who will always advocate for the empowerment and capacitation of young people but I will always advocate for that to be done in the right way.  I so submit Mr. Speaker Sir.  I thank you.

         *HON. TSITSI ZHOU:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to this debate on the motion moved by Hon. Maunganidze.  This affects me as a parent.  The youths are the ones with a lot of energy to work, especially in all the lucrative sectors of the economy.  The youths constitute 60% of the population in this country.  Most of them are very intelligent and can contribute positively to the development of this country.  Looking at the youths who went up to tertiary, college or university level, they constitute the majority.  Intelligence can be very helpful in most of the Government sectors. 

         I would like to thank my leaders who gave me the opportunity to sit on the Speaker’s Panel.  As I sit on the panel, I have come to realise that most of the youths who debate exude a lot of knowledge, for example, Hon. Sakupwanya who is the Youth Caucus Chairperson.  I see a lot of intellect in him.  Hon. Malinganiso also leads another Committee, Hon. Pinduka and female legislators such as Hon. Chakakura and Hon. Nyelele who speaks fluent Tonga as well as Hon. Maunganidze who has the opportunity to teach others.  Hon, Makumire is in my list.  – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear] -

         It is unfortunate that I am not able to debate properly because of the interjections by those other Hon. Members.  I had prepared my speech and I was going to mention Hon. Makumire as one of the youthful leaders who speak progressively.  There is Hon. Bajila who is also a youthful leader who speaks progressively.  If we give the youths the opportunity to get tenders according to their request, we would congratulate them one day.  I would like to congratulate Hon. Maunganidze for being a leader who knows what he wants and what he is doing.  Some just speak to incite but the Hon. Member realised that there is a platform like this august House where you can bring your requests.  We could have an august House full of youths but if you are to join politics, you have to compete and you need resources to campaign.  If the youths were empowered, they would join this august House in their numbers.  Helping the youths will ensure that they have fat pockets which will help them to live happily.  Domestic violence will increase if people in the households are stressed.  If they have work to do, it also means drug abuse will be reduced. 

I would like to thank the President of this country Dr. Mnangagwa who is calling for the eradication of drug and substance abuse supported by the First Lady Amai Dr. Mnangagwa.  In order for the youths to be able to go around campaigning, they need a lot of resources and money.  Hon. Maunganidze’s prayer is for Government to set aside a quota of the tender for the youths where they are requesting 30% of the tenders. Looking at the percentage of the youths and their request for 30%, I think it is reasonable as they are not calling for 50% or 60% which would be proportionate to their population but they are starting at a very low quota, which I think is a very good request. 

         The youths also need to be taught to fishing. We should not be giving them fish every day. That will help them in their innovation but that also contributes to their respective areas where they come from. Right now, we are crying that we have received a lot of rains.

As I was seated yesterday, I heard that there are some children that were swept away as they were trying to cross from school going home. How can we assist them? I am a grandmother but for the youth who are aged between 30 and 35, they are the ones who should be mostly affected by that through their conscience. They should come up with solutions to preserve lives of our children.

Mr. Speaker Sir, the youth must be supported and they must be looked after. They must also be remembered. The President led by example that the youth should be remembered by taking them and assisting them to go into Government. For example, Hon. Mavhunga, who was appointed Deputy Minister; Hon. Jesaya, the youthful female Hon. Member.

I could not find the proper word for tender in Shona but these opportunities, I prefer that from the 30%, the 20% should be reserved for the female youth. Why do I say so? When a woman gets money, they take good care of that money and they think of their country. If a male youth gets money, you have not seen what happens. If I give my daughter 100,000 and I give my son 100,000, my son would think about the car to procure but the female child would think about the localised environment where they stay and the roads, as well as the security and the welfare of the children; the grandparents, as well as the local area. Giving them the same amount, the male child can buy a luxurious car. From that 30%, I think the big chunk of that quota should be reserved for the female youth.

As Government leaders try to support the youth because they are the future of the country. I started by applauding Hon. Maunganidze for bringing this opportunity to the elderly. Just like the old adage ‘when the elderly speak’, listen, because that way there is future in that behaviour. I know that cannot be made overnight but whenever I get such an opportunity, all the requisite laws or conditions must be worked on to ensure that. I thank you for affording me this chance to add my voice on the motion of youth empowerment.

*HON. MUNEMO: Thank you Hon. Speaker for affording me this chance to add my voice on the motion of youth empowerment. As I was reading through the Agenda for African Union, it has a plan to transform Africa into a peaceful, prosperous and integrated continent by 2063. As I was going through the key priorities, I learned that there is youth empowerment, innovation and also entrepreneurship, which is subject to what we are debating today. It is so pertinent to empower our youth so that we benefit a lot in the future.

Youth empowerment benefits young people and the society by helping them develop skills, confidence and a sense of purpose. This can lead to fewer young people involved in crime, facilitating more job opportunities and thereby achieving a more peaceful society. It builds confidence to the youth and they are likely to bounce back from setbacks and rejections.

By empowering our youth, we promote our youth to be self-reliant and be able to handle life uncertainties. The youth will gain a sense of purpose because youths are more aware of themselves and the world and have a sense of direction. We can achieve this through vocational training, entrepreneurship, mentorship and apprenticeship. We can also benefit from improved social skills, improved behaviour, increased academic achievement, increased self-esteem and increased self-efficacy.

However, I tend to ignore the mind that we empower the girl child neglecting the boy child. I think it is good to balance both when empowering our youth. Let us just say we are empowering our youth, not the girl child alone. If we keep on neglecting the boy child, we are going to have a lot of drug addicts and so on. I so submit.  Thank you so much Hon. Speaker.

*HON. MAKUMIRE: Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to add my view on to this debate. Mr. Speaker Sir, what provoked Hon. Naledi Maunganidze is what is happening to the youth in the country. That is what caught her attention. Every year, universities, tertiary institutions and education institutions, more than 300,000 graduates are churned, out yet there is no employment. The youth are suffering, which is forcing them out of that desperation. They end up engaging in crime such as abducting parents as well as manhandling and robbery. They end up in prison.

The environment of unemployment in this country is forcing the youth to continuously look up to their parents to be looked after. These days, although the adage says, nurture the child to take care of you tomorrow, these days you continue taking care of the child forever. So, the Hon. Member, Hon. Maunganidze, is requesting for 30% youth quota for tenders.

On this issue, I agree to a certain extent when it comes to empowering the youth. If we give the youth 30% quota for tenders, it is as if the youth are greedy because this is a very big quota in such a country. There are a lot of other aspects of the population that may also want their quota. What should help them in order for them to be able to trade with the Government? We must ensure we look at the requirements for the tender. For you to be able to get such a tender and such a council, you should be in business for a certain number of years.

My thinking is, let us start by saying on the requirements for an opportunity dedicated to the youth, let us have 10% dedicated for them. If, for example, there is a five-year requirement for you to be in business, let us propose that the number of required years be reduced in order for them to be able to compete.

Thirdly, I think it is important for PRAZ, that is responsible for tenders, to come up with educational programmes to the youth that educate them on how they can venture into bidding as well as their requirements for bidding in order to ensure that they are competitive so as to give them a better opportunity for them to get the tenders. Sometimes, the youth may get that opportunity but they do not have the requisite resources for them to deliver a good job. This is the biggest problem.  It is important for these banks that empower the youth as well as other banks. They must come up to support the youth to ensure that the tender will be given, can then be submitted for them to be given opportunity. Some of the youth are then blacklisted because they have failed to fulfil a tender that was once awarded to them, I am glad that you once spoke about it when you were addressing Hon. Togarepi when he interjected Hon. Chigumbu.  It is very important to ensure that youths get support from the banks.

In conclusion Mr. Speaker, 30% may be difficult to achieve but I think we should put a boundary or a cap.  For example, to say any tender that is less than USD5000. 00 should be dedicated for the youths. This will ensure that those who want to get all the tenders will then be left out.  Those who want to go for any tenders, be it providing goats or any other opportunity - the greedy ones will be left out. I thank you.

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

HON. C. MOYO:  I second.

Motion put and agreed to.

Debate to resume:  Wednesday, 26^th February, 2025.

MOTION

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

HON. TOGAREPI:  Mr. Speaker, I move that Orders of the Day Numbers 1 to 34 be stood over until Order of the Day Number 35 is disposed of.

HON. C. MOYO:  I second.

Motion put and agreed to.

MOTION

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ON THE STATE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AT SCHOOLS

Thirty-Fifth Order read:  Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education on the state of infrastructure in schools constructed by the Government and other stakeholders in 2023.

Question again proposed.

THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. TORERAI MOYO):  Hon. Speaker, good afternoon to you.

