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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY HANSARD 26 JUNE 2025 Vol. 51 No. 60

PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE

Thursday, 26^th June, 2025.

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

PRAYERS

(THE ACTING SPEAKER in the Chair)

MOTION

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

         HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that Orders of the Day, Numbers 1 to 10 be stood over until Order of the Day, Number 11 has been disposed of.

         HON. C. MOYO: I second.

         Motion put and agreed to.

MOTION

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING ON THE STATE OF DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTRES

         HON. M. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I move the motion standing in my name that this House considers and adopts the Report of the Portfolio Committee on Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training on the State of Drug and Substance Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centres.

HON. CHAIMVURA: I second.

HON. M. ZIYAMBI: Thank you Mr. Speaker.  I would like to report on the state of Drug and Substance Abuse treatment and Rehabilitation Centres.

1.0                        INTRODUCTION

Drug and substance abuse is a serious issue affecting the youth in Zimbabwe, with far-reaching implications for an individual and the economy as a whole. The prevalence of drug and substance abuse among young people has led to increased health problems, decreased productivity and rising crime rates, ultimately hindering national development. Economically, the consequences include higher healthcare costs, loss of productivity and increased burden on social services. In the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages, addressing drug and substance abuse is critical. Zimbabwe has made strides in achieving SDG 3 through various health initiatives, including the implementation of the Zimbabwe National Drug Master Plan. This aims to combat drug and substance abuse through measures such as supply reduction, demand reduction and harm reduction.

Rehabilitation centres play a crucial role in harm reduction by providing the necessary support and treatment facilities for individuals struggling with addiction. Recognising the importance of these centres, the Joint Parliamentary Committees on SDGs and Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training held oral evidence sessions with the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse and the Ministry of Health and Child Care. These sessions were aimed at assessing the effectiveness of rehabilitation centres in addressing substance abuse issues.

Resultantly, the Joint Committees conducted verification visits to selected centres, which include Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital, Ingutsheni Central Hospital, Gweru Hospital and Chipadze Rehabilitation Centre. Additionally, proposed rehabilitation centres such as Mzilikazi Circumcision Centre, Gwanda Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital were also visited. The evaluations at the visited centres were aimed at assessing their operations and ensuring they meet the required standards for harm reduction while also addressing their concerns on the matter. The harm reduction initiative, as one of the key pillars in the fight against drug and substance abuse, underscores the Government's commitment to enhancing the well-being of its citizens and achieving the objectives outlined in SDG 3, particularly those related to health and well-being.

• OBJECTIVES OF THE VERIFICATION VISIT

        To assess the state of rehabilitation centres;

3.0. METHODOLOGY

This Report is informed by oral and written submissions from the Secretary for Health and Child Care. Evidence compelled the Joint Committees to conduct verification visits to Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital, Ingutsheni Central Hospital, Gweru Provincial Hospita1, Chipadze Rehabilitation Centre and additionally, the proposed rehabilitation centres which are Mzilikazi Male Circumcision Centre, Gwanda Hospital, and St. Luke's Hospital. The Committee interacted with the Hospital Management and mental health personnel.

• COMMITTEE FINDINGS

The Committee was informed that there is no consolidated policy on drug and substance abuse in the country. However, there are some pieces of legislation relating to drugs as follows; the Dangerous Drugs Act (Chapter 15:02) administered by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Liquor Act (Chapter 14:12) administered by the Liquor Licencing Board, Medicines Control and Allied Act (Chapter 15:12) administered by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, Treatment and Rehabilitation Guidelines for alcohol and substance use in Zimbabwe administered by the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Zimbabwe National Drug Master Plan (2020-2025) also administered by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

The Ministry officials indicated that they offer treatment and rehabilitation services at the following facilities; Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Hospital, Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Hospital, Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital, Chipadze Detoxification and Rehabilitation Centre, Ngomahuru Mission, Gweru Provincial Hospital, Marondera Hospital and the rest of the Provincial and District Clinics offer mainly outpatient services. Furthermore, it was indicated that 36 former COVID-19 centres were identified for conversion into stand-alone drug rehabilitation centres.

The Committee was informed that the following treatment and rehabilitation services and interventions are being offered at the aforementioned referral centres, outpatient treatment services, short-term in-patient services, recovery management, pharmacological interventions, psychological interventions, occupational therapy and support groups.

The Committee was further informed that the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse was tasked with the coordination of drug and substance abuse programming. There are seven pillars under the National Committee as follows;

• supply reduction
• demand reduction
• harm, treatment and rehabilitation
• community reintegration and psychosocial support
• media and communication
• legal and policy and
• resource mobilisation and economic
  • Findings at Visited Areas

The Committee observed that each hospital visited possesses a unique set-up and distinct needs, underscoring the lack of uniformity and the requirement for each institution to address different aspects of care. It was also noted that, with the exception of Chipadze which is an annex of Bindura Hospital dedicated exclusively to substance and drug abuse rehabilitation and regarded as an ideal model for a rehabilitation centre, the centres visited are primarily mental health institutions.

The proposed centres, while deemed suitable for establishing rehabilitation facilities, require significant renovations, particularly the one in Gwanda. Below are photographs of the proposed rehabilitation centre in Gwanda illustrating the need for roofing, renovations and enhanced security features.

Photograph 1                                       Photograph 2

 

The identified facility at St. Luke's I hospital in Lupane still requires resources for its completion while the male circumcision centre in Mzilikazi, Bulawayo needs minimal resources to be converted into a rehabilitation centre. The Committee also noted the prevalence of substance abuse, identifying commonly abused substances such as alcohol, cannabis, crystal meth and cough mixtures, njengu, tototo and various mixtures of alcohols. This underscores the urgent need for specialised rehabilitation facilities in both rural and urban areas across every province.

• Quality of Care and Treatment

In general, the quality of treatment and care provided is commendable as demonstrated by institutions such as Ingutsheni Central Hospital, Gweru Hospital and Chipadze Rehabilitation Centre. Additionally, a section of Ngomahuru Hospital has been converted into a private ward specifically for drug rehabilitation, further exemplifying the standards of care. These examples highlight the commitment to delivering effective treatment and support for individuals in need of rehabilitation services.

4.3                 Infrastructure Facilities

Gwanda and St. Luke's hospitals currently lack the capacity to accommodate individuals requiring substance and drug abuse rehabilitation. Consequently, psychiatric patients are referred to Ingutsheni Central Hospital. All the hospitals visited do not have adequate infrastructure and facilities and they are overwhelmed by the number of admissions which exceed their carrying capacity. Ngomahuru Hospital in Masvingo, though dilapidated and seemingly marginalised, holds significant potential due to its extensive land and is Zimbabwe's second-largest psychiatric facility after Ingutsheni Hospital, with the highest capacity compared to Ingutsheni. The photograph below depicts the deteriorated condition of the infrastructure at Ngomahuru Hospital.

6

 

 

Unfortunately, some patients remain in the hospitals permanently, such as at Ngomahuru and Ingutsheni Central Hospital, further straining resources. Families often abandon their relatives, leading to an increase in admissions. For instance, as of June 24, 2024, Ingutsheni had 565 patients with a capacity of 708.

4.4                Staffing, Staff Qualifications and Training

All the hospitals are facing staffing shortages due to a Government freeze on hiring. Despite this, the staff are qualified and participate in ongoing training. Ingutsheni Central Hospa ital stands out by offering specialised mental health programmes for its nurses and staff. In contrast, at Ngomahuru Hospital, the staff displayed a negative attitude, which seems to stem from lack of resources, poor facilities and infrastructure as well as poor remuneration packages.

4.5                     Rehabilitation Programmes and Therapies

Chipadze Rehabilitation Centre, Ingutsheni Central Hospital and Gweru Hospital have well-structured programmes and schedules for their rehabilitation activities, which Ngomahuru Hospital lacks. Ingutsheni Central Hospital provides round-the-clock services for admitted patients and offers outpatient services from Tuesday to Friday. They are also planning to further streamline their activities by designating specific days for substance abuse treatment.

 

4.6  Compliance with Health, Safety and Ethical Standards

All hospitals visited adhere to established health, safety and ethical standards. In addition, they demonstrate a high level of respect for patients' confidentiality and autonomy.  For instance, even when there is a success story regarding a patient’s recovery, the hospitals strictly honour the individual’s preference for privacy and do not disclose any details without explicit consent.  This commitment underscores their dedication to maintaining the highest ethical standards in patient care.

4.7 Effectiveness and Outcomes

The rehabilitation centres have demonstrated their effectiveness, with several success stories emerging from Chipadze and Ingutsheni hospitals. This success indicates that enhanced resources could further improve their results. Many patients have been successfully reintegrated into society, although most are hesitant to share their experiences due to fear of stigmatisation.

5.0 OBSERVATIONS

1. The Committee observed that Matabeleland North and South Provinces do not have drug and rehabilitation centres.
2. The quality of care and treatment is compromised due to a shortage of psychotherapeutic drugs. For instance, at the general section of Ngomahuru Hospital, the institution is not providing medications to patients, leading to the situation where the section of the hospital functions more as a detention centre for individuals who struggle to coexist with others in society. Unfortunately, after four to eight weeks of inadequate treatment, these individuals are released back into the community. Moreso, the shortage of medications puts workers at risk as some patients may become violent and without the necessary drugs, staff are unable to manage these situations effectively.
3. Despite Ingutsheni Hospital receiving medicines from Egypt, it still faces shortages of critical medications like Chlorpromazine and Diazepam as well as essential anti-craving and aversive drugs necessary for effective rehabilitation.
4. The Committee observed that some of the institutions earmarked for conversion into rehabilitation centres such as St. Luke's and Mzilikazi Male Circumcision Centres have not yet received any communication in that regard.

