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SENATE HANSARD 26 MARCH 2024 Vol. 34 No. 37
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Wednesday, 26th March, 2025
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE
SWITCHING OFF OF CELLPHONES
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Senators are reminded to put their gadgets on silence or better still switch them off.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that Order of the Day, Number 1 be stood over until the rest of the Orders of the Day have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE ZIMBABWE GENDER COMMISSION FOR THE PERIOD 2023
Second Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission for the period 2023.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 27th March, 2025.
MOTION
CONDOLENCES ON THE DEATH OF FORMER DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE HON. CHEN. CHENHAMO CHAKEZHA CHIMUTENGWENDE
Third Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the sudden death of the former Deputy President of the Senate, Hon. Chen. Chenhamo Chakezha Chimutengwende.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 27th March, 2025.
MOTION
CONSTRUCTION OF DAMS AND WATER STORAGE FACILITIES
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on climate change mitigation.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MUZODA: Thank you Mr. President, for giving me the opportunity to debate on the motion brought by Hon. Senator Mavenyengwa which is about climate change. It is true that seasons have changed, which shows that there is a difference in how we used to live. As human beings, we rely on rain water even from the time we were growing up. That is how we used to notice that this is the rainy season. We used to get rain towards the end of September and we realised that changed to October. Now we are getting rain end of January. It means climate change is continuing.
We need to put our heads together, especially Government must find ways to mitigate so that the citizens of the country may not starve because of lack of rainfall. According to how I grew up where we used to live before we came to urban areas, I believe those who were there in Government leadership used to do something to preserve water in the rural areas as well as other areas where we reside. If you walk around, you can find small dams or weirs. I do not know when they were built because we found them already constructed. They used to preserve water and during the dry season, cattle would find water to drink without having to move long distances. Even human beings did not have to walk long distances but because of climate change, these weirs or dams are also silting. Sometimes you cannot even identify that there was a place that used to store water. That was important to our people.
We want to talk about preserving water after realising that the rainfall patterns are no longer in our favour. Sometimes it will not rain like the previous year. It will not rain at all. That shows that this climate change is indeed increasing. We need mitigation measures in order for us to survive as a country. This is a request that I wish to put to you all the way to Government. May we prepare well because we receive rains in this country but we remain with little water. Most of it flows to the ocean. We know that there are rules about water but if we fail to conserve water, that is essential for our survival, then we are not doing anything at all. I wish we could put systems in place.
We realise that the rainy season is now coming to an end so it gives us an opportunity as Government, to look for places that we choose so that we divide them and preserve water so that we can irrigate. That way we will have sufficient food. That on its own Mr. President, will not only assist us in irrigation but will also be able to provide for the wild animals so that they live without having to encroach towards human settlements. Due to a lot of activity that involves water, those wild animals may be attracted by the smell of water until they get to that point but in the end, they may injure humans because of that.
My biggest request especially to Government, is that we need to prepare well for the future, for a bright future…..
A journalist having passed between the Hon. Deputy President of Senate and the Hon. Member debating.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Who is that?
The Assistant Clerk escorted the journalist out of the Senate Chamber.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: You can continue Hon. Senator Muzoda.
HON. SEN. MUZODA: Thank you Mr. President. I was saying we need to come up with plans of mitigation so that we do not continue crying foul because of inconsistencies in terms of rainwater. The patterns have changed and it is now less compared to how it was in the past. The other thing is, even if we get poor rainfall in the country, we also have abandoned our culture that contributed to food self-sufficiency as well as timeous rains.
I know that these things were mainly done by representatives of areas as well as by traditional leaders such as headmen, up to traditional chiefs. They would do their practices just before the rains. We used to see that traditional beer was brewed and it was meant to appease for rains but the powers that we used to give the chiefs as well as those who represent us in the villages and smaller areas have been reduced. People no longer obey. If a kraal head requests for traditional grains to be donated or contributed - if that village has about 100 households, you get less than 20 who comply. The request to Government is, God is one but the way we pray is different. We have our own culture which I think if we were to follow the practices, maybe one day we might only cry foul for the sake of having enough food. I know that these days, people are ashamed of doing traditional practices because of the dressing. We now put on suits and fancy clothes, use perfumes but we are only able to do that because of the rains and yet we are crying because it is no longer in abundance.
I am not encouraging people to put on those traditional clothes. I want to request you to understand me. I hereby request you to understand me. Good clothes do not mean that we should despise our culture and our traditions. Even if we have cars or whatever, be it modern buildings in urban areas where we live and where we work, let us stick to our tradition because if we do not have rain, it will be difficult and there will be no life that progresses.
Indeed Mr. President, let us go back to our traditions. If we go back to our traditional practices, I think our lives will improve. If we show respect to our traditional chiefs while they also play their part in terms of doing those rites of worshipping, I think our lives will become orderly. If we fail to respect them and fail to respect the traditional leaders who can perform the rituals and ceremonies meant to appease for rainfall to come, we will perish . We will continue talking about climate change without a solution because we have abandoned our traditions. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MUNZVERENGI: Thank you Mr. President. I also want to add a few words from the previous speaker. Climate change affects everyone, young or old. I also would like to support the idea that Government should look at major rivers that can store water. If you look at a river like Rwenya, that is between Manicaland and East Province, it is a very big river with water flowing all the way to Mozambique and all the way to Limpopo. If we were to split a river like Rwenya, it can give irrigation schemes that are very big and can contribute to the grain in the country.