THE HON. SPEAKER:  Afternoon. 

HON. TORERAI MOYO: I wish to give a response to the report that was presented here in Parliament by the Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education on the state of infrastructure in our schools in Zimbabwe.

In accordance with Section 107, Hon. Speaker, of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and Standing Order Number 27 (2) of the National Assembly.  This report provides a detailed response to the observations, recommendations and concerns outlined in the Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education’s report of 14^th November, 2024.

The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to advancing equal access to quality education and acknowledges the Committee's insights as pivotal to addressing systemic challenges in school infrastructure, resource mobilisation and inclusivity. This document outlines actionable measures, progress updates and strategic recommendations to align with the national educational goals.

Overview of the Committee's Observations

The Portfolio Committee identified critical gaps in educational infrastructure and management, particularly in schools constructed or supported by the Government and stakeholders in 2023. Key challenges include: -

1. Insufficient infrastructure: - Newly constructed schools lack

adequate classroom blocks to meet enrolment demands.

2. Absence of Basic Amenities: - Many schools operate without

reliable access to water, sanitation and electricity.

3. Inaccessibility for learners with Disabilities: - Infrastructure designs often neglect universal accessibility standards.
4. Project Delays: - Funding shortfalls, bureaucratic inefficiencies and logistical constraints hinder timely project completion.
5. Poor Maintenance: - Existing infrastructure suffers from inadequate upkeep, exacerbating resource gaps.
6. Satellite Schools' Challenges: - These institutions face systemic neglect, including leadership vacancies, insufficient amenities and super and sub-par infrastructure.

Here is the response. 

Progress on Melbourne Government Primary School, Chiredzi District

The establishment of Melbourne Primary School addresses acute overcrowding and access disparities in Chiredzi District. The strategic interventions are, in July 2024 Hon. Speaker Ma’am, it was designed that Chiredzi Government Primary School, as the mother school, oversees Melbourne's development, leveraging its expertise in governance and resource mobilisation.

In October 2024, there was mobilisation of community stakeholders, parents, local authorities and businesses, to secure pledges for construction materials and financial support.  In January 2025, Madam Speaker Ma’am, there was an ongoing follow-up to convert stakeholder pledges into tangible resources. The materials that were secured include 10 000 bricks, 30 tonnes of concrete stones.   It should be noted that there is outstanding work that needs to be done, in terms of cement, sand, timber, roofing sheets and labour funding.

So, the Government is committed to addressing the needs of Melbourne Primary School. Our next step is to strengthen partnerships with NGOs and private entities for material support. We also want to upscale collaborative support from Treasury to secure supplementary funding.   We are also going to prioritise labour mobilisation through community engagement and targeted fundraising.

I will move on to Shongamiti High School in Chivi District.  The ministry acknowledges the observations regarding Shongamiti High School in Chivi District and provides the following updates.

Infrastructure Development

The construction of the school hall, which had stalled due to funding constraints has resumed. At the start of Term One, 2025, the school successfully procured 10000 bricks to continue with the construction project.  This progress demonstrates the school's commitment to improving its facilities despite financial challenges.

Resource Acquisition

In addition to infrastructure development, Shongamiti High School made significant strides in enhancing its operational capacity by purchasing a school bus in 2024.  This acquisition is expected to improve accessibility and support of extracurricular activities, thereby enhancing overall learning experience for learners.

Tugwi-Mukosi Secondary School in Chivi District

The Ministry provides the following updates on the developments at Tugwi-Mukosi Secondary School as observed during the visit by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee.

In terms of water supply, the availability of water remains a critical challenge. Although the school managed to connect a water line from ZINWA, the supply is unreliable due to ZINWA's inability to pump water from the river as they rely on a diesel-powered pump and sometimes lack fuel. The school is addressing this issue by engaging in a project to connect a solar-powered cable to the river.

This system will enable the pumping of raw water which will be purified on site for use by learners and staff. Attached are pictures of the water system, I will provide that Madam Speaker Ma’am.  A 40 -metre borehole donated by the local Member of Parliament, unfortunately it became a dry hole.

Electricity and Solar Energy

Solar connection has been extended from the nearby residential house to a classroom intended for use as a computer laboratory. However, electricity has not yet been connected to all the classrooms. Due to a transformer breakdown in December 2024, the school has been without electricity.  To address this, the school installed a 5kv solar system which is currently operational.

Digital Learning Platform

The school has a functional child network platform.  The computer room has been electrified but the lack of computers and appropriate furniture for the lab remains a challenge. As a ministry, Madam Speaker Ma’am, through the Presidential Computerisation Programme, the ministry will facilitate provision of the computers to this school.

I will address the issue of BEAM learners.  The school has 120 learners under the BEAM programme but funds for these learners have not been disbursed. This is an issue, Madam Speaker Ma’am which is being addressed by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and he has promised to provide funding before the end of this term.

I will move on to infrastructure development.  The fourth classroom block has been successfully completed. Fencing of the entire schoolyard has commenced but the project is not yet complete.

I will move on to Binga Primary School where I will talk about infrastructure and the status quo. The Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by the Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education regarding the state of infrastructure at Binga Primary school in Matabeleland North Province.  The following updates and actions have been taken to address the issues. 

The first problem is the issue of idle materials.  The Ministry is aware of the idle materials at Binga Primary School which were intended for infrastructure development.  Despite initial promises from Netone, the materials have not been utilised due to delays in the company's involvement.  The Ministry is actively engaging Netone and other stakeholders to expedite the use of these materials for the school development.

I will talk about electricity.  Binga Primary School has been solarised under the Climate Adaptation Water and Energy Programme (CAWEP), funded by the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP).  This initiative has provided the school with a sustainable energy source reducing reliance on traditional electricity and promoting environmental sustainability.  Inclusivity and accessibility, the school is currently working on constructing ramps to ensure inclusivity for learners with disabilities.  This effort goes with the Ministry’s broader commitment to universal accessibility standards in all schools. 

         I will go to the plan actions for Binga Primary School.  The Ministry will continue to monitor the progress at Binga Primary School and ensure that the idle materials are utilised effectively.  Further engagements with Netone and other stakeholders will be pursued to address any remaining logistical challenges.  The Ministry will provide additional support to ensure the timely completion of rumps and other accessibility features. 

         I will go to Plumtree Adventist Secondary School in Mangwe District.  The Ministry notes that the Portfolio Committee report erroneously refers to Plumtree Adventist Secondary School as Mathendele Secondary School.  The correct name is Plumtree Adventist Secondary School and the Ministry provides the following updates on infrastructure.  Plumtree Adventist Secondary School has made commendable progress in establishing its infrastructure which includes two fully completed classroom blocks that are ready for use, a fully functional block equipped with flush system,  piped water system supplying the school with adequate water, sufficient furniture for all learners and ensuring a conducive learning environment registration.  Despite being complete and ready for operation, the school is not yet registered.  The application for registration was submitted to the district school’s inspector and is currently awaiting approval from the Permanent Secretary.

         In addition, the Minister acknowledges the urgency of this matter and commits to facilitate the registration process to enable the school to formally serve the Plumtree community.  I must say that one of our major priorities is to ensure that as  ministry we register all the satellite schools, especially those who have met our expectations in terms of the provision of classrooms blocks.  In terms of registration, in 2024 we managed to register more than 500 schools and we are not delaying the registration process but within two weeks, we should be able to register those satellite schools. 

         In all the satellites, they are run by headmasters who are not substantive.  As a Ministry, we have recommended the Public Service Commission that the satellite schools should be run by substantive heads so that there is a lot of progress in terms of school management systems whereby the substantive heads will participate fully in the operations of those satellite schools.

         The contribution of the community to the Plumtree Adventist Secondary School is expected to significantly benefit the Plumtree community by providing access to quality education and alleviating pressure on existing educational facilities in the area.

         I will move on to Mathendele Primary School in Matabeleland South.  Mathendele Primary School was officially opened on 31^st January, 2025.  The school is now registered and operational.  Below are the key updates in terms of enrolment, the school has a total enrolment of 156 learners distributed as follows; ECD A, 22 learners with 12 males and 10 females; ECD B, 33 learners, that is 18 males and 15 females; Grade 1, 45 learners and Grade 2 has 56 learners.  In terms of staffing, five teachers one male, four females and one ancillary staff member. Then the School Development Committee, a new SDC officer was voted into office on the 20^th February, 2025. The Committee which comprises of two males and three female members is expected to spearhead development at the school infrastructure. The school has two complete classroom blocks and one ablution facility, a third classroom block is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by the 31^st March 2025.