 

5. There is a general shortage of trained professionals, including counsellors, psychiatrists and social workers with expertise in addiction treatment, which limits the quality and scope of services provided. Staffing levels are insufficient, with the ideal ratio of one nurse per four patients not being met. For example, Gwanda Provincial Hospital is struggling with a deficit of mental health personnel, currently employing only 33 out of the recommended 70 workers. Additionally, institutions like Chipadze lack social workers, an essential role in the recovery process for patients.
6. Uniforms for patients, especially in psychiatric sections, are often unavailable or in poor condition with many being tom. There is a persistent shortage of bedding and laundry facilities often malfunction leading to the deterioration of linen.
7. There is a severe shortage of beds, forcing some patients to sleep on the floor or in makeshift arrangements.
8. Hospitals such as St. Luke's and Ngomahuru face difficulties accessing adequate funds due to unclear hospital statuses. Ngomahuru for instance, typically receives only 30% of its proposed budget as it is viewed as a district hospital, which is insufficient to cover even two months of operations. This limited funding often only allows for the purchase of mealie-meal for two months.

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

• The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare should implement strategies to motivate nurses, particularly those serving in rural areas through the provision of monetary and non-monetary incentives as a way to motivate and retain the nurses by May 2025
• The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion must avail resources for the renovation of the proposed structure in Gwanda and for the completion of the centre at St. Luke's Hospital by May 2025.
• The Ministry of Health and Child Care should ensure that formal communication and directives are expeditiously conveyed to all the facilities earmarked for conversion into rehabilitation centres by April 2025.
• The Ministry of Health and Child Care must engage student attachees who are currently not attached to these institutions. Their involvement can provide valuable assistance and enhance the operational capacity of rehabilitation centres by March 2025.
  • The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training should assist in assigning meaningful tasks to individuals in halfway homes by promoting initiatives linking rehabilitation centres with vocational and technical schools to offer skills training. Additionally, providing certifications upon completion of rehabilitation will prevent idleness and support long-term self-sufficiency by August 2025.
  • The Ministry of Health and Child Care must review and consolidate the existing legislation with a view to including the more recent drugs and those with unknown compositions by June 2025.

7.0 CONCLUSION

The Committee underscores the urgent need for support towards drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centres in the country. Rehabilitation centres play a pivotal role in providing essential services in the fight against drug and substance abuse. Addressing drug and substance abuse effectively requires not only adequate funding towards the rehabilitation centres but also timeous release of funds, implementation of comprehensive communication strategies, functional half-way homes and review and consolidation of existing legislation. In this regard, the Committee implores all stakeholders to take the recommendations and fully implement them.  

HON. M. ZIYAMBI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.

HON. C. MOYO: I second.

Motion put and agreed to.

Debate to resume: Tuesday, 1^st July, 2025.

MOTION

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

         HON. KAMBUZUMA: I move that we revert to Order of the Day, Number 12 on today’s Order Paper.

         HON. NYANDORO: I second.

         Motion put and agreed to.

MOTION

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE ON THE 2024 THIRD QUARTER BUDGET PERFORMANCE REPORT

         HON. CHIDUWA: I move the motion standing in my name that this House considers and adopts the Report of the Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce on the 2024 Third Quarter Budget Performance Report for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

         HON. MUSHORIWA: I second.

         Motion put and agreed to.

HON. CHIDUWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I rise to present the Report of the Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce on the 2024, Third Quarter Budget Performance Report for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

INTRODUCTION

Sections 32, 33, 34 and 35 in the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) compel Ministries to submit monthly and quarterly financials and accompanying reports to their respective Portfolio Committees. In addition, Section 299 of the Constitution mandates Parliament to monitor and oversee expenditure by the State and agencies of government at every level to ensure that all revenue is accounted for, all expenditure has been properly incurred and any limits and conditions on appropriations have been observed. In line with these provisions, the Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce analysed the 2024 Third Quarter Budget Performance Reports from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

OBJECTIVES

1. To check whether the Ministry managed to achieve its 2024 third-quarter performance targets.
2. To proffer recommendations that would assist the Ministry in effectively executing its mandate to promote the development of vibrant, sustainable and globally competitive industrial and commercial enterprises through the provision of enabling policies and regulatory framework.

METHODOLOGY

The Committee analysed the 2024 Third Quarter Budget Performance Report from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce with technical assistance from the Parliament Budget Office. The Committee sought clarity from the Ministry on several issues, which were responded to through an oral evidence session.

COMMITTEE FINDINGS

The Committee noted that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is mandated to promote the development of vibrant, sustainable and globally competitive industrial and commercial enterprises by providing enabling policies and regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, the strategic plan of the Ministry (2021 to 2025), as guided by the 2030 National Vision and the National Development Strategy One (NDS1) 2021 to 2025 outlines the priority areas, which include:

• Revival and resuscitation of ailing industries;
• Employment creation;
• Promotion of value addition and beneficiation of agricultural produce and minerals;
• Consumer protection;
• Ease of doing business reforms;
• Increasing economic empowerment opportunities

On the legislative front, the Committee was informed that the Ministry was working on reviewing the Bonus Prohibition Act, the Consumer and Contracts Act, the Commercial Premises Lease Control Act, the Iron and Steel Industry Act, and the Sugar Production Control Act.  Some of the laws that include the Economic Empowerment Bill and Trade Measures and Standard Bill were at the drafting stage at the Attorney General’s office. However, the Committee noted with concern that the drafting process was taking longer due to capacity constraints at the Attorney General’s office.

 

The Committee noted that the Ministry has three Programmes: Policy and Administration, Industrialisation, as well as Consumer Protection and Quality Assurance.  In 2024, the Ministry’s budget was revised from ZWG 54,217 million to ZWG 78,229 million. Programme 3 (Consumer Protection and Quality Assurance) was allocated 61% of the 2024 budget, followed by Programme 2 (Industrialisation), which was allocated 29%, and Programme 1 (Policy and administration), which was allocated 10%.

Figure 1: Resource Allocation by Programme

Most resources were allocated to Programme 3 because of the Standards Development Fund (SDF), a Statutory allocation. However, only 38% of the funds allocated to Programme 3 are for Consumer Protection and Quality Assurance.

On the resource distribution by economic classification, the Committee noted the following:

Figure 2: Resource Distribution by Economic Classification

 

The Committee was informed that the allocation for capital and current transfers, totalling 40% of the budget, seeks to provide support to parastatals under the Ministry with the aim of realising a technologically advanced, competitive and diversified industry.

On human resources, the Committee noted that in 2024 the Ministry had an establishment of 432.  However, during the year, the staff establishment was reviewed to 742 following a job evaluation exercise that was done by the Public Service Commission. In May 2024, the Ministry sought Treasury concurrence to accommodate the new posts created during the year to no avail.  The Committee was informed that in order to deal with the shortage of staff and ensure service delivery is not compromised, the Ministry opted for secondments from other Ministries, a move which was approved by the PSC.

On the third quarter expenditure management, the Committee was informed that there was 100% utilisation of the disbursed funds. The Ministry reported that Programme 1 and Programme 3 received and utilised more than what was budgeted for the quarter. The disbursements were adjusted due to inflation. The major programme implemented by the Ministry during the quarter was the SADC Industrialisation Week, which was held in August 2024. The Ministry sought Treasury approval to implement a budget amounting to ZWG 3,036,162 across the Ministry Programmes to fund the national event. The Committee was informed that this was not an additional program but had been underfunded during the budget process. The Ministry reported that ZWG 12.273 million was utilised from funds generated and retained by the Standards Development Fund.

The Committee noted with concern that no funds were disbursed for capital transfers as well as for lending and equity. In the same vein, programme 2 on Industrialisation was grossly underfunded, yet this is the core business for the Ministry. As a result, the Ministry was unable to achieve its intended objectives in that quarter under these sub-heads.  On the other hand, compensation of employees consumed the bulk of the funds disbursed by Treasury leaving less for developmental programmes.

The Committee was informed that the Ministry managed to submit a price and product availability update and produced a commercial sector survey report as anticipated during the third quarter. The results showed that the capacity utilisation of the manufacturing sector stood at 51.3% against an annual target of 55% by the end of the third quarter. In addition, out of the annual target of 1000 hectares under rural industrialisation, by the end of the quarter, 7000 hectares had been set aside.

Under consumer protection and quality assurance, the Committee was informed that 26,985 Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) certificates were issued against a target of 21,250. Secondly, the percentage of local products occupying shelf space was at 80% against a target of 75%. In addition, the percentage compliance with consumer protection legislation was 65% against a target of 60%.

The Committee noted that the Ministry managed to attend to the 10 priority value chains. However, there were some areas in need of attention. For the sugar value chain, there is a need for a reliable electricity supply from ZESA to enhance irrigation and milling efficiencies. In the cotton sector, there is a need to strengthen the role of private ginners and ensure a consistent electricity supply to improve productivity. The fertiliser value chain suffers from late payments by farmers, which affects manufacturers ' access to raw materials.

Furthermore, challenges such as delays in obtaining import licenses and accessing foreign currency hinder local fertiliser production. For the iron and steel value chain, there is need to designate the Dinson Iron and Steel Project as a Special Economic Zone in order to accelerate steel prefabrication.  In the same vein, there is a need for the removal of import duties on raw materials and the introduction of tariffs on finished products to boost production.  Meanwhile, the plastic waste value chain faces obstacles, including lack of affordable funding for modern machinery, limited export markets for recycled goods, restrictive tax laws, and an unreliable power supply.

The Ministry reported that there were no cases of abuse or misuse of public resources during the period under review. This was attributed to several initiatives that include the signing of the Official Secrets Act by all officers. Secondly, an ICT policy is in place to regulate and safeguard the Ministry’s electronic database. Thirdly, the Ministry announced that they have a robust system of reporting and investigating potential misconduct through a culture of transparency by regular reviews of financial and operational activities. To enhance service delivery, the Committee was informed that some of the Ministry’s services are available online, for example, the import and export licences and registration of the reserve sector.

The Committee was informed that the Ministry’s 2023 Appropriation Account received a qualified opinion with the following issues raised by the Auditor General: 

Acquisition of Fixed Capital Assets: In May 2023, the Ministry acquired an immovable property in Bindura for USD150,000, to use as provincial offices for Mashonaland Central, but did not attach the valuation report from Public Works and the Government valuers to the purchase documents. Additionally, no change in ownership had been made at the time of the audit.  However, the Ministry informed the Committee that the issue had since been resolved and the  valuation report for the property was now available. Furthermore, the Ministry was working with Bindura Municipality in order to effect change of ownership. In addition, the Ministry was working with ZIMRA to ensure the seller has paid all the taxes that are due, such as the capital gains tax, before the transfer can be effected.

Gender Policy and Structure: For the second consecutive year, the Ministry did not have a gender policy document or a documented gender activities plan as well as a clear gender structure in place.  The Committee was informed that the Ministry was using the generic National Gender Policy however, there were plans to ensure that the gender policy would be finalised by the end of 2025.

Procurement of Motor Vehicles: The Standards Development Fund purchased a vehicle from Motor City Toyota worth ZWL10 840 000. A full payment was made in advance in March 2022, as stated in the contract as a precondition. However, at the time of concluding the audit on November 8, 2023, the supplier had not delivered the vehicle.  The Committee was informed by the Ministry that Motor City Toyota had since delivered the Toyota Hilux and the Ministry had in its possession the delivery note and the registration book.

Unidentified Deposits and Expenditure Not Adequately Supported: The Standards Development Fund did not have a mechanism in place to identify and subsequently issue receipts for direct bank deposits by employers. As a result, the financial statements disclosed an amount for unidentified deposits of ZWL113,259,714. In addition, the fund processed payment vouchers amounting to ZWL26,045,231 that were not supported by source documents, such as purchase orders, goods receipt vouchers, invoices, and receipts.

The Committee was informed that the Ministry was still facing challenges with unidentified deposits due to the use of mobile payment platforms, specifically ZIPIT, which doesn't capture details of the depositors. However, the Ministry was rectifying the problem through engagement with Zimswitch to find a long-term solution.

Adherence to PFMS Regulations: The Ministry had yet to have a full rollover of the PFMS on the fund, and the fund was still operating outside PFMS. The Committee was informed that Treasury was still working on the configurations and the Ministry was using PASTEL, having been authorised by Treasury.

Database for Employers: The Fund collects 0.05% of a company’s wage bill. In the year under review, the fund did not maintain a database of the employers in Zimbabwe and did not raise invoices for the levies due. The Fund relied on the declaration made by the employers to collect the levies. The Auditor General could not verify the correctness of the outstanding levies of ZWL12 967 598 disclosed in the financial statements, as the database for employers was not being maintained. The Ministry informed the Committee that the matter had since been resolved and a database for employers was now in place and was continuously being updated to account for new registrations and deregistration of employers.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Going forward, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in consultation with the Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce, should bridge the gap posed by outdated Acts by introducing Statutory Instruments (SIs) whilst waiting for Bills to be gazetted.
2. In future, the Treasury should ensure that program 2 on industrialisation is prioritised in terms of financial support and disbursements because this is the mandate of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, towards developing and stimulating the growth of the economy. In addition, the Ministry should work collaboratively with other Ministries, such as Agriculture, towards promoting rural industrialisation.

• The Public Service Commission must expedite the reconfiguration of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce’s employment establishment to ensure that service delivery by the Ministry is not compromised by August 2025.

1. Going forward, ZESA should prioritise supplying regular and uninterrupted electricity to critical value chains in the economy, such as manufacturers of fertilisers.
2. The Ministry of Finance Economic Development and Investment Promotion should designate the Dinson Iron and Steel project as a Special Economic Zone in order to boost productivity by August 2025.
3. The Ministry of Finance should do a cost-benefit analysis of the taxes and duties charged on manufacturers of different types of goods and services in order to improve the operating environment and boost productivity.

• The Ministry of Industry and Commerce should engage mobile payment platforms in Zimbabwe in order to address the challenge of unidentified deposits in order to enhance the accountability of public funds by September 2025.
• Treasury should allow the Ministry to have a full rollover of the PFMS on the Fund until the system is fully operational. This is critical in order to promote transparency and accountability of public resources by October 2025.

CONCLUSION

The Ministry is commended for submitting its Third Quarter Budget Performance Report, but is reminded that it should submit it within the statutory timelines. Furthermore, the Ministry should provide more comprehensive information on Expenditure Management and oversight to enable the Committee to carry out its oversight on the management of public resources by the Ministry.

         HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Thank you Mr Speaker. Mr. Speaker, let me reiterate that I fully support the report produced by the Committee on Industry and Commerce, particularly on the third quarter report of the relevant Ministry. The Minister of Industry and Commerce has three fundamental programmes.

         Firstly, policy and administration, followed by industrialisation, as well as consumer protection and quality assurance. So, we will look at this report in line with the fundamental objectives of the Ministry, which are mainly to promote industrialisation, to improve the ease of doing business, to ensure proper consumer protection, as well as to ensure that there is modernisation of our rural areas in terms of industry growth. I do not want to regurgitate what the report produced by the Hon. Chair has highlighted, because the report is pregnant with robust and vibrant recommendations to the Executive.

         So, what I am going to just highlight a few areas where I need to expand and put things into perspective for the benefit of the House. Mr Speaker, my first fundamental issue on this report is to do with the issue of the fundamental role of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, which is largely industrialisation. The industrialisation pillar did not get my…

         Hon. Members on the right side of the Hon. Speaker having made loud whispers during the course of the debate.

THE ACTING SPEAKER (HON. J. TSHUMA): Order, order Hon. Madzivanyika. Hon. Members, can we keep our voices low? Hon. Members on my right, please keep your voices low. We want to hear what Hon. Madzivanyika has in his debate – please!  You may continue Hon. Madzivanyika.

HON. MADZIVANYIKA: Thank you Mr Speaker Sir.  So, I was insinuating that the main pillar for the Ministry, which is industrialisation, did not get sufficient support from Treasury and for that matter, therefore, it did not perform as expected by the Portfolio Committee. You will find that, by the end of the third quarter, the Ministry has received a disbursement of 37% of what was allocated by Parliament. Of that 37%, 29% was allocated to industrialisation. Yet, industrialisation is the core business of this Ministry. So, I urge the Treasury, in conjunction with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, to find ways of trying to improve the industrialisation pillar, the funding, and the disbursement on time. If 37% was disbursed by the end of the third quarter, it is most likely that by the end of the fourth quarter, or by the end of the year, the disbursement would not have exceeded 50%. For that matter, it affected largely the problem that we expected on industrialisation pillar.

Mr. Speaker Sir, you will realise that currently, Zimbabwe has a 51.3% capacity utilisation. What does it mean? It means all our resources that we need to use, all our factors of production, the labour, the equipment, the capital, and so forth, are not being utilised to full capacity. Yes, it is not easy to get 100% full employment, or 100% capacity utilisation but when we move to around 70%, 80%, it shows that we are using our assets for the benefit of the country. So, that is an area the where Treasury should assist the Ministry.

There is this issue of oversight, because that is an area of concern for me, I am very much interested in that area. The issue of public integrity management is very important in terms of following accountability, in terms of the way the Ministry manages its revenue and expenditure.

         Firstly, Mr Speaker Sir, you will find that there is this system that the Government uses, called the Public Finance Management System. You will find that when the Treasury disburses, it disburses from the main account, main paymaster account, to a Ministry, the Ministry has got another account, which is called the sub-paymaster account. So, what then happens, Mr Speaker, under normal circumstances, we are supposed to follow, to see what has been disbursed by the Ministry – is it consistent with the expenditure made by the Ministry?

When that happens, when there is that consistency, it means that the resources have been used efficiently. If you look at the third quarter report, you will realise that there was a difference between what has been disbursed by the Treasury and what has been used by the Ministry. There was a difference of 25 million. We were having the Ministry's sub-paymaster account being lower than what has been done by the Ministry. That creates an inconsistency Mr. Speaker Sir, which should be avoided at all times in Government. Hence, as Parliament, we will be requiring a proper explanation as to what happened.

         The Ministry then came to say, Hon. Members, that discrepancy was caused by the fact that our Ministry has not fully rolled over the Public Finance Management System. For that matter, therefore, other districts under the Ministry, are now using pastel accounting. That then creates our account for the difference. Our fundamental recommendation under the circumstance is that the Ministry have a full rollover of the Public Finance Management System so that there is that accountability. That then becomes easy to follow up and ensure that there is no embezzlement of funds in the process.

Mr. Speaker Sir, the acquisition of fixed assets is a cause for concern under the circumstances. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, during the third quarter, acquired a property in Bindura, which it says it wants to use as a Provincial Office for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

         So, what then happens is that the property costed USD150,000 but because of standard practice, you are supposed to submit the valuation report from Public Works and also try to change ownership on time. The valuation report was not submitted on time, firstly, because the property was acquired in 2023 but the valuation report was submitted in March 2025, after one and a half years. That is a primary cause for concern.

However, the correction was made. The valuation report was finally submitted. However, the change of ownership has not yet been effected, and it is a serious cause for concern. We expect the Ministry to regularise this at the earliest convenience. There is this issue, it is so fundamental for every Ministry to ensure that it properly accounts for its income because the income streams that it gets, which have not been budgeted for, are so fundamental for the survival and going concern of this Ministry.

         One such issue, Mr Speaker Sir, is that this Ministry did not account properly for an amount of about US$114 million, which came to its bank account. There was no record of who credited this amount into their bank account. That system where revenue is not properly accounted for, US$114 million is not known as to its source, it is a sign that there is a lot of negligence. Let me put it as gross negligence on the part of the Ministry. The issue of revenue is fundamental. It is the lifeblood or the soul of this Ministry. So, we should clearly and constantly follow who is supposed to give us some money and who is supposed to do that. So that record was not there, Mr Speaker Sir and it is a cause for concern.

Not only that Mr Speaker Sir, you will find that on the same account, the issue of expenditure, the Ministry could not account for, or could not give supporting documents, such as invoices and whatever, those source documents, for an expenditure amounting to US$26 million for the previous year and that has not been corrected, Mr Speaker Sir. The Ministry was saying we are having challenges to know how much and who is giving us money because we do not have the record. As Zimbabweans, we are using ZIPIT and ZIPIT is not giving those details out. So, our recommendation as a Committee, Mr. Speaker Sir, is that can this Ministry liaise with those products under the payment system to ensure that whenever a deposit is made it must be clear that it has a name, address and reason for the payment so that the Ministry is aware of its clientele base and its potential revenue.