         The next school is Macseth International School. In terms of accessibility and affordability, the minister acknowledged the issue of accessibility at Macseth International School in Mhondoro-Ngezi. However, this concern is specific to the school and does not reflect the overall situation within the district. More schools in the district are accessible both in terms of infrastructure and affordability. To address the challenges at Macseth International School, the Ministry will engage the school authorities to explore challenges for financial accessibility including potentially tailored packages that cater for the local community.

         I will move on to satellite schools. The challenges faced by satellite schools in Mhondoro-Ngezi particularly those relating to leadership and basic amenities have been noted. These schools are currently managed by non-substantive personnel which impacts their development and operational efficiency.

         Furthermore, some satellite schools face critical challenges of ablution facilities and portable water and the Government is seized with this matter and is in the process of insuring that portable water is provided in all the schools through the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme. Engagement with local authorities, the ministry has initiated the discussion with local authorities to expedite the drilling of boreholes at these schools. However, progress remains low due to financial constraints.

Leadership appointments to improve management and accountability, the ministry propose lowering the appointments threshold for deputy headship positions in secondary school. I will explain this Madam Speaker Ma’am. We noticed that all the secondary schools with an enrolment under 500 do not have substantive deputy heads including those schools that have ‘A’ Level facilities. So, we made a recommendation to Public Service Commission to reduce the minimum threshold to 400 so that all the secondary schools with an enrolment above 400 should be given an opportunity to appoint substantive deputy heads that only applies in secondary schools because in primary schools these are not affected.

BEAM allocation, during the period under review the allocation of BEAM funds based on monetary figures rather than the number of the beneficiaries who presented some challenges. In some schools this resulted in the majority of learners being covered by BEAM leaving operational funds severely constraints due to low levies. This underscores the need for a review of the allocation framework to ensure balance and sustainability.  

Resource Mobilisation and Training

Many schools lack meaningful income-generating projects, emphasising the importance of capacity-building initiatives for school development committee members.

The Ministry is currently working on evaluating the establishment and operations of commercial ventures in schools with a view to scaling them up.  The Ministry will intensify training efforts focussing on project continuity and sustainability to enable the school development committees to mobilise resources effectively.

Infrastructure Development

While efforts to enhance school infrastructure continue, the need for additional schools in Mhondoro Ngezi remains critical to improve accessibility and affordability.  Resource permitting, the Ministry will prioritise building more schools to address these challenges.  Madam Speaker, I must mention that in the 2025 calendar year we have secured adequate resources to construct new schools.  We are targeting not less than 120 new schools.  These include 30 schools that we have already received funding from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion through the National Building Society.  So, it is a model that has been used by universities like Chinhoyi University where we have received financial support from the National Building Society to construct 30 schools and these schools will be distributed to all the 10 provinces in Zimbabwe.

In addition to the 30 schools Madam Speaker, we have a partner called OFID, OPEC Funding for International Development, who has offered us funding in such a way that these are funds that are staggered.  So, in the first term we are going to receive USD20 million towards school construction.  The partner is going to provide funding for the construction of 50 schools.  Of these 50 schools, 40 will be day schools and 10 are going to be boarding schools.  So, we are targeting those areas where students are travelling long distances. According to international conventions, learners should not travel more than five kilometres.  In those areas, we are going to build new schools.  So, we are going to consult Members of Parliament who are in charge of areas in their constituencies where learners are travelling long distances, we are going to build new schools.

In addition to the 50 plus 30, that is 80, we also got support in the 2025 budget where we have an allocation towards schools construction.  So, the Government on its own is going to construct not less than 100 schools but we also have our partners, these are individuals, corporates, who are going to provide funding for construction of private schools and colleges so that we expect at least 120 schools to be built in 2025.  In addition to that, we also want to build not less than 300 classrooms.  So, we also have funding towards construction of classrooms.

Springs of Grace Junior School.

Springs of Grace Junior School is operational but is facing challenges related to its lease agreement.  The school currently holds a lease agreement that is less than five years which is not compliant with standard requirements and interventions by the ministry. The Provincial Education Director has recommended that the school secures a lease agreement of not less than five years to ensure stability and long-term planning.

Efforts are being made to facilitate the acquisition of the required lease agreement through engagement with the responsible local authority.  These measures aim to support the school in meeting administrative requirements and fostering its development.  

ZPS Chikurubi and Support Unit Secondary Schools in Harare Metropolitan Province

The Ministry provides the following response to the observations made by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education regarding the status of ZPCS Chikurubi and ZRP Support Unit Secondary School.

1. The Zimbabwe Republic Police Support Unit Secondary School Chikurubi.

The school has constructed four complete classrooms and plans to construct two more to accommodate the growing enrolment.  Efforts are underway to construct a larger ablution block for both boys and girls.  The pupil-to-textbook ratio is currently at 4:1 and the school is purchasing more textbooks to reduce this ratio.  ICT gadgets have been procured and the school is connected to the internet.  However, the school requires seven additional teachers, one each for Biology, Physics and Chemistry, two for Technical Graphics and Design and two for Building Technology and Design.  The Ministry is working on ensuring that these teachers are available.

Madam Speaker, in the 2025 budget as we presented our bids in Bulawayo last year, we made a submission that we are going to recruit 8 000 teachers but we are yet to receive Treasury concurrence and I want to believe that before the end of March we should be able to receive Treasury concurrence so that we can start recruitment of 8 000 teachers but these will not be recruited at the same time.  Maybe Treasury might have the funds for us to recruit maybe 3 000 or 4 000 in the second term.  The balance will be recruited in the third term.

2. Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Chikurubi Secondary School

The school has completed the construction of four classrooms and an ablution block and a third one-by-two classroom block is nearing completion.  Infrastructure fractural deficits are primarily due to low enrolment which negatively impacts revenue collection rather than unpaid BEAM funds.

While BEAM funds were last received in 2022 the school had fewer than 10 beneficiaries per year, so reliance on this fund has been minimal.  Forms 1 and 2 are still using temporary structures, highlighting the need for infrastructure support from stakeholders.  Teacher accommodation is provided by responsible authorities of the school.

3. D. Mnangagwa High School, Mutoko District

The Ministry acknowledges the observations made by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on the status of E. D. Mnangagwa High School and provides the following updates.

Background

1. D. Mnangagwa High School located in Mutoko District is being built at the Rukanda Satellite Secondary School premises. The school was established in 2023 and currently operates up to ordinary level.

Current Status

Enrolment; the school has an enrolment of 175 pupils.  In terms of staffing, they have five teachers.  Infrastructure; they have a one-by-three classroom block which is at the finishing stage. Two classrooms are currently in use with a shortfall of two classrooms.  A one-by-two semi-detached teacher's house is at the ring beam stage with a partition wall still under construction.  The school is planning to build more teachers’ houses.

In terms of water, a piped and solarised borehole is functional.  A second borehole has been drilled but is yet to be solarised.  Meanwhile, water is available but not reliable.   Electricity is available.  The school is connected to the grid and the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion is providing funding towards the completion of E. D. Mnangagwa High School. 

In terms of construction challenges or infrastructure shortages,  there is a shortage of classrooms and adequate teachers’ accommodation.  Also, procurement delays; procurement delivery of building materials are often delayed.  Material deficiencies; incorrect and inadequate quantities of building materials are frequently delivered. Then, there is also financial pressure on Rukanda Secondary School.

Funds from Rukanda Satellite School have been used to prevent work stoppages in the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) Project when materials run short.  

Interventions

         The Ministry has engaged Treasury to prioritise and streamline the procurement process to ensure timely delivery of adequate and correct building materials. Efforts are being made to complete the 1 x 3 classroom block and the 1 x 2 semi-detached teachers’ houses to improve learning conditions and address accommodation challenges for teachers. Plans are underway to solarise the second borehole to ensure consistent water supply and reduce reliance on unreliable ZINWA water system. The school’s infrastructure is being prioritised for further funding to meet the stipulated functionality standards and alleviate pressure on Rukanda Satellite Secondary School.

Mapona Satellite Primary School, Mutoko District:

Background:

         Mapona Satellite Primary School, located in Mutoko District, was established in September 2021 and currently offers classes from ECD to Grade 5.

Current Status:

Enrolment: 343 pupils (male and female).

Staffing: Authorised Staff Establishment (ATE) 10.

Teachers in post: 3 (7 vacancies).

Four additional teachers are being paid by the School Development Committee (SDC).

Infrastructure:

Classrooms: Four classrooms are currently in use.

A 1 x 2 classroom block is under construction and has reached the ring beam stage.

Teachers’ Accommodation: There are no completed teachers’ houses.

         Efforts are underway to complete the 1 x 2 classroom block and the 1 x 2 semi-detached teachers house. The ministry is exploring partnerships with stakeholders and donors to mobilise resources for the completion of these facilities.