The Ministry is supposed to collect 0.05% of the salary bill of all employers across the country. That forms part of its revenue for its work.  However, the Ministry just relied upon the declarations made by those companies.  When a company made a declaration saying the bill of 0.05% of our payroll is 20,000 the Ministry did not take any action to audit or verify whether it was true. That is dangerous because the issue of revenue is so fundamental. So, we called upon the Ministry to ensure that they make verifications to see if they are not being shortchanged by those companies. Maybe that would open up a big opportunity for income streams that will assist the business of this Ministry.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, there was slow progress in addressing prior findings and we hope that the Ministry will raise the power of the board to ensure that those prior findings are corrected as a matter of agency. I thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir.

HON. MUSHORIWA:  Thank you Mr. Speaker.  I want to add my voice to the report that has been presented by the Chair of Industry and Commerce, Hon. Chiduwa and seconded by Hon. Madzivanyika.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, world over, is a cog in the economic development of any nation. There is no facet of the economy where you do not find industry and commerce. It does not matter whether you look in the mining industry, tourism industry and everywhere, the glue that connects everything is your Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Mr. Speaker Sir, you recall that from 2018, we started with the Transitional Stabilising Economic Programme, which was a two-year programme and then we went to the NDS1, which is ending in 2025.  If you check, all Government pronouncements have always been the move that if Zimbabwe wants to have a place within SADC, Africa and the world, we need to strengthen our industrial base. We need to make sure that as a country, our industry is actually competitive and we should also try by all means to make sure that this country does not become a supermarket of products from other countries.  So, to do that Hon. Speaker, you need to make sure that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is well-resourced but the story has not been so good. If you check, even in respect to 2024, in this Third Quarter Performance Report, you will see that the disbursement amount that was given to Industry and Commerce is very low. 

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, if you look at our budget, we normally give them 0.3%, sometimes close to 1%, but it is just a minute. However, out of that budget, the disbursement is normally around 31% to 32% and at best, around 37%. What does this do Mr. Speaker Sir? It then makes it difficult for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to coordinate industrialisation in the country.  We have now reached a stage where the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, if you really look at it, now looks like a department of the Ministry of Finance, when in fact this Ministry should be in a position to push and do its work for the betterment of this country. You heard Mr. Speaker Sir, that in terms of the employment statistics within the Ministry, there are quite a number of gaps. Of particular importance is the empowerment desk at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.  You know that in the First Republic, we had the question of the indigenous having the capacity to own at least 51% of the business.  That was, however, taken away through the Finance Act of 2018 and once it was taken away, the empowerment desk at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce now has only four people manning it, yet everyone is crying that we Zimbabweans should actually be in a position to benefit from the resources that we have.

 How do we do that Mr. Speaker Sir if we do not finance this Ministry of Industry and Commerce? Not only that but our cry is that as we move forward, we need to ensure that the budget, even as we go to the mid-term review, we need to be crying to make sure that resources are put there. It does not matter where you come from; rural industrial development can only be spearheaded by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Urban industrialisation and the growth of small-scale entrepreneurs can only be done by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. This is the reason why we need to make sure that resources are poured into this Ministry.  I caution Hon. Members in this august House that while this report talks of the figures, lack of disbursement of monies to this Ministry but the most important thing, if we want to reach a certain level, for instance, the call by Government to be a middle-income nation by 2030, we cannot reach there if Ministry of Industry and Commerce is incapacitated and is limping, you cannot.  So, this is the reason why Mr. Speaker Sir, I believe and urge this august House, not only to support the report that the Chairman has brought to this House but to ensure that wherever we are, we should fight for the industrialisation of Zimbabwe.  Without industrialisation in this country and if we continue with the trajectory that we have at the moment, 10 years from now, we will be just a supermarket.

 If people think I am over-exaggerating, one needs to go into the city centers of Harare and Bulawayo, you will see that big businesses are actually folding up and many buildings are now being sublet.  You have small enterprises getting in and people selling their wares. The Zimbabwe that we want is a Zimbabwe that produces, exports to Zambia and to other parts of the world, even up to Cairo.

That is what we want Zimbabwe to do. We need to be competitive and compete with South Africa, rather than for us to end up just being merchants and resellers of South African and Chinese goods. We need to be exporting to China. That will not happen in the current setup, where we just end up exporting our raw materials. That can only be done if your Ministry of Industry and Commerce is empowered. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.

HON.  CHIDUWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. I move that the debate do now adjourn.

HON. C. MOYO: I second.

Motion put and agreed to.

Debate to resume: Tuesday, 8^th July, 2025.

MOTION

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION AND THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT ON THE STATE OF UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO EDUCATION

HON. MURAMBIWA:  Good afternoon Mr. Speaker. I move the motion standing in my name that;

This House considers and adopts the Report of the Joint Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education and the Thematic Committee on Gender and Development on the state of universal access to primary and secondary education in Zimbabwe.

HON. SHIRIYEDENGA: I second.

HON. MURAMBIWA: Thank you Mr. Speaker.  I would like to report on the Joint Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education and the Thematic Committee on Gender and Development on the state of universal access to primary and secondary education in Zimbabwe.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In March 2024, the Joint Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education and the Thematic Committee on Gender and Development initiated an inquiry into the State of Universal Access to Basic Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe. Universal education is anchored on providing all individuals, regardless of their background, with access to quality education. The success does not only depend on the availability of educational institutions, but also on the removal of barriers that prevent individuals from attending and succeeding in attaining education.

More importantly, its key components include availability, affordability, accessibility, inclusivity, quality and support services. This report summarises the findings, observations and recommendations by the Joint Committee.

1.0              OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the inquiry were:

• To assess the current status of universal access to education in public schools;
• To identify barriers hindering universal access to education;
• To engage with stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers and community members, to gather input on improving access to education; and
• To assess the effectiveness of existing policies and programmes aimed at promoting inclusive education.

2.0              METHODLOGY

• The Joint Committee received oral evidence from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education on 05 March 2024 on the achievements and challenges in attaining inclusive
• The Joint Committee analysed written submissions from the Ministry on achievements and challenges associated with the status of universal access to education in schools.
• It also analysed written submissions on menstrual health management and hygiene in
• From 10 to 16 September 2024, two teams from the Joint Committee conducted field visits to selected schools across the country's ten Team one (1) visited the following schools: Dabengwa Secondary and Siganda Primary in Matabeleland North; Mtshabezi High and Esigodini Primary in Matabeleland South; Hyde Park Primary and Fairbridge Primary in Bulawayo; Chengeta Primary, Chengeta Secondary, Herbert Chitepo Primary and Herbert Chitepo Secondary in Mashonaland West and Dotito Primary and Secondary in Mashonaland Central. Team Two (2) visited the following schools: Epworth Primary in Harare; Tore Primary and Hunters Secondary in Kwekwe, Stanley Primary in Gweru, Chigwagwa Primary and Chimedza Primary in Zaka, Masvingo; Mount Makomwe Primary, Marange High in Mutare and Matututu Primary in Murehwa.

3.0              BACKGROUND

Sections 27 and 75 of the Constitution explicitly lay the legal foundation for promoting universal access to education, while the Education Amendment Act also puts particular importance on universal access to quality education through provision for compulsory basic State funded education for all children as well as free sanitary wear for all school girls within the adolescence stage. Under the Act, no pupil should be excluded from school for non-payment of school fees or based on pregnancy. Additionally, the Inclusive Education Policy speaks to the need for ensuring that all learners, including those with disabilities, have access to the most appropriate learning environments and opportunities for them to best achieve their fullest potential. It is against this background that the Joint Committees resolved to inquire into the State of Universal Access to Basic Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe.

4.0              COMMITTEE FINDINGS

4.1                 Disability Friendly Infrastructures.

The Joint Committee's visits to various schools, with the exception of Stanley Primary School in Gweru (Midlands Province) and Mtshabezi High School in Matabeleland South, revealed significant concerns regarding the lack of facilities for learners with disabilities. Parents of these learners and school authorities expressed deep concern about the absence of essential infrastructure such as ramps, accessible toilets with grab rails and designated pathways, which presents challenges for learners with mobility impairments to navigate the premises. In particular, the Joint Committee noted that the lack of proper ablution facilities disproportionately affects girls. At Epworth Primary School, a parent submitted that she has to take her child with a disability home during break time daily to use the toilet because the school lacks appropriate facilities.

Additionally, the Joint Committee found that most classrooms in the schools visited were not equipped with special furniture or learning aids necessary for learners with physical or sensory disabilities such as braille materials or adjustable desks. Moreover, the available school transport services were often not equipped to accommodate learners with disabilities, limiting their ability to attend school.

The Joint Committee was dismayed to find that most schools had unpaved paths, dirt yards and uneven surfaces which are not conducive to wheelchair movement. Teachers highlighted that the unpaved school premises make it extremely difficult for students with mobility impairments to navigate their environment. This situation effectively denies students with disabilities access to universal education, especially in rural areas where these challenges are more pronounced. The Joint Committee was informed that most schools visited lacked teachers who are literate in sign language and other disability specialised skills, making the delivery of education less inclusive.

4.2                 Distances and Geographical Barriers.

The Joint Committee was informed that a significant number of primary and secondary learners in rural areas are compelled to walk more than 13 kilometres one way to the nearest school, particularly secondary schools which are few and far between. For example, at Dabengwa Primary School in Bubi, some pupils walk 16 kilometers one way to school. These long distances result in learner fatigue, negatively impacting their concentration and performance in class.

Learners, teachers and parents expressed that the time spent traveling reduces the hours available for studying and completing homework and thus, adversely affects academic success. At Chigwagwa Primary School in Zaka and Hunters Secondary School in Kwekwe, it was reported that students routinely miss school days during the rainy season when rivers are flooded.

Students with disabilities, the girl child and Early Childhood Development (ECD) pupils are disproportionately affected by these long distances, creating significant barriers to universal education. The Joint Committee learnt that walking long distances to school particularly affects the girl child as they are more vulnerable to dangers such as rape and pregnancy. Some girls choose to get married, thereby losing their right to education

4.3                 Water, Sanitary and Hygiene (WASH)

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) are critical components for ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment in schools. However, the Joint Committee found that many schools visited lacked adequate WASH facilities, particularly running clean water. This situation adversely affects student health, especially the girl child's attendance and overall educational outcomes. For instance, Epworth Primary School with an enrolment of over 2 000 pupils, relies on a single borehole whose tank cannot supply water to the school beyond 10:00 a.m. daily due to electricity load shedding and lack of a solar power connection. This situation is unsustainable given the school's growing student population.