Teacher Recruitment:

The ministry is working to address the staffing shortfall by filling the seven vacancies within the authorised teacher establishment.

Water and Power Solutions:

         The Ministry is considering the installation of a solar system to address the electricity needs. Plans are being developed to drill an additional borehole to ensure adequate water supply for both the school and the surrounding community.

Resource Mobilisation:

         The Ministry is engaging Treasury to prioritise funding for the school, while also encouraging collaboration with local stakeholders to support furniture and infrastructure needs.

St. Kelvin Secondary School:

Background:

         St. Kelvin Secondary School is located in Chipinge District, Manicaland Province. The school is currently not engaged in new construction projects but is focused on furnishing the remaining two classrooms to ensure adequate learning facilities.

Challenges:

         The school is facing the following challenges:

• Shortage of teaching staff.
• Limited resources to support ongoing projects.
• Heavy reliance on SDC (School Development Committee) funds, which may not always suffice.

Interventions:

         To address the issue of staffing, the ministry will prioritise St. Kelvin Secondary School during the deployment of the 8,000 teachers approved by Treasury for 2025. The recruitment will significantly enhance the school’s capacity to deliver quality education and reduce the teacher to learner ratio. Additionally, the ministry will explore opportunities to mobilise resources to support the school’s efforts in furnishing the remaining classrooms.

Public-Private partnerships (PPPs):

Strategic Framework:

PPPS are central to bridging resources gaps and fostering sustainable infrastructure development.

Achievements:

• ICT and Science Labs: Partnered with private entities to equip 15 schools with modern ICT tools and laboratory facilities.
• Policy Development: Drafting a PPP framework to standardise roles, ensure accountability and align projects with CSR objectives.

Forward Plans:

• Expand PPPs to include renewable energy solutions (e.g., solar power) for off-grid schools.
• Establish a PPP monitoring unit to evaluate impact and compliance.

Resource Mobilisation Toolkit:

• Developed in partnership with UNICEF to empower SDCs/SDAs in fundraising and stakeholder engagement.

Inclusivity and Accessibility:

Universal Design Compliance:

• New Construction: All schools adhere to accessibility standards (ramps, tactile pathways, adjustable furniture).
• Retrofitting Programme: Upgraded 200 schools with disability-friendly facilities in 2024; targeting 500 by 2026.
• Partnerships: Collaborating with NGOs (e.g. Disability Rights Zimbabwe) to audit and improve inclusivity metrics.

Measures Implemented Since 2023:

• Enhanced Partnerships: secured 15 million from UNICEF and UNESCO for infrastructure projects in marginalised regions.
• ICT Expansion: Deployed digital learning tools in 300 rural schools via PPPs.
• Monitoring Framework: Launched a centralised dashboard to track project timelines, budgets, and compliance.

Recommendations to Parliament:

     To accelerate progress, the ministry seeks legislative and fiscal support for:

1. Budgetary Increases: Elevate education infrastructure funding by 20% in the 2025-2026 fiscal cycle, prioritising rural and satellite schools.

2 Tax Incentives: Introduce deductions for private entities investing in school infrastructure or ICT resources.

3 Legislative enforcement: Amend the Education Act to mandate universal accessibility standards and penalize non – compliance.

7. Conclusion

The Ministry remains steadfast in its mandate to deliver equitable inclusive and quality education. By addressing systemic challenges through collaborative governance, community engagement and innovative financing, we aim to transform Zimbabwe’s educational landscape.  We urge Parliament to endorse these recommendations to ensure no learner is left behind.

         Madam Speaker Ma’am, I move that the report be adopted by Parliament.

         HON. MURAMBIWA: Thank you Hon. Speaker and good afternoon. Madam Speaker allow me to thank all the Hon. Members who debated the motion on the state of infrastructure in our schools.  I am not going to mention them by name but they raised very important points.  Hon. Madam Speaker, allow me to thank the Hon. Minister for the responses he has given, his responses were very responsive to the points raised by the Hon. Members. We cannot talk of quality education when classrooms in our schools  are not conducive to teaching and learning. We cannot talk about quality education when our teachers are not happy, when teachers’ accommodation in our schools is not conducive. So the way the Hon. Minister has responded has shown that his Ministry is more than ready to address the challenges being faced in our schools.  With these few remarks Hon. Madam Speaker, allow me to move for the adoption of the motion.

Motion that this House considers and adopts the Report of the Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education on the state of infrastructure at schools constructed by the Government and other stakeholders in 2023 put and agreed to.

 

        

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

         THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. TSITSI ZHOU): What is your point of order?

         HON. SHAMU: Madam Speaker, after listening to the Minister’s response, I thought that this House should take it upon ourselves to thank the Minister not only to thank him but maybe match what he has done as the year begins; if all other Ministers could follow suit.  When we give reports to Parliament, there are serious issues – [HON MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –

I would like to thank Hon. Moyo for having responded timely to this report and let us hope that has set a pace for all other ministers.

         THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Thank you Hon. Shamu, I would like to appreciate what the Hon. Minister has done.

MOTION

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

         HON. KAMBUZUMA: Madam Speaker, I move that we revert back to Order of the Day Number 2 on today’s Order Paper.

         HON. C. MOYO: I second.

SECOND READING

BROADCASTING SERVICES AMENDMENT BILL [H. B. 10, 24]

 THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION, PUBLICITY AND BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. DR. MUSWERE): Thank you, Madam Speaker, I rise to give the second reading speech on the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill [H. B. 10, 24]. As the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, we are cognisant of the need to amend the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12.06]. The objective of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill of 2024, is to align the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06] with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and also with the public entities and Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10: 31]. The Act was last amended in 2007 and certain Sections of the Act have become inconsistent with the new Constitution, something which has necessitated the current alignment process.  Technology has also evolved rapidly over the years pointing to the need for the broadcasting laws to be aligned with other pieces of legislation. Madam Speaker, the Broadcasting Service Amendment Bill contains 23 Clauses which include Clause 1 which is the short title of the Bill and the following additional provisions. Clause 2 introduced additional definitions for new classes of broadcasting services introduced in Section 7 to make sure that all classes of licences are covered. Clause 3 amends Section 2A of the Principle Act to provide the role of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe is to regulate and manage the broadcasting service bands for sustenance rather than to control broadcasting services bands.  The intention is to move away from the perception that the legislation is intended to stifle the freedom guaranteed in terms of the constitution in terms of Section 61 and instead to focus on necessary regulation of the airwaves.  This is also in line with current international trends as contained in some international instruments among them the African Charter on Broadcasting. The African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and International Convent on Civil and Political Rights. Madam Speaker, Clause 4 amends Section 4 of the Principle Act by reducing the number of board members from 12 to 7 and also providing for gender balance within the board of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe to ensure that the number of board members is commensurate with the size of the institution and in line with other boards such as the POTRAZ Board of directors.  

         Clause 5 amends Section 7:2 of the principal act which provides for the classes of the broadcasting services and systems which may be licensed by the authority as follows:

(a) public broadcasting services

 (b) commercial broadcasting services

(c) community broadcasting services

(d) subscription broadcasting service

(e) subscription management service

(f)  an open narrow casting service

(g) satellite system

(h) data casting service

(i) internet based broadcasting.

         The amendments have been necessitated by the developments in technology, where classification of broadcasting services should be independent in terms of platform from where the services delivered or received as developments in technology result in new platforms emerging or existing platforms evolving to deliver broadcasting services, which will require frequency reviews to the classification.

         Clause 6 Section on foreign ownership is no longer being amended. Sections 8 and 22 to remain as they are, no person other than the citizen of Zimbabwe shall be the director in terms of licencing framework.

         Clause 7 amends   Section 10 of the principal Act mainly to introduce predictability in the application form for granting or refusal of licences. The amendment to Section 10 will allow licences that will make use of the broadcasting frequency spectrum to be applied for once a year. Amendments to sub-section 6 are to ensure that only services that make use of the band spectrum a  national public resources go through public enquiry expect for community radios which are supposed to be owned by the community. 

         Clause 8 amends Section 11 (4) for the principal Act by ensuring that broadcasting service broadcasts in all languages spoken in the area they serve to promote the use of the officially recognised languages in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.  This requirement will exclude services emanating from outside the country and community radio stations. The amendment in Section 11 (5) is to exempt licences whose services emanating from outside the county from the requirement of allocating to the Government an hour weekly to explain Government policies free of charge to the nation as a  requirement is impractical.

         Clause 9 amends Section 12 to align to the section amendments that have been effected in  Section 7 (2) with respect to the validity period of the licences. A licence for the broadcasting service specified in paragraph (a) to (c) is valid for a period of 10 years. A licence for broadcasting service specified in paragraph (f) to (i)  is valid for a period of three years.

         Clause 10 amends Section 18 in order to allow for the transfer of the licences subject to the approval by the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe.

         Clause 11 on foreign ownership in 22 is no longer being amended.

Clause 12 amends Section 30 of the principal Act. Section 30 of the Act provides for the utilisation of the broadcasting fund for objects stipulated in that section in view of the non- profit-making nature of community radios. The amendment seeks to allow the authority to utilise the fund to also support the sustenance of community radios among others. Clause 13 amends Section 37 by repealing subsection 2 and replacing it with a new subsection 2, which mandates the authority to issue public broadcasting licences in consultation with the minister. This gives the minister an oversight role to remain in the issuing process.

Clause 14 amends Section 38A by broadening the definition of dealer in an effort to enhance our clients and to boost revenue collection for ZBC. Madam Speaker, Clause 15 amends Section 38 B by inserting a new provision which provides that the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) and every motor insurance company shall only issue a motor vehicle licence and motor insurance policy respectively to individuals who either hold a current radio licence issued by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation or a valid exemption certificate from ZBC unless the vehicle to be insured is not equipped with a radio receiver provided the licence applicant shall sign a declaration as specified in the 8^th schedule.

         Clause 16 amends Section 39 by deleting subsection 5 and replacing with a new subsection 5 which requires every subscription broadcasting service licence and subscription management service licence to transmit up to three channels of the public broadcasting. Clause 17 amends Section 46 by adding new regulatory powers of the board to include areas currently omitted in the authority’s regulatory function.

Areas added are on migration issues due to changes in technology, powers to introduce mandatory violation penalties to licences for non- compliance with the terms and conditions of licences, commissioning of independently produced content by broadcasters, language quarters within a licenced area in order to ensure that officially recognised languages find expression on broadcasting platforms.

         Clause 18 amends various paragraphs of the third schedule to the principal Act to bring the provisions applicable to the authority in line with the provisions of the Public Entity and Corporate Governance Act. Among other changes, terms of office of board members are now limited to four instead of five years and vacancies on the board have to be filled within three months instead of six months.

         Clause 19 amends paragraph 9 of the fourth schedule to the Principal Act to provide that the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer and other employees of the authority will be subject to Section 17 to 21 and Section 23 of the Public entities and Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10.31] which specify among other things, a maximum of a two fixed terms performance based contract for the Chief Executive Officer, each term not exceeding five years. Performance contracts of all senior staff, the advertising of the posts in a newspaper circulating in the area of the entity’s activities that appointments should be primarily on merit with due regard to regional and gender representation. The filling of the post of the Chief Executive Officer within six months of the vacancy occurring. The requirement for disclosures of any conflicts of interest and declaration of assets by senior staff and that conditions of service of all senior staff should be in line with any model service conditions formulated in terms of the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act, with due regards to qualifications, experience and functions of the entity and restrictions on remuneration for the CEO and other senior staff, including restrictions on terminal benefits.

         Clause 20 – deletes paragraph 9 (1) of the Fifth Schedule which requires that a licensee commences providing broadcasting services within six months of being allocated a license.  It also amends paragraph 10 (1)(c) of the Fifth Schedule to the Principal Act to make it mandatory for licenses to ensure that members of the community that it serves participate in the operations and selection of programmes and membership of its governing body.  The amendment is on deletion of the word encourage and replace it with ensure.  This will ensure community participation in this class of license. 

         Clause 21 amends the Sixth Schedule to the Principle Act by deleting paragraph 2(2) and substituting it with a new Section 2(2), which provides that a license with a sports channel shall broadcast 50% local content in view of the fact that sporting events are universal and international sports may bring commercial value to licences.  Amendments to paragraph 2(2) are to provide that a public broadcaster providing multiple channels shall broadcast 75% local content on all channels to ensure that they reflect the identity of the nation.  Services emanating from outside the country will be excluded from this local content quota requirement.

         Clause 22 is a transitional provision with respect to the term of office of current senior officers.  The terms of office for officers will be subject to the limits introduced by this Bill and will therefore be reckoned from the dates of appointment. 

         Clause 23 inserts a new schedule which contains a declaration to be signed by those who opt not to equip their cars with radios.

  I therefore submit and urge you Hon. Members to support and pass this Bill.  I move that the Bill be read a second time. 

         HON. SIBANDA:  Thank you Madam Speaker.  The Portfolio Committee on Broadcasting Services report on the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill H.B.10, 2024.

1.0 Introduction

The Constitution of Zimbabwe, under Section 141, imposes a duty upon the Parliament to actively engage the general public during its legislative processes and ensure that all interested stakeholders are consulted on Bills under consideration for enactment into law. In fulfillment of this constitutional obligation, the Parliament of Zimbabwe, through the Portfolio Committee on Media and Broadcasting Services conducted public consultations from the 16^th to the 21^st of December 2024 to solicit the views of the citizenry on the proposed Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill. This Bill, which was gazetted on the 22^nd of November 2024, seeks to amend the existing Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06].

 

• Background

The Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to media reforms. This Bill is seen as part of broader reforms aimed at democratising the airwaves, encouraging greater diversity in media ownership as well as promoting local content production. It is also aimed at aligning Zimbabwe’s broadcasting policies with international standards and technological developments. The proposed amendments seek to address issues around media ownership, licensing of private broadcasters and fair competition between traditional broadcasters and new digital platforms. There are also provisions aimed at ensuring that broadcasters air more local content in line with Zimbabwe’s cultural and development goals.

3.0 Methodology

The Portfolio Committee on Media and Broadcasting Services conducted a comprehensive public consultation process on the proposed Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill. The Committee was comprised of one team which covered Mashonaland East, Midlands, Bulawayo, Harare, Manicaland, Masvingo and Matebeleland South. The consultations involved focused group discussions across 7 venues in 7 provinces, as well as the receipt of written submissions from various stakeholders. This multi-pronged approach ensured that the views and perspectives of the general public were thoroughly captured, in line with the constitutional obligation to engage the citizenry in the legislative process.

• Overview of the Consultations

The comprehensive public consultation process conducted by the Committee reached a total of 485 participants. The demographic breakdown consisted of 59.1% men, 39.1% women and 1.8% persons with disabilities. While the turnout was relatively low in some areas like Bubi and Kwekwe, the committee nevertheless managed to gather important and insightful contributions. These submissions were carefully considered and deliberated upon by the Committee in the development of their comprehensive report on the proposed Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill.

• Public Submissions

5.1 Media Pluralism, Fairness and Diversity

On Clause 11, the public made recommendations for a merit-based licensing criteria and a reduction in the 40% foreign ownership threshold to protect national interests. Stakeholders emphasised the need for transparency in media pluralism, diversity and a fair, competitive broadcasting environment. It was recommended that a new clause be included, which compels BAZ to publicise the criteria for issuing licences and to make public the score cards justifying their reasons for awarding/denying licences.

Furthermore, concerns were raised about monopolisation and therefore the need to accommodate both public and private players to strengthen democracy, freedom of expression, and access to information. It was recommended that the state broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) must also go through a public inquiry when they are being issued with additional licences.

• Community Radio Stations

On Clause 7, it was submitted that it must not exempt community broadcasters from public hearings. It was then recommended that the public participates in all application processes. Stakeholders agreed with Clause 11 for simplified licensing, adequate funding, and broadcasting in local languages for community radio stations in rural and marginalized areas to ensure effective communication and cultural preservation.

• Subscription Management Service (SMS)

There were objections to classifying SMS providers as a broadcasting service under Clause 2. Proposals were made to amend Clause 2 to remove SMS from the broadcasting service category and introduce a new Clause 3 to regulate services related to broadcasting without misclassifying them. A suggestion was made that SMS providers should not be subject to broadcasting regulations but should facilitate the carriage of a national public broadcasting channel on supported platforms, with a "must-carry" obligation limited to a specific national public television channel was also proffered.

• Independence, Transparency and Fairness in Licencing

Some stakeholders felt that Ministerial powers in the bill were excessive as shown in the appointment of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) board in Clause 4. It was recommended that the laws conform to clause 2 of the African Charter on Broadcasting. There was a recommendation that the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) be an independent entity. Stakeholders encouraged that Zimbabwe conforms to Section 2 of the African Charter on Broadcasting.

• Car Radio Licence Requirement

There was heated debate over the fairness of the car radio license requirement, as alluded to in Clause 15 of the Bill with suggestions to abolish it or replace it with an inclusive funding model similar to Mozambique, where the fee is collected via the electricity bill. In accordance with Clauses 14 and 15 regarding to new Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation licences, there was criticisms of the current licensing system as being politicised and restrictive. Some participants supported ZBC radio licensing as a revenue source if used transparently.