Most schools in rural areas with access to water rely on a single manual borehole which frequently breaks down. This inadequate water supply violates the Education Amendment Act [Chap 25:04], which mandates a conducive learning environment, including adequate clean water facilities in schools. It also contravenes the Public Health Act [Chap15:09], which requires the establishment of safe and hygienic conditions in public institutions, including schools.

Access to proper sanitary wear is essential for the health, dignity, and academic performance of students. However, the Joint Committee found out that many schools lacked a consistent and adequate supply of sanitary wear, leaving students without essential hygiene products during their menstrual cycles. In the absence of adequate supplies, teachers often resort to sewing reusable pads. While these initiatives are commendable as temporary solutions, they raise concerns about hygiene, risks of infection, safety and the overall well-being of the affected students.

The Joint Committee learnt that some schools lack washrooms for girls to maintain hygiene during their menstrual cycles. In addition, many schools do not have incinerators for the disposal of sanitary wear. As a result, many girls miss their lessons during their cycles due to the lack of supporting sanitation facilities.

4.4                 School Feeding Schemes

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education implements feeding programmes for learners, especially during times of drought. School feeding programmes (SFPs) have emerged as a crucial strategy to enhance educational access and improve learning outcomes for children. These programmes provide nutritious meals to students, addressing both hunger and educational disparities, particularly in vulnerable communities. At Chengeta Primary and Secondary schools in Chegutu District, students were provided with food effectively.

The Joint Committee, however, noted inconsistencies and unreliable support for the School Feeding Programme in the majority of schools visited. Schools frequently faced delays and shortages in food. The implementation of the feeding programmes was restricted to primary schools and varied widely between schools, leading to discrepancies in programme effectiveness. While school officials highlighted that feeding programmes were instrumental in curbing drop-out rates and absenteeism among learners, many schools lacked the necessary resources and infrastructure such as kitchens and storage facilities, to effectively implement feeding programmes.

4.5                 Information Communication Technology ICT Facilities at Schools

In a world increasingly becoming digital, access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is essential for providing quality education and preparing learners for future opportunities. The Joint Committee was informed of a severe lack of necessary ICT infrastructure in many schools. These include computers, internet access and digital learning tools, especially in remote rural schools such as Chigwagwa Primary School in Masvingo and Siganda Primary School in Bubi, among others.

Teachers and parents expressed concerns that the lack of ICT infrastructure poses significant challenges to both the teaching and learning processes. They lamented this deficiency, stating that it deepens the digital divide and exacerbates educational inequalities for disadvantaged pupils in rural areas. They indicated that without adequate ICT resources, students are unable to develop essential digital skills, leaving them unprepared for the demands of the modern world.

The Joint Committee was dismayed by this situation as it violates several important regulations. The Education Amendment Act (Chapter 25:04) mandates the integration of ICT in educational practices to improve learning outcomes. The Disability Act (Chapter 17:01) requires the provision of appropriate educational facilities for students with disabilities, including access to assistive technologies. Additionally, the National ICT Policy (2016) emphasises the integration of ICT in the educational curriculum.

4.6                 Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM)

The Joint Committee was informed that while the BEAM programme has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity, it currently faces numerous challenges that hinder its effectiveness. Delays in BEAM disbursements exacerbated by inflation and exchange rate volatility, were reported to disrupt the timely provision of support, affecting schools' ability to access necessary infrastructural and educational materials and services. For instance, at Hyde Park Primary School in Bulawayo, Makomwe Primary School, Chimedza Primary School and Chigwagwa Primary School, the Joint Committee was told that BEAM funds had last been received between 2019 and 2022. Similarly, secondary schools such as Herbert Chitepo in Mashonaland West and Dotito High in Mashonaland Central experienced the same delays. This inconsistency in funding creates significant difficulties for schools in maintaining essential services and infrastructure.

The Joint Committee was also concerned to receive reports that a large number of learners who do not meet the criteria for assistance were applying for and receiving BEAM support. This misallocation of resources strains the programme’s capacity and limits its ability to support those who truly deserve it, especially the girl child who is often left out when circumstances become difficult.

It was noted that in most rural schools, a larger number of pupils were beneficiaries of the BEAM programme, with only a few paying fees for themselves. According to several school officials, this affected the administration and development of schools due to the late and non-disbursement of funds. For example, at Chigwagwa Primary School, out of an enrolment of 245 students, 200 were on BEAM, leaving only 45 paying for themselves. Similarly, at Chimedza Primary School, 400 students were on BEAM and at Epworth Primary School, 575 students were receiving BEAM support. This widespread dependence on BEAM, highlights the pressing need for stringent eligibility verification to ensure the programme benefits the most vulnerable.

4.7                 School Improvement Grant

The Joint Committee noted that the School Improvement Grant (SIG) in Zimbabwe has been generally well-received by school authorities. According to school officials, the grant has contributed to a more conducive learning environment by providing necessary resources that were otherwise unavailable. Schools have reported improvements in student engagement and performance due to the availability of proper educational materials and infrastructure. Moreso, it was reported that the grant has been a lifeline for many financially constrained schools, allowing them to meet some basic operational needs. This support has been crucial in maintaining the functionality of these institutions and ensuring that students have access to quality education. For instance, Mount Makomwe has been receiving USD 1 550 annually for the past three years, enabling the school to purchase furniture, stationery and run a school poultry project. These initiatives have not only improved the school's infrastructure but also provided additional learning opportunities for students.

However, despite its positive impact, the Joint Committee learnt that the SIG has faced several challenges that hinder its overall effectiveness. For instance, delayed and erratic disbursements of SIG funds have affected the ability of some schools to plan and execute infrastructure projects. Epworth Primary School and Chigwagwa Primary School reported that they have never received SIG funds, while Tore Primary School last received the grant in 2021. Furthermore, inconsistency in funding has created significant difficulties for schools in maintaining essential services and infrastructure. This has led to frustration among school authorities who rely on these funds to meet their operational needs.

4.8                 Inadequate School Blocks and Classrooms

The importance of adequate school blocks and classrooms for universal education cannot be overstated. The Joint Committee was dismayed to observe and receive submissions indicating that many schools are housed in dilapidated buildings with insufficient classrooms, most of them lacking libraries which adversely affects the learning environment. Overcrowded classrooms hinder effective teaching, learning, student engagement and overall educational outcomes.

The Joint Committee was informed that at Herbert Chitepo Primary School in Zvimba District with an enrolment of over 1 000 pupils, abandoned tobacco grading sheds were being used as classrooms. Similarly, Early Childhood Development (ECD) classes at Tore Primary School were conducted in a fowl run and some classes at Chimedza Primary School were held in open spaces.

The Joint Committee was informed about the shortage of classrooms and the poor condition of buildings, particularly at Dabengwa, Chigwagwa and Tore Primary Schools. Dilapidated structures fail to provide a conducive teaching and learning environment, especially for teachers and pupils with disabilities. The Joint Committee was informed about land shortages at some schools such as Tore Primary School which lacks grounds for sports due to a land dispute with a local farmer. A similar situation was reported at Chigwagwa Primary School where part of the school land was being encroached by community.

The Joint Committee noted that most schools visited lacked libraries. The absence of libraries limits students' access to a variety of books and educational materials, restricting their reading and research opportunities. Schools often rely solely on insufficient textbooks provided by the Government which may not be updated regularly, leading to a narrow curriculum.

4.9                 Teacher-Pupil Ratio

The teacher-pupil ratio is a crucial indicator of the quality of education in any country. The Joint Committee observed that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is experiencing a significant shortage of qualified teachers, leading to a high teacher-pupil ratio. This situation adversely affects the quality of education provided to students. In the Mabvuku-Tafara Epworth District, it was noted that several teaching posts are currently awaiting Cabinet approval for recruitment. As a result, many schools are operating with overcrowded classrooms, often exceeding the recommended limits. This scenario compromises both the quality of education and teacher effectiveness.

The Joint Committee found out that many schools are exceeding the standard teacher-pupil ratio of 1:40. This overburdening of teachers hinders their ability to provide individual attention to students, further negatively impacting learning outcomes. The situation is even worse in urban schools, where most schools have resorted to hot sitting as a temporary measure, which disproportionately affects pupils with disabilities. For instance, in Gwanda District, there is an acute shortage of both schools and teachers. The Joint Committee learnt that once teachers leave or retire, it takes up to three years to fill these vacancies.

 In the meantime, the delivery of some essential subjects such as sciences, mathematics and agriculture is negatively affected by teacher shortages and those who remain face very high pupil-teacher ratios, compromising the quality of their teaching.

4.10             Lack of Teachers’ Accommodation

The Committee noted that a severe lack of accommodation for teachers is a major factor in the high rates of teacher turnover. Overall student outcomes, educational quality and school stability are all negatively impacted by this circumstance. It is practically impossible to recruit and retain talented instructors in rural locations due to lack of adequate housing amenities.

According to information provided to the Joint Committee, available accommodation is frequently in poor condition, which results in living circumstances that deter staff retention. Two to three teachers were sharing a room, according to some headmasters and members of school development committees. Their performance suffers as a result of the majority of teachers choosing to commute from neighbouring towns or growth points, frequently arriving at school as late as 0900 hours.

The Committee discovered that 18 teachers were living in seven houses at Mount Makomwe Primary School in Marange, forcing them to share restrooms and toilets. There is a significant teacher turnover rate in schools with housing issues since many teachers relocate to towns and cities in search of better amenities like electricity and running water.

5.11. Lack of Access to Psychological Support Services

The Committee found out that lack of access to psychological support services in most schools visited considerably restricted universal access to education. For instance, the lack of readily available and effective psychological support services has caused pupils at Herbert Chitepo Primary School in Zvimba District and Dotito Primary and Secondary Schools to experience higher levels of stress and anxiety, which has a negative impact on their focus and academic performance. Similar to this, the majority of the urban, peri-urban and rural schools that were visited had lower student involvement and greater absenteeism rates due to a lack of mental health support as students face emotional and psychological difficulties without adequate professional help.