• Promotion of Local Content

Stakeholders stressed the importance of promoting local content through quotas for radio and TV and providing incentives like tax breaks or grants for local creators. It was also recommended that there be investment in broadcasting infrastructure and digital migration to improve signal coverage and adopt modern technologies.

• Media Literacy and Ethical Reporting

Recommendations were submitted for media literacy programs to promote ethical reporting and responsible content consumption. Calls were also made for a ban on intrusive paparazzi practices and the imposition of penalties for unethical journalism to protect privacy and national security.

• Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) Modernization

There were calls for ZBC to modernize and diversify its content to compete with foreign services like DSTV and Netflix. Outdated programming and weak signal coverage had led to declining audience engagement. It also emerged that the law is silent on convergence, digitization and artificial intelligence. It was therefore recommended that there be a transitional clause to move the broadcasting regulatory framework towards convergence.

• Committee Observations

The Committee observed the following:

1. That the public is in support of the Bill but issues came on the quality of content and programming by the national broadcaster.
2. That the Bill is silent on convergence, digitisation and artificial intelligence of the broadcasting industry.

• The requirement for vehicle owners to obtain a radio license has been criticised as unreasonable as some vehicles may need exemption if they cannot access radio signal

1. That there is need for a survey on the number of radio television sets in the country so as to make a determination on the cost of a radio licence to make it affordable. Furthermore, it is not only car radios which can carry radio signal but many other gadgets like mobile phones, speakers, etc. Targeting motorists only will be too narrow and unfair and may be difficult to administer for compliance purposes.
2. That mandating high local content quotas may pose challenges for broadcasters in sourcing and producing sufficient local material.
   • Committee Recommendations

The Committee therefore recommends the following:

1. That community radio stations be exempted from public hearing by virtue of their broadcasting being apolitical and dealing with community issues.
2. That allowing up to 40% foreign ownership in broadcasting licenses has potential impacts on local media control.

• That there be a provision to limit the number of licenses that one can get to ensure diverse ownership and to ensure more citizens benefit from the freedom to establish broadcasting entities as provided for by Section 61 of the constitution.

1. That there be a provision in the Bill to cater for convergence in broadcasting that is to the merging of different types of mass media such as traditional media, print media, broadcast media, new media and the internet as well as portable and highly interactive technologies through digital media platforms.
2. That the Board Composition of BAZ be reduced from twelve to seven members, ensuring gender balance and complies with the law.
3. That there be introducing of new broadcasting service classes—public, commercial, community, subscription, subscription management, open narrowcasting, satellite uplink, and data casting services.

• That in terms of local content, public broadcasters with multiple channels should air or dedicate viewing of local sports content.
  • Conclusion

In conclusion, the public consultations on the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill revealed a strong consensus on the need for a transparent, inclusive, and modernised broadcasting sector in Zimbabwe. The public as a whole emphasised the importance of media pluralism, fair licensing processes, and support for community radio stations with local languages to ensure accessibility and cultural preservation. Key submissions included promoting local content, protecting press freedom, addressing unethical journalism, and modernising infrastructure to enhance signal coverage and competitiveness. By addressing these issues, the Bill has the potential to foster a diverse, democratic, and sustainable media landscape that serves the public interest and aligns with international standards.

         HON. G. K. HLATYWAYO: Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. This Bill is very important because our Constitution in Section 61 is very clear in terms of freedom of expression and freedom of media. We also have the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that is very clear in terms of the same rights.  We also have the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights as well as the African Charter on Broadcasting. So, the question of alignment to our Constitution and these international instruments is very important.

 I have several issues that I need to raise to the minister about this Bill and hopefully, these issues will be able to be addressed. The first one that I wish to bring to your attention, Madam Speaker, relates to whether this Bill enhances freedom of expression. The Bill amends Section 2A of the Act, which sets out the objectives of the Act to change the role of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe from controlling broadcasting services to managing them. If this makes any real change, Madam Speaker, it is imperceptible.

 

In another amendment, the Bill adds the new objective for the Act, namely to develop freedom of expression, by ‘providing, programming that reflects Zimbabwean attitudes, opinions, ideas, values, and artistic creativity’. This is not likely to enhance freedom of expression Madam Speaker because reflecting existing Zimbabwean attitudes, opinions, ideas and values will not encourage the development of new ones and may shut out foreign opinions and ideas.

Similarly, the high local content quotas which the Bill will impose on broadcasters, while intended to promote Zimbabwean culture and the local broadcasting industry, may limit the availability of international content and potentially hinder the growth of smaller independent broadcasters.

We also know that the Executive has told us that Zimbabwe is open for business and if Zimbabwe is open for business, it therefore follows that even foreign investors who wish to invest in the broadcasting sector must be allowed to do so.

The second point that I wish to raise relates to the membership of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe. I have noted Madam Speaker, that the Bill proposes that the number of board members will be reduced from 12 to seven and previously we all know that the 12 were appointed by the President, and three of whom were appointed from a list submitted by the Parliament’s Committee on Standing Rules and Orders. The Bill is now proposing seven members and all of the seven members will be appointed by the President.

 I think it is important for us to make sure that Parliament still plays a role in terms of how these members are going to be appointed. The amendment seems to bring the authority more directly under the control of the President and this is certainly inconsistent with the African Charter on Broadcasting, which in Article 2 of Part 1 states that all formal powers in the areas of broadcast and telecommunications regulation should be exercised by public authorities which are protected against interference, particularly of a political or economic nature, by, among other things, an appointment process for members which is open, transparent, involves the participation of civil society, and is not controlled by any particular political party. So, we need to make sure that this board is independent.

I have also noted Madam Speaker, that of the seven board members, three are going to be women and I heard the minister saying that this promotes gender equality. I am not too sure every time that we have an uneven number, it is always the women that must be short. It is never four women and three men. It is always three women and four men and I think we need to rectify this.

After all, women make up more than 52% of the population in Zimbabwe, so if it is an even number, it follows that the women have to be four.

 I will then quickly move to the foreign investment in the broadcasting sector. Section 8 of the Broadcasting Services Act prohibits the issue of broadcasting licences to individuals who are not citizens of Zimbabwe or to companies and other bodies that are not wholly controlled by citizens. The Bill will amend this particular section so that foreigners may hold up to 40% of the shares of companies to which licences are issued and we acknowledge that it is a change from the previous provisions.

 

However, even with this relaxation, Section 8 may be unconstitutional. As we noted earlier, under Section 61 of the Constitution, the only restriction that may be imposed on the establishment of broadcasters, are those necessary to regulate the airwaves. Cutting foreigners out of broadcasting or even restricting their entry into broadcasting is not regulating the airwaves.

I will then move to the local content requirements for broadcasters. The sixth schedule of the Act currently requires television broadcasters to ensure that at least 75% of their programmes consists of local or African content and material. Radio and television broadcasters with multiple channels have to ensure that there is at least 30% of local content in each channel.

The Bill will alter this so that television sports channels will have to broadcast at least 50% local content but all broadcasters, radio and television, that is, will have to have 75% local and African content.

The net result, therefore, will be to increase the local content requirements. Although the Bill's Memorandum states that services emanating from outside Zimbabwe will be excluded from these requirements, it is by no means clear that they will be.

I will then transition to issues around the public service obligation of licences. The Bill will oblige licences running subscription services to transmit up to three channels of the public broadcaster, that is, the ZBC and ZTV, at least one of which must not be encoded. The Act currently obliges them to transmit one unencoded public broadcaster channel.

The amendment is not entirely clear, but neither is the current provision. Do the subscription service licences have to pay the public broadcaster for transmitting each channel? It is a question that will need to be responded to by the minister.

Also, what does it mean up to three? Will a subscription service licence comply with the new provision by transmitting just one channel?  Will a subscription service licence be allowed to transmit more than three channels?

My final issue, Madam Speaker, will be on community broadcasting licences. Community broadcasting licences are issued to persons who wish to cater for the interests of particular communities. The Bill will alter the requirements for issuing these licences to ensure that members of the communities participate in the licences operations and programmes that are represented on the licences governing bodies. This seems sensible.

There has been no attempt, however, to clarify how far community licences may venture into politics and this needs to be sorted out. Under paragraph 10 of the fifth schedule of the Act, community broadcasting licences are issued subject to the condition that the licences shall not broadcast any political matter and the political matter is defined in paragraph one of the schedule as any political matter, including the policy launch of a political party. This definition is very wide,

U:     t525535                                         25^th February 2025

it can be construed for example as preventing a community radio station from discussing a local authority’s failure to provide adequate water to the community or repair roads. 

Community radios are currently reluctant to raise such issues for fear of breaching the conditions of their licences. The matter could easily be settled by amending the definition of political matter to restrict it to partisan politics and to exclude issues of genuine local concern.  The Bill should be amended in order to cater for some of these provisions. 

In conclusion, I would also want to bring to your attention the issue of mandatory licences that are being proposed by this Bill.  It is quite unfortunate because even those that do not have receivers are going to be forced to pay these licences.  I do not see how, given the economic situation also that we find ourselves in as a country, why we are proceeding with such provisions.  I would like to hear the arguments from the Hon. Ministers in terms of why we are proceeding with such.  In the final analysis, what is important is for us to protect media freedoms and the right to free expression and I am of the view that, that should be the central theme in this Bill to make sure that citizens do have their right to freely express as provided in Section 61 of our Constitution and some of those instruments, it is an international level that I alluded to when I began my debate.  I so submit.

HON. HAMAUSWA: Thank you Madam Speaker.  I would like to add my voice to the presented Bill.  I will focus on few issues that are of major concern, especially to the people of Zimbabwe who expressed those concerns through the public hearings.  Number one is that the people of Zimbabwe said they have no problems with the mandatory payment of radio and television licences. They are concerned with the content, since time immemorial, the only television station that we had in Zimbabwe has a deplorable record in terms of content. 

There was a time Madam Speaker, when people would rush home to watch some of the programmes through the television station. It is no longer the case, so, the people are saying if we are going to go via the mandatory payment of radio licences and television licences, there is need for ZBC to improve the content.  Even also to consider equality for political parties. You will see a presidential candidate with over two million votes being scorned through national television but the supporters are forced to pay licences.  So, that equality is also important - [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. TSITSI ZHOU): Order! Can we have order in the House, can you allow Hon. Hamauswa to be heard in silence?

HON. HAMAUSWA: The point is the people of Zimbabwe, despite their political backgrounds, also need to be heard and they have raised their concerns that the content must improve. You remember those days when we had the Gringos and the Mukadotas, we would rush home and this is where we need to say if we increase the collection of licences, this must be reflected in terms of content.  This is my contribution Madam Speaker, that without improving on the content, when we have jingles from one political party consuming the air space and the airtime, then how do you then account for the other two million? – [AN HON. MEMBER: Kune manganiko  mapolitical party] - 

Madam Speaker, on that note there is a suggestion from well meaning Zimbabweans who are saying this Bill is giving a provision which is narrowly focused in terms of collection of licences.  They are focusing on vehicle licences.  When they say when you are paying your vehicle licences, then you pay radio licences.  They must come up with a comprehensive approach because they will come today to Parliament and you all know that when you are making an amendment, you have to go through public hearings.  They will come back again and say we now want to collect television licences through the payment of electricity. 

         What is limiting the Government to come up with a comprehensive approach in terms of collecting licences?  The idea may sound that we are components of punishing the people but the ultimate result is that when the tax base is broadened, then definitely people are going to pay less.  They say if we have three million owners of television sets in Zimbabwe, we can ask them to pay a dollar per month and you will get three million every month, which is enough for ZBC to be able to purchase the rights to air even premier soccer league.  This is what we want to see; those popular programmes being aired through our national broadcaster. So, why are we having a narrow focus? We need to look beyond the issues of technology.  We need to look into 10 or five years to come.

         We are punishing the vehicle owners, what about the other people? You will find that currently ZBC television licences will go for USD100, it is ridiculous.  If we sit down with those people who are working at ZBC and in the Ministry, they are paid to think, they must go back and bring an amendment that is comprehensive that will make sure that the people of Zimbabwe will not pay more than USD5 because everyone will be paying.

         We need to have a social contract as I said that we need to agree that we are paying for something that we are going to be happy with.  We cannot pay then at the end of the day – if you ask Madam Speaker, very few people watch ZTV. There was a time when we asked each other how much it was to pay for a radio licence.  You would find that there was only one person who was aware.  I am talking of Hon. Members from both sides; only one Hon. Member was aware that the cost of a radio licence is USD30.  Everyone else was not aware. So, it is a sad story, Madam Speaker Ma’am, which needs to be addressed.

Then the aspect of foreign ownership.  Yes, some will raise concerns that boarder on national interest.  I think the essence was to give room for Zimbabweans who are in the diaspora. Zimbabweans who are in the diaspora need to participate in the national economy and national development of this country.  So, there must be a provision or provisions in our national laws that will enable them to participate. Also, even including participation through voting and being voted for.

So, this is the essence of having that provision because if you check on the statistics presented by the Hon. Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, you will realise that we can agree that we are being sustained by remittances coming from the diaspora. Then, if we allow that, I think it is commendable.  What is needed is to make it very clear such that those who have concerns with national security issues will not raise them again.  They understand that we have more than three million Zimbabweans who are outside. Who are sending money every day, every hour and they are sustaining our economy.

So, Madam Speaker Ma’am, this is very important.  We may need to support the Bill but we would want the Hon. Minister and the Ministry to rethink some of the provisions.  Failing which, we may see again the Hon. Minister asking again the Parliament to go through Public Hearings which is very expensive.  We need to enact a law that can last maybe for 20 or so years.  

I implore the Hon. Minister, through you Madam Speaker Ma’am, to rethink on how best they can come up with the issue of licencing.  The most important thing, the people of Zimbabwe said, if this mandatory licencing is going to come, it must be accompanied by reduction of fees because it will be assured that we are going to have everyone paying. So why should we keep the charges higher, the fees higher, when we can also make the collection that will sustain ZBC even by paying US$5.00. 

So, this is what is needed.  This is what the people of Zimbabwe, including the people from the beautiful constituency of Warren Park are saying. They are saying the fees must actually go down since you are saying we are now going for mandatory.  I so submit Madam Speaker Ma’am.

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. TSITSI ZHOU):  Thank you Hon. Hamauswa. I now call upon the Hon. Minister to adjourn the debate.

THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION, PUBLICITY AND BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. DR. MUSWERE):  Thank you Madam Speaker. I realise that there is so much interest but I am prepared to respond.  I move that the debate be now adjourned to give Hon. Members a period to research about this important Bill.  Which important Bill is going to ensure that there is freedom of expression and freedom of the media and to grow in the robustness of the media industry. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Motion put and agreed to.

Debate to resume: Wednesday, 26^th February, 2025.

MOTION

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

HON. KAMBUZUMA:  Madam Speaker, I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 3 to 8 on today’s Order Paper be stood over until Order of the Day Number 9 has been disposed of.

HON. C. MOYO: I second.

Motion put and agreed to. 

MOTION

ENACTMENT OF LAWS THAT ADDRESS THE PLIGHT OF WOMEN IN ACCESSING THE WOMEN’S MICRO FINANCE BANK SERVICES

HON. DR. KHUPE:  Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am.  I would like to move the motion standing in my name

That this House –

NOTING with satisfaction the critical role played by women in the economic development of the nation;

MINDFUL that the Women’s Micro Finance Bank in the country is meant to assist women in terms of capital for those embarking on business ventures;

COGNISANT that the majority of women cannot access loans due to stringent collateral requirements and high interest rates for the servicing of such loans;

NOW, THEREFORE, resolves that this House— a) Implores the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion House to come up with measures which ensure that the Women’s Micro Finance Bank serves the interests of women as provided in its mandate; b) Enacts laws that address the plight of women in cases where primogeniture practices are encountered, especially the ones which bequeath inheritance to males at the expense of females thereby leaving them as destitute, hence their failure to meet collateral requirements.

HON. KADEMAUNGA:  I second Madam Speaker.

HON. DR. KHUPE:  Thank you very much Madam Speaker Ma’am. I would like to preface my debate by quoting the Zimbabwe Constitution.  Section 17(1)(c).  Which states that the State and all institutions and agencies of Government at all levels must take practical measures to ensure that women have access to resources including land on basis of equality with men.

Women are pillars of our communities.  They are the backbone of our economy.  Women are the ones who carry the burden of supporting their families. When women earn money, they use it to support their families. They buy food and pay for their medical needs among other things. Women must be applauded in their diversity for being nation builders for their countries and be allowed to take their rightful place and participate in the economy.

Once women are able to participate in the economy with the right support, there will be development in their homes.  The sad reality is that poverty still has the face of a woman whereas we are all empowered with the same brainpower. When it comes to empowerment programmes, women come second and they are left behind. Empowerment of women must be prioritised and women must be included at every level of development because there is nothing about women without the women.

         There can be no sustainable progress without the progress for women because women are the change agents of our future and empowerment of women results in fast economic growth. Having said this, there is notable progress on the empowerment front of women in Zimbabwe but at the same time we still have a long way to go in terms of women's empowerment. I applaud the establishment of the Women's Microfinance Bank, a bank which is supposed to uplift women who are in business.