Increased drop-out rates brought on by adolescent pregnancies and drug and substance abuse further worsen this situation. For example, school administrators in Mashonaland Central Province indicated that adolescent pregnancies have led to greater rates of school drop-out among girls, which has an impact on their education. Furthermore, teen substance consumption, especially in cities, has been recognised as a serious public health concern that affects their general well-being and academic performance by encouraging risky behaviour. Many Zimbabwean students are unable to realise their full potential in the absence of sufficient psychological assistance, underscoring the critical need for mental health services in schools to guarantee that all students have access to high-quality education.

5.0                                                                         COMMITTEE’S OBSERVATIONS

i.         Lack of Facilities for Learners with Disabilities

Section 83 (e) of the Constitution mandates the State to provide special facilities for learners with disabilities to ensure they can access universal basic education like other children. However, the Committee observed a significant gap in disability-inclusive education facilities at most schools. This reflects the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education's failure to fulfil the government’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to ensure universal access to inclusive education.

ii.         Long Distances to Schools

Despite the policy that a child should not walk more than five kilometres to the nearest school, the Joint Committee observed that in rural and remote areas, the scarcity of schools results in long travelling distances. This disproportionately affects rural children, especially girls who face additional societal barriers. The long distances present significant barriers to education, impacting attendance, academic performance and overall student well-being.

iii.        Inadequate WASH Facilities

The Joint Committee noted that Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities are crucial for ensuring proper sanitary hygiene, school attendance and performance, particularly for girls. However, not all schools have managed to access WASH initiatives such as reliable water sources, the supply of sanitary pads and private, clean ablution facilities and incinerators.

iv.        Challenges in School Feeding Programmes

The effectiveness of School Feeding Programmes continues to be hampered by erratic funding, inconsistent food supplies and a lack of variety in meals. This inconsistency affects schools' ability to provide regular meals to students, which is particularly needed in rural areas.

v.         Digital Divide and Educational Inequalities

Socio-economic disparities contribute to a digital divide and educational inequalities, with students from low-income families lacking access to devices and the internet both at home and at school. This hinders their ability to engage in online learning. Furthermore, the absence of electricity in public schools greatly limits the use of essential technologies and resources, including lighting for study and access to information.

vi.        Issues with BEAM and SIG Programmes

The Joint Committee observed that the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) programme is hindered by late disbursement, mismanagement and inadequate funding, which impacts its contribution to universal access to quality education in Zimbabwe. Similarly, the inconsistent and erratic nature of the School Development Grant (SIG) distribution and disbursement limits its impact on universal access to education and the development of school infrastructure.

vii.        Inadequate School Infrastructure

Many schools are housed in dilapidated buildings with insufficient classrooms and lack libraries, compromising the learning environment, teacher performance and student

outcomes. Overcrowded classrooms and extremely high pupil-teacher ratios hinder effective teaching, learning and student engagement.

viii.       Acute Shortage of Teachers’ Accommodation:

A critical lack of accommodation for teachers significantly contributes to high turnover rates. This issue adversely affects school stability, the quality of education and overall student outcomes. In rural areas, the scarcity of proper housing facilities makes it nearly impossible to attract and retain qualified educators.

ix.             Lack of Access to Psychological Support Services

Lack of access to psychological support services in most schools visited significantly hinders the universal access to basic education. This is evidenced by increased stress and anxiety among students, higher absenteeism rate and lower student engagement. The situation is exacerbated by increased drop-out rates due to teenage pregnancies and drug and substance abuse.

7.0   RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings and observations, the Joint Committee recommends the following:

• As of 30 June 2025, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion should approve the recruitment of teachers to reduce the high pupil-teacher ratio and ensure more effective individualised attention, leading to improved education outcomes.
• By 31 March 2025, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, using allocated funds, should commence constructing new schools to decongest existing facilities and ensure that learners do not travel more than five kilometres to the nearest school.
• The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should initiate for engagements with parents and community members, through local leadership such as councillors and Members of Parliament, to support the planning and execution of school feeding programmes at both primary and secondary schools countrywide at the beginning of every term starting from 6 May
• The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should strengthen its collaboration with other stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, to effectively invest in ICT infrastructure, particularly in rural schools, by 31 December 2025.
• The Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, by 31^st August 2025, should launch the expansion of internet connectivity and provision of modern computing facilities in less privileged and under developed schools by partnering with local communities and collaborating with mobile technology service providers to bridge the gaps on internet accessibility and enhance digital learning opportunities.
• By of 31 October 2025, before the commencement of the 2026 National budget processes, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, should collaborate with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and other relevant ministries to review the management, control and accountability of the BEAM programme.
• In the 2026 National Budget, Parliament should ensure the allocation of at least USD1 000 budget per school for the construction and upgrading of school facilities, to ensure accessibility by all learners through the installation of ramps, accessible toilets and proper
• In the 2026 National Budget, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should submit bids for acquiring learning and teaching aids such as Braille materials, assistive technology devices, visual and audio aids and tactile and interactive aids to cater for pupils with disabilities.
• By 31 July, 2025, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should conduct a comprehensive assessment of current teachers’ accommodation requirements and prioritise the construction and renovation of teachers' housing in rural areas to attract and retain qualified educators into these areas.
• The Joint Committee recommends the training and development of school counsellors to provide psychological support services in schools, focusing on high-need areas such as those with high drop-out rates due to teenage pregnancies and substance abuse, utilising the budget under the training and development programme by 31^st October 2025.
• The Joint Committee recommends the integration of mental health programmes into the school curriculum, including regular mental health check-ups and awareness campaigns and establish partnerships with local health services to provide comprehensive mental health support for students by 30 September 2025.

8.0 CONCLUSION

The findings of this report highlight the pervasive challenges faced by learners in accessing universal quality education. The lack of facilities for learners with disabilities, long distances to schools, inadequate school infrastructure and acute shortage of teachers' accommodation collectively undermine the learning environment. These challenges not only hinder the academic progress of learners but also perpetuate systemic inequalities. It is imperative that urgent attention is given to addressing these gaps to ensure that all learners have equal opportunities to access quality education. I thank you.

         HON. SHIRIYEDENGA:  Thank you Mr Speaker Sir.  I stand before this august House to support this report moved by Hon. Murambiwa.  This report is very important as it seeks to remind us of our national obligations, which are constitutional and also our international commitments with respect to ensuring that we have universal access to education and no child is left behind.

I would like to reiterate what is highlighted in the report that primary and secondary education reflects the foundation of any national development.  If, as a country we miss it with regards to ensuring that each child accesses primary and secondary education, then we will have future challenges with regards to development.

As I indicated, we have national obligations.  If you go to section 75 of our Constitution, it is clear that every child has a right to education.  It goes further to highlight the State’s obligation to ensure that each and every child has access to primary and secondary education.  This is why we are here today to discuss this important subject.

Moreso, the report can be considered as a vital yardstick for measuring our level of preparedness as a nation towards the implementation of the transformative Heritage-Based Curriculum, which aims firstly, to promote life skills and secondly, to ensure participatory citizenship, peace and sustainable development. In light of the report presented by Hon. Murambiwa, we get to ask ourselves a critical question as to how far we as a country are in advancing universal access to education, taking into cognisance the much-acclaimed mantra of leaving no one behind.

This important report Mr. Speaker Sir, gives us very important milestones which are showing positive strides, which the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education and also the Government have done in ensuring universal access to education.  However, this journey is fraught with a significant number of challenges, as highlighted in the report, which inhibit us as a nation from achieving universal access to education.

Mr. Speaker Sir, in my submission, I will zero in on five critical factors to substantiate the findings, the observations and also the recommendations of the report.  These are education financing, school infrastructure, teaching and learning materials, teacher welfare issues, inclusive education and the results and performance in our schools which I can say are indicators of where we are in advancing the aspect of universal access to education.

Going on to education financing Mr. Speaker Sir, when the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion made his budget presentation, there was a lot of acclamation and excitement to the effect that the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education got the largest vote.  Of course, as a Committee, we were quite happy, it was 18%.

THE ACTING SPEAKER:  Order Hon. Shiriyedenga!  Hon. Members at the back, you were outside and we had peace and quiet in the House. You have come in and now we are hearing a lot of voices.  Can you allow the Hon. Member to be heard in silence, please? – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] - I am just talking about noise and someone is still talking. Are we really serious?  Hon. Members, this is taxpayers' money.  Let us be serious about it, otherwise I will ask you to leave the House.

HON. SHIRIYEDENGA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. As I indicated, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education got the largest share, which was 18%. There was a lot of acclamation and excitement. However, we get to ask ourselves the critical question. What does that budget allocation in real terms mean to our Ministry? I say so because when you look at the employment costs and the recurrent costs in the budget, you realise that they consume 93.2 % of the total budget. What that means is, there is only 6.8% which remains for capital expenditures and other essential Ministry priorities that include teaching, learning materials, textbooks, schools, furniture, WASH provisions, learner welfare support and sanitary wear.

This discrepancy in terms of allocation impacts negatively on capital investment, which includes construction, rehabilitation and modernisation of our schools. One area that is greatly underfunded in the Ministry is that of Early Childhood Development (ECD). The Ministry introduced a very progressive early learning policy in 2024. I emphasise this one because ECD focuses on children who are between the ages of three five and that is the foundation of education. As a country, if we miss that opportunity for our learners to learn basic educational skills and life skills at that tender age, then we risk having a nation of people who are not progressive.

It is my humble request that the budgeting for ECD should be considered because inadequate budgeting affects the issue of infrastructure. We know that our ECD learners require play centres and objects that they need for their learning. So, if that is not available, then that will affect them.

Secondly, if you could recall when the Minister earlier this year made his submission, the most critical departments that had teacher shortages, one of them was ECD. So that issue should be taken into account. The Ministry seems to have taken into account the fact that they are not getting much from the fiscals with respect to all their operational needs, so they need our support on that. Hence, the Ministry has submitted a school financing model whereby each school would have the opportunity to fundraise and make money for its day-to-day operations. So as Parliament, we are looking forward to receiving the draft school financing model. We hope that if implemented, it will certainly alleviate the financial challenges that our schools face.

Then the second issue is with regard to inadequate infrastructure, teaching and learning materials. The Ministry currently has a deficit of 3 000 schools. The Minister indicated that this year alone, with the help of our partners and some bureau funding from the fiscals, they intend to build 120 schools but still that is grossly inadequate.