We are all alive to the fact that Zimbabwe is highly informalised and that about 80% of the people in the informal sector are women who are devoting their serious effort and their energy in making a living. The sad reality is that most women have not had an opportunity to borrow money from the Microfinance Bank.

I made a snap survey as we were going around during the budget consultations and the women I spoke to, some of them said they did not know anything about a Women's Bank.  Those who knew said they had applied for loans and up to now had not received any money. Some of them said the interest rates were high to the extent that the bank was charging 10% interest every month which is rather too much for the women considering that their businesses were small. Some of them bemoaned the short period given to them to pay back the loans, saying they would not have made any interest so that they can pay back their loans.  Others said they did not have collateral because of primogeniture practices.  All this, was a demonstration that there is a lot that needs to be done in regard to the Women's Bank so that it caters for women's interests.

The Microfinance Bank must be known by women, particularly those in the informal sector, so that they are able to borrow loans and grow their businesses from micro to small, small to medium and medium to larger enterprises.  At the same time once women have access to capital, they will be able to start producing their own products instead of them being a supermarket for other countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Mozambique amongst others.

What is currently happening is that money is leaving the country to other countries whereas Zimbabwe needs new money and new money can only be generated when women's businesses are producing and exporting. Surely, it is not proper for us to import bottled water, tissue paper, dishwashers, toilet cleaners when we can easily produce them.  This can only be possible when women have access to capital without any stringent measures. The Women's Bank must do group lending instead of asking for collateral. They must do financial literacy before borrowing anyone money.  They must educate the borrowers that before you borrow money you must have a plan because the plan will guide you on how you can borrow money.

For example, when you want to build a house, you must have a plan.  The plan will tell you how many bricks you need, how many bags of cement you need, how many roofing sheets are needed and, and, and. After borrowing money, you must spend the money according to the plan.  If you follow your plan, you are guaranteed of making profit. Once you have profit you are able to save money and pay back the loan you borrowed. At the same time, you are able to reinvest in your business so that it grows from micro to small then small to medium and medium to a large business where you are able to produce your own products instead of buying from other countries.  This is what the Women's Microfinance Bank must teach women before borrowing money.  This on its own is a guarantee for the bank that all the borrowed money will be paid back.

The Grameen Bank in 2000, when I visited, was sitting on USD8 billion which is the money they borrowed to as many women as possible and the Women's Bank was able to recover all the money. This is so because interest rates were low, repayment periods were longer and there was no collateral required. They did group lending and women in those groups were able to checkmate each other and make sure that they all paid back what they borrowed.

I therefore would like to recommend the following: That the Women's Microfinance Bank has bias towards financial needs of women, particularly in the informal sector.  That collateral must not be required in the traditional banking sense but rather harness the trustworthiness of women as an asset in business.  That there be group lending of which those groups must first of all undergo financial literacy.  That interest rates be low so that they are affordable to women.  The last time I checked interest rates were 10% per month which translates to 120% per annum. These are too high and not affordable.

The repayment periods be longer to allow women enough time to make profit and pay back their loans.  At the moment the Women's Microfinance Bank is operating as a microfinance which caters for short term loans.  Women need more time to sell their products and make a profit in order for them to be able to pay back their loans without any difficulty.

Women's Microfinance Bank funds must be more accessible and affordable. That there be exchange visits to countries like Bangladesh, the Grameen Bank and India, the Sewa Bank to copy and discover how the Grameen Bank and the Sewa Bank have been running and assisting women to run their businesses without any difficulty.

Many women I visited in Bangladesh who got assistance from the Grameen Bank had their lives improved and you could see the transformation from where they were before borrowing the loans into where they were after they got the loans.

I would like to conclude by alluding to the fact that if you empower women, you have empowered the whole nation.  If women have money, their families flourish and once our families flourish, the nation flourishes too.  Zimbabwe is a very beautiful country and it must be made more beautiful by empowering women so that they have access to resources without any stringent rules particularly with the Women's Microfinance Bank.  The bank must be women friendly. I rest my case.

HON. KADEMAUNGA:  Thank you Madam Speaker.  I rise to support the motion by Hon. Kupe which seeks to promote access to loans for women in Zimbabwe through the Women's Microfinance Bank.

This initiative, Madam Speaker, is grounded in the letter and  spirit of our national Constitution and of regional statutes such as the UN Women's Empowerment Principles and the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development which contain provisions on economic upliftment such as access to credit, markets and technology.

Madam Speaker, women play a vital role in our economy contributing significantly to agriculture, entrepreneurship and other sectors.  However, despite their importance, women continue to face significant barriers in accessing financial services, particularly loans.  This financial exclusion is perpetuated by patriarchal systems that have historically marginalised women's economic participation.

I think that it is essential for us to recognise that women in Zimbabwe are in the informal sector which we are trying as a country to bank or to make bankable.  So, despite this, the stringent requirements within the Women's Microfinance Bank, as alluded to by the mover of the motion, are excluding many women from accessing financial services. 

For instance, the requirement of collateral and a fixed income source is a significant barrier for women in the informal sector particularly vendors, small-scale farmers and cross-border traders. Also, the requirement for short-term loans where you have to pay the loan in a very short period of time is also a barrier for women in the same fields that I have identified.

According to ZimStats, Madam Speaker, women constitute 52% of the population and yet they hold only 15% of the formal sector jobs and formal sector opportunities.  Also, women make up 70% of the informal sector with many engaged in vending and small-scale farming and cross-border trading like I alluded to earlier on. So, making the bank accessible to these unbanked sectors would create a win-win situation.  By providing loans to the vendors, to small-scale farmers and to cross-border traders, we can help them expand their businesses and increase their incomes but also in turn would have a positive impact on the economy as these sectors are critical to our economic growth and development.

Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I want to speak about the vending sector.  In the vending sector, women make up 80% of the workforce, yet they face significant challenges in accessing loans and financial services.  I did a snap survey of the market of Sunningdale, which is the constituency that I represent and it revealed that very little is known about the bank by urban women in the markets who are vending.  They do not know about the bank and those few that know about the bank think that it is not accessible.  So, I think also information must be made accessible, must be simplified, must be in local languages so that women can access the Women's Microfinance Bank unlike the situation that is prevailing at the moment.

Also similarly in the small-scale farming sector, women make up 60% of the workforce, yet they face significant challenges in accessing financial services but I believe that by providing them these loans we can help them to expand their farms, to increase their yields and to improve their livelihoods.

Madam Speaker, also even in the cross-border trading sector it is worrying that women make up 50% of the workforce of people who are in cross-border trading and yet still, like I alluded to earlier on, they also face challenges in accessing financial services.  The financial services in the Women's Microfinance Bank burdened with collateral demands, short-term loans, fixed income source demands and other things are more tailored for an elite constituency of women leaving out the ordinary women.

So, to promote access to loans for ordinary women in Zimbabwe, I propose, in addition and to emphasise Hon. Kupe's proposition that the Women's Microfinance Bank must start to offer affordable interest rates that cater to the needs of women entrepreneurs, particularly those in the informal sector. I also propose that the Women’s Micro-Finance Bank must seek to sign the loan application process and establishment of information and empowerment sectors to assist women in applying for the loans, particularly women in the informal sector through the bank. Where financial literacy programmes are concerned, I think the mover of the motion Hon. Dr. Khupe bemoaned the issue of financial literacy like ordinary women who are not accessing these loans.

         Therefore, I propose that the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, in collaboration with Women’s Micro-Finance Bank, start to offer financial literacy programmes that educate women on the benefits and risks of borrowing as well as effective money management and strategies. My last proposal is on the partnership between the Ministry, the Bank and Women’s Organisations. I want to propose to the debate of this motion that the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the Women’s Micro-Finance Bank should partner with Women’s Organisations, Business Associations that are for women and communities to promote access to loans and to provide support services for women.

         In conclusion, the motion before us today is not just about promoting access to loans for women.  It is about empowering women to take control of their economic life, to create jobs for women and contribute to our nation’s growth and development by making this bank accessible to the unbanked sector, with a direct impact to the material conditions of ordinary women, rather than benefitting only the elite women. This is my submission and I just want to encourage this House that we engage this motion so that we can work together to create a more inclusive and equitable financial system that benefits old women and all Zimbabweans regardless of gender. I submit.

         HON. DR. KHUPE: I move that the debate do now adjourn.

         HON. C. MOYO: I second.

         Motion put and agreed to.

         Debate to resume: Wednesday, 26^th February, 2025.

         On the motion of HON. KAMBUZUMA, seconded by HON. C. MOYO, the House adjourned at Three Minutes to Six o’clock p.m.