Hon. Murambiwa, in his presentation, highlighted the challenges that our learners face with regards to walking long distances. Surely, if there is adequate capital investment that supports the construction of schools, then the problem of long distances will be alleviated. According to the 2024 report, which was produced by the Ministry, we have around 985 satellite schools. These satellite schools serve a very important purpose. You realise that over the years, we have had demographic changes and new settlements. So as a result, those satellite schools attempt to ensure that our children learn closer to their places because most of the former schools would be far away.

In addition, there comes a need for the Ministry to expedite the registration of these schools. Upon our visit, we realised that some of the schools seem to be neglected. They lack even the basic infrastructure. I think there is a need to look into those schools. If you hear that a young girl walks about 13 kilometres, as indicated in the report, that places the girl child at a vulnerable position. There are chances that on the way to school, she will be trolled. We have had cases where even some of our learners were actually raped on their way to school. I think that implores the urgency and the need to ensure that we have schools that are constructed nearer to where our children stay.

Then with regards to other requirements, as I indicated earlier, we have introduced the Heritage-Based Curriculum in the country, which is very transformative and if implemented in earnest, surely, we will achieve our goals in terms of coming up with learners that have life skills and are marketable to the world-over. Let me just hasten to mention the requirements of the Heritage-Based Curriculum, for example the curriculum infrastructure which I think is in place. Now when you are looking at the curriculum, we are six months down the line, halfway through the year. Our learners and teachers do not have the requisite textbooks for the HBC. So really, that poses a challenge.

Also on the staffing issues, we have teacher shortages in most of our schools, which I am sure, when the Minister was here, he highlighted that this year alone, 2025, they have made a request of about 8 000 teachers for our schools. Clearly, there are teacher shortages and the report did mention that. If there are teacher shortages, then we get to ask ourselves questions as to how effective the Heritage-Based Curriculum will be at the end of the day if we do not have adequate numbers of teachers.

Of course, there are issues around the physical and digital infrastructure. I think the report did speak to that elaborately. I will just focus on the research and development aspect. When we speak of research and development aspects, obviously there are issues to do with the digital infrastructure, computers and access to the internet. You realise that for us to eliminate that digital divide, there are prerequisites that are required. Just basic electricity, some schools do not have electricity. We implore the Government to assist in that regard, in ensuring that schools have electricity. Also, there is the aspect of internet connectivity. Data is very expensive. We request that you know our school get assistance in terms of being connected to the internet and also data payments.

Let me also take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker Sir, to applaud our education partners. As we were touring schools, we realised that we have, for example, UNICEF, which has introduced the learning passport, which is an offline application, which is being used at our schools to help our learners to learn. Then the challenge is, they do not have the gadgets and also…

THE ACTIING SPEAKER: Order, Hon. Shiriyedenga, could you please wind up, we have five minutes?

HON. SHIRIYEDENGA: Thank you Mr. Speaker. So, there are issues regarding to lack of gadgets. The third issue is with regards to teacher shortages and the brain drain. I think I have emphasised the teacher shortages. Let me also reiterate on the issue of teacher-pupil ratios that are still high. In some cases, 1:45 which leads to the frustration of our teachers.

         Most importantly, we are looking at the teacher welfare. Our teachers are grossly underpaid, they are demotivated, and particularly those in rural areas who realise that they are living in squalid conditions. So, we really, really need to look into their welfare and ensure that the teacher turnover is reduced, because at some point, it was 300 teachers who left the Ministry within a month.

         Fourth is the issue of inclusivity. I think on that issue, we speak of the socio-economic barriers that inhibit access, the issue of universal access to education. We are speaking about the number of school dropouts - the numbers are still high, Mr. Speaker Sir. At some point between 2021 and 2025, we were informed that 50,000 learners dropped out. We need to really look into that.

We have the issue of BEAM also - I think I cannot overemphasise that, but my concern with BEAM is that we really need to look at the BEAM framework and ensure that rightful beneficiaries are considered.  Of course, there is the issue of education and gender for a girl child, which was explained earlier on. With regards to the learners with disabilities, I think we have a huge challenge there. You look at, for example, about 240 learners who dropped out of school last year because of disabilities. I think there is a need to ensure that our learners with disabilities are tracked, and those who are not in school are identified in our communities and make sure that they go back to school.

Lastly, on the issue of pass rates, Mr. Speaker Sir, it gives us an indication as to where we are with regards to accessing universal access to education. For example, last year alone, we had 81 schools that recorded 0% pass rates. Surely, if we record 0% pass rate, what does that mean with respect to universal access to education? You look at those schools, mainly, they are in Mashonaland West and the Midlands. So really, I think the Ministry should take it upon itself to ensure that they investigate the underlying factors that result in 0% pass rate - and those, by the way, are primary schools and even secondary schools. The worst-performing schools are in rural areas and the satellite schools.

So, that alone, for example, for rural schools with 94, which recorded 0% pass rate and the satellite schools with 87, that had 0% pass rate. Those are issues that, at the end of the day, inhibit us from achieving universal access to education. By those remarks, I thank you.

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

HON. C. MOYO: I second.

         Motion put and agreed to.

         Debate to resume: Tuesday, 8^th July, 2025.

MOTION

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

  HON. KAMBUZUMA: Mr. Speaker Sir, I move that Orders of the Day, Number 14 to 44 on today’s Order Paper be stood over until Order of the Day Number 45 has been disposed of.

HON. C. MOYO:  I second.

Motion put and agreed to.

MOTION

REPORT OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE ON HURUNGWE RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL’S AUDITED ACCOUNTS

Forty-Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on Hurungwe Rural District Council’s Audited Accounts for 2022.

Question again proposed.

         HON. KANGAUSARU: Thank you, Hon. Speaker, Sir. I rise with a heavy heart to debate on this urgent matter of national importance concerning accountability, transparency in Rural Infrastructure Development and Land Management.

         According to Section 9, of our Constitution, which enshrines good governance and as a founding principle and Section 194, which demands public administration characterised by transparency, accountability and responsiveness. I draw this House's attention to the consenting finding of the Auditor General's recent report. These findings have brought to light a great discrepancy in the implementation and reporting of critical roadworks, precisely the Dorowa Road, Shoti-Chinere Road, Hurungwe and Uroi Road in Hurungwe East, as well as an alarming lapse in the management of land under the commonage system.

         These revelations underscore the imperative for a robust mechanism to safeguard the public funds and ensure proper land governance in our rural communities. Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General exercising powers vested in him under Section 309 of the Constitution, has uncovered a deeply troubling inconsistency between reported and actual road construction activities in the Dorowa Road, while 9.8 kilometres were reportedly graded, a mere 3.4 kilometres were actually completed - a staggering exceeding 5% discrepancy.

         Similarly, Chinhere Road was reported as having 12 kilometres graded, when in reality only eight kilometres were graded and finished, representing 33% variance. Furthermore, of equal concern in the land management irregularity with the Hurungwe District Council, HRDC, where 121 stands remain expressly unaccounted for in direct contravention of established accounting standards that mandate land held for sale to be recorded as inventories.  These findings collectively point to profound shortcomings in project oversight, financial stewardship and administrative integrity within the Hurungwe Rural District Council.  This is a matter that directly contravenes Section 298 of our Constitution, which demands transparency and accountability in public financial management.

Madam Speaker Ma'am, the Audit General's report illuminates several critical issues that demand our immediate attention. Number one, deliberate misrepresentation and fiscal impropriety. The substantial disparities between reported and actual projects completion strongly suggest intentional misrepresentation, raising profound concern regarding the misappropriation of public funds, compromised resource allocation, indirect violation of Section 308 of our Constitution, which mandates the safeguarding of public property.

Secondly, the CEO of Hurungwe Rural District Council Madam Speaker Ma'am, is running the HRDC as though it is a personal or a family enterprise. For example, Madam Speaker Ma'am, conservancies are reportedly being allocated to selected individuals to facilitate the acquiring of new expensive vehicles in the name of the CEO and the HRDC Chairman while Councillors continue to operate without even basic transport such as bicycles or motorbikes. Additionally, Madam Speaker Ma'am, council operations have been tainted by allegations of worker victimisation and blind favouritism, which have severely undermined staff morale and institutional integrity. Council is paying for goods and services without council resolutions all the time.

Madam Speaker, furthermore, inadequate monitoring and evaluation frameworks; the conspicuous absence of councillors and the Council Chairperson during project implementation creates a governance vacuum, enabling proliferation of misleading reports and unchecked irregularities, contrary to the principle of good governance, enshrined in Section 9 of our Constitution.

Thirdly, the structural limitation in our council oversight. The quarterly meeting schedule for Rural District Council fundamentally compromises the capacity to exercise effective continuous oversight of ongoing development projects, undermining Section 264 on devolution of governmental powers and responsibilities. The fourth one, Madam Speaker Ma'am, is the vulnerable land management system. The failure to properly document 121 stands within the Hurungwe Rural Council records create fertile ground for exploitation under the 10% co-management system and potentially enabling unauthorised land allocation transactions in contravention of Section 282 of our Constitution.

         THE ACTING SPEAKER:  Order Hon Kangausaru!  What you are debating, are you sure it is in Hon. Hwende’s report?

         HON KANGAUSARU:  Yes Ma’am.

         THE ACTING SPEAKER:  Hon. Hwende, can you confirm?

         HON. HWENDE:  Yes, I can confirm Madam Speaker.

         THE ACTING SPEAKER:  You can proceed Hon Kangausaru.

         HON KANGAUSARU:  Thank you Madam Speaker for allowing me to continue. Section 282 of our Constitution requires transparent and accountability management of public resources by traditional leaders.

The fifth one is the division's project reporting protocols. The absence of real-time monitoring tools and structures reporting mechanisms inhibits timeless interventions, allowing financial discrepancies to persist undetected contrary to Section 298-1A, which calls for transparency and accountability in financial matters. The sixth one is on resources and capacity constraints. The chronic underfunding and the limited human resources capacity of Rural District Council significantly undermines the ability to implement effective project oversight and governance structure, hindering the fulfillment of their constitutional mandate under Chapter 14 on provisional and local governance.

Madam Speaker Ma'am, the situation before us exemplifies a seismic Government crisis within our local authority where inadequate oversight mechanism and accountability frameworks facilitate financial irregularities in land allocation. This governance deficiency not only compromises development outcome but fundamentally erodes public trust in our local institutions. The absence of comprehensive monitoring tools, meaningful stakeholder engaging and transparent verification process has cultivated an environment where accountability is routinely compromised.  This directly contradicts Section 194 (1) of the Constitution which demands that public administration in all tiers of Government must be governed by the democratic values and principles enshrined in this Constitution. Public offices exist to serve the people, not to serve personal interests. Yet, in Hurungwe Rural District Council, Madam Speaker Ma'am, we are seeing the opposite. Positions are being filled not through merit but through connections with relatives and associates, forming entrenched syndicates whose sole purpose is to loot public funds. When accountability is sought, the system that should deliver justice is manipulated, evidence is distorted, cases are weakened  and the guilty walk free. A case in point, the former CEO who was at the scene of serious allegations investigated by ZACC evaded conviction due to compromised processes and is now back at the HRDC in Hurungwe, continuing business as usual. Even saying and I quote, “there is nothing that you can do to me”.  This is not governance. This is a betrayal of public trust. Our councils ought to do better, more so, without decisive intervention, this challenging risk becomes insurmountable, thereby undermining rural development initiatives and corroding public confidence in our governance structure and jeopardising…

*HON. TOBAIWA: On a point of order!  Thank you Madam Speaker. Hon. Kangausaru, I think you are allowed to debate on someone who is in this House who can defend himself.  The way that you are debating – is that what is in the report, because you said you are debating what exactly is in the report? What you said, is it in the report?     

         THE ACTING SPEAKER:  Hon. Tobaiwa, your point of order was directed to the Chair, yet you spoke directly to Hon. Kangausaru. It makes the ruling difficult for make.  You stood up when I wanted to talk to Hon. Kangausaru.  Hon Member, please can you speak only on the report by Honourable Hwende.  Your debate was moving well, but the problem is the CEO you are talking about is not in this House to respond for himself or herself. Continue debating, but do not mention someone who cannot defend himself or herself in this House.

HON. KANGAUSARU: Thank you Madam Speaker Ma’am. Moreover without decisive interventions, this challenge risks becoming industrialised, thereby undermining rural development initiatives and corroding public confidence in our governance structures, jeopardising the very foundation of devolved governance as envisioned in Chapter 14 of our Constitution.

Madam Speaker, I propose that strengthening the supervisor role of councillors and chairperson in project oversight, implementing transparent land management practice and establishing rigorous verification protocols are essential measures to address these governance deficiencies and fulfill our constitutional obligation. The road in the Hurungwe Rural District Council (HRDC) is not just about individuals but is about a broken system that continues to shield the corrupt and punish the innocent.

However, this has the power to disrupt that cycle. We demand more and we must. Let us begin where accountability is born, with visibility. We need to empower the HRDC Monitoring and Evaluation Committee to conduct an announced inspection and verify project acquittals against real fiscal progress on the ground. Quarterly reports must go to the Minister of Local Government and not be buried in dust files in the fulfillment of Section 194 (1) (f) of our Constitution.

It pains me Madam Speaker Ma'am because our President, His Excellency, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa, talks of leaving no one and no place behind. As I speak now, there are places that have been left because the HRDC is the mother of all where all of us and even the President, send money into the ZINARA for the development of the HRDC. I come from Hurungwe East and I become emotional because the road has not been done.

Nothing has happened on the road up till now and even the ex-CEO and the HRDC Chairman made an undertaking under oath that they were going to prioritise Hurungwe-Shoti, Chinhere, Mandebvu Road, where I pass through in my place. They said they are going to give it priority. Until now, no priority has been given. Nothing has been done and the place has not been graded for more than a decade, whereas the President has provided the resources for us to be able to do. The money does not come to the individual, it comes to Hurungwe Rural District Council. When it comes to HRDC, HRDC must do their job. They must grade Shoti Road and Mandebvu Road. They must be able to do that and it must be done.

*HON. MATAMBO: On a point of order Madam Speaker Ma’am. May I kindly request you to allow Hon. Kangausaru to speak without being emotional, so that we understand that?

HON. KANGAUSARU: Madam Speaker, let us talk about capacity. We are asking Rural Councils to monitor millions of capital projects, without the excuse to do so; this must end. I propose that by 30 July 2030, the Ministry must implement a robust training programme for all RDC Chairpersons and Councilors. This is because Section 264 (2) (e) of our Constitution demands an empowered lower tier of Government, not figureheads. Quarterly meetings are not enough. They create loopholes for looting. We propose monthly full council meetings and bi-weekly projects oversight sub-committees to ensure decisions are timeously and project accountability is sharp and is required in the Constitution.

Furthermore, as I conclude, transparency is not a favour and is a right. This is why an independent audit must be noted as an exception. Let the findings be pinned to the notice board, discussed at community meetings and posted on digital platforms. That is what Section 62 of the Constitution guarantees: access to information for the people of Hurungwe. On land governance, enough is enough. We propose a centralised land registry system by the end of 2025. A system that takes a piece of land under council and prevents abuse of the land.

I therefore propose this recommendation...

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. TSITSI ZHOU): Unfortunately, your time is up Hon. Kangausaru.

HON. KANGAUSARU: Thank you Madam Speaker. As I sit down, I propose that the report be adopted and ZACC and Audit forensic be done on the Hurungwe District. I thank you.

HON. MUROMBEDZI: Thank you very much Madam Speaker, for giving me this chance to debate. I am rising today to go beyond the debate and express my shock at what can only be described as a betrayal of public trust by the Hurungwe Rural District Council (HRDC). The 2023 Auditor General's report lays bare deep-seated financial mismanagement, blatant dishonesty and a complete disregard for transparency. These are not just figures and reports. These are issues to do with ordinary Zimbabweans who are being short-changed while officials turn a blind eye to corruption and incompetence.

 How does a council entrusted with public funds operate without basic policies such as an IT security policy or a donation policy? This is not just an oversight but is a glaring loophole for corruption and abuse. In the report, it is stated that HRDC has now drafted 15 policies but this was only done after being exposed by the Auditor General. This raises serious concerns, Madam Speaker. How did HRDC function all this time without these basic policies? Who benefited from this lack of accountability? The Ministry of Local Government must enforce a zero-tolerance policy on governance failures in rural district councils.

Moreover, policies must not just exist on paper but must be enforced. How do you misplace 121 stands? We are talking about public land, not small office furniture, not ballpoints, not pencils. HRDC's failure to account for these stands is a classic example of corruption disguised as inefficiency. These stands were conveniently excluded from the council's inventory. HRDC only acted after being caught and is now asking the Ministry of Local Government for permission to acquire them. This is land grabbing in slow motion, a dangerous precedent that must be stopped. Madam Speaker…

         THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order! It looks like we have a foreigner in the House. Hon. Chiduwa, Sergeant-at-Arms, please look into that issue. Hon. Murombedzi, please proceed.

HON. MUROMBEDZI: Thank you Madam Speaker. Hurungwe RDC must immediately record these 121 stands as inventory and any further delay must be seen as an attempt to cover up corruption. Number three is the road construction fraud. This is where the report gets very disgraceful. The Auditor-General found out that Hurungwe RDC claimed to have graded 9.8km of Dororowe Road but only 3.4km was completed. They reported grading 12km of Chinhere-Uroyi Road, yet only 8km was done. This is daylight robbery. It means taxpayers are paying for ghost roads while our communities are left with dust and potholes. Councils must not be allowed to approve payments without independent verification of work done. Those who lied must be investigated, prosecuted and blacklisted from public office. The mismanagement does not end there. The report further exposes that Hurungwe RDC did not conduct an impairment assessment for its assets, which violates accounting standards and delayed submission of financial statements, violating the Public Finance Act. The council lacks basic road maintenance tools, yet continues to budget for ghost projects. This is not inefficiency; it is deliberate sabotage of local governance.

Madam Speaker, one of the most shocking revelations in the report is that councillors only meet once every three months. How can they monitor projects that they are barely involved in? I would like to agree with Hon. Kangausaru that the full council meetings must be held monthly to ensure continuous oversight and they must have full access to project progress reports in order to prevent deception.

In conclusion, year after year, we debate audit results in this august House that expose corruption, mismanagement and abuse of public funds yet very little changes. This cannot continue. the people of Hurungwe deserve answers and action, not excuses. Those responsible must be held accountable and prosecuted where necessary. Parliament must stop being a mere suggestion box or rubber stamp but demand implementation of these recommendations. With those words, I so submit.

HON. HWENDE: Thank you very much Madam Speaker. I rise to conclude the debate on the report of the Public Accounts Committee on Hurungwe Rural District Council audited accounts presented in this House on the 27^th of March 2025. Hon. Members, as we bring this crucial debate on the Auditor General's findings concerning Hurungwe RDC 2022-2023 audited accounts to a close, I wish to express my profound gratitude to you Madam Speaker and all Members of the Speaker's Panel for your exemplary leadership in guiding these proceedings with such professionalism and fairness. I would further express my sincere appreciation to all Hon. Members who participated in these deliberations on this report. These issues raised in this report are not only specific to Hurungwe but are also reflective of broader governance and accountability challenges that we must collectively address within our local authorities. The contributions from Members of Parliament have been rich and solution-oriented.

A special acknowledgement goes to Hon. Kambuzuma, Hon. Kangausaru, Hon. Chidziva, Hon. Maposa, Hon. Murombezi and others for their incisive remarks and unwavering commitment to upholding accountability and transparency in public financial management in local authorities. Your insights have strengthened our collective resolve to ensure that Hurungwe RDC and all local authorities adhere to high standards of governance. Your voices have added weight to the Committee's recommendation. As we adjourn, I urge the council's leadership to treat these findings as a roadmap for reform. The Minister of Local Government and Public Works must exercise its oversight role robustly on councils. With that Madam Speaker, I move that the motion be adopted.

Motion that this House considers and adopts the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on Hurungwe Rural District Council’s Audited Accounts (2022) in the 2023 Auditor General’s Report for Local Authorities, put and agreed to.

On the motion of HON. TOGAREPI, seconded by HON. C. MOYO, the House adjourned at Two Minutes past Five o’clock p.m. until Tuesday, 8^th July, 2025.