Rwenya is not a small river. It is a very big river that is well known. It is even read in the books or on the maps. If you look at Mazowe River, it flows all the way to Mozambique. Mashonaland Central receives good rains. If we were to have big dams along those rivers, they would be of great assistance to the country. Climate change affects a lot of things, including drinking water because boreholes now have to be drilled up to 150 metres, 170 in search of water. The issue about our culture and traditions, in the past, I used to see elders going onto a rock that may have a caveat. I do not know and I am not sure who they were talking to but as soon as they left that place, it would rain despite a bright sunny day.
The practice used to lead to rainfall after those ceremonies, where has it gone? Can they not sit down as chiefs and look for those mediums that would lead to rainfall? Maybe it is about tribes or other factors. The issue about climate change is very important and we want it to be considered. When we also talk about climate change, we must be brave because we will get to an extent where there will not be any food stored in the granaries or the rivers will be dry. Wild animals as well as humans will not have water at all. So this is a very important issue. The issue of climate change must be looked into and considered in its importance so that solutions are proffered and the country gets water. I thank you Mr. President.
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION, PUBLICITY AND BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. DR. MUSWERE): I move that the debate do now adjourn.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 27th March, 2025.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION, PUBLICITY AND BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. DR. MUSWERE): I move that we revert to the Order of the Day, Number 1 on today`s Order Paper.
Motion put and agreed to.
SECOND READING
BROADCASTING SERVICES AMENDMENT BILL [H. B. 10A, 2024]
First Order read: Second Reading: Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill [H. B. 10A, 2024].
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION, PUBLICITY AND BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. DR. MUSWERE): Mr. President, I rise to give my Second Reading Speech on the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill [H. B. 10A, 2024]. As the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, we are cognisant of the need to amend the Broadcasting Services Act, [Chapter 12: 06]. The objective of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill is principally to align the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12.06] with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and also with the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10.31]. Certain sections of the Act have become inconsistent with the new Constitution, something which has necessitated the current alignment process. Technology has also evolved rapidly over the last few years, pointing to the need for the broadcasting laws to be aligned with other legislations. Mr. President, the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill contains 21 clauses, which include the Short Title of the Bill and the following additional provisions. Clause 2 introduces additional definitions for new clauses of broadcasting services licences introduced in Section 7, to ensure that all instances of broadcasting done over the internet are also covered.
Clause 3 amends Section 2 (a) of the principal Act to enhance that the role of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) is to regulate and manage the broadcasting services bands for sustenance rather than controlling broadcasting service bands. The intention is to move away from a perception that the legislation is intended to stifle the freedoms guaranteed by Section 61 of the Constitution, of course, to focus on necessary regulations of the airwaves.
Clause 4 amends Section 4 of the Principal Act, which is amended to reduce the number of board members from 12 to 7. The clause also provides for gender balance within the board. This is to ensure that the number of board members is commensurate with the size of the institution and in line with other boards.
Clause 5 amends Section 7:2 of the principal Act, which provides for classes of broadcasting services and systems which may be licenced by the authority. The amendments have been necessitated by development in technology where the classification of broadcasting services should be independent of the platform from where the service is delivered or received as developments in technology result in new platforms emerging or existing platforms evolving to deliver broadcasting services which will require frequent review to the classification.
Clause 6 amends Section 10 of the principal Act to introduce predictability in the application, mainly for granting or refusal of licences. What this means is that there will be predictions which will be managed for licences that make use of the broadcasting frequency spectrum which will be applied for once a year. Amendments to Section 6 are to ensure only services that make use of band spectrum, a national public resource go through a public inquiry.
Clause 7 amends Section 11 (4) of the principal Act, by ensuring that broadcasting services licences broadcast in all languages spoken in the area they serve. This is to promote the use of officially recognised languages identified in the Constitution. The amendments in Section 11 (5) is to exempt licences whose services emanate from outside the country from the requirement of allocating to the Government, an hour weekly to explain Government policies, free of charge to the nation.
Clause 11 (7) is amended to make sure that if anyone fails to operate within 18 months, the licence is automatically deemed invalid as this makes it easier administratively for the authority to advertise since the spectrum becomes automatically available.
Clause 8 amends Section 12 to align the section with amendments that have been affected in Section 7 (2) with respect to…
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: On a point of order. We are failing to follow the Minister. What we have is not what he is reading unless if he has presented a different Bill.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Minister, do you want to respond?
The Minister approached the Chair and proceeded to the legal team.
HON. DR. MUSWERE: The Bill is correct. The text of the Bill is as amended by the National Assembly, which my speech speaks to but the Explanatory Memorandum attached to it speaks to the Bill in its original form, prayer to the amendments. I thank you.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Senator Tshabangu, do you have the Bill as amended by the National Assembly?
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: What we have is not amended. It was not circulated and in that instance Mr. President, I do not think it will be proper for us to debate something that has not really been submitted to us.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Okay, you have a point. Did the Hon. Members get [H. B. 10A 2024], the A stands for amended? You did not get 10A? Can you check in your emails? Hon. Minister approach the chair.
HON. SEN. CHIEF SIANSALI: I got it Hon. President. It was circulated at 1328 hours this afternoon.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Today?
HON. SEN. CHIEF SIANSALI: Yes, on the Senators group. On the 10th Parliament Senators group it was circulated at 1328.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Even if that is the case Hon. President, we cannot debate something that was circulated two hours before….
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Tshabangu, I have not given you the floor. Order! In the interest of ensuring that everybody is reading from the same page, the Minister is going to finish presenting the Second Reading but there will be no debate. You will then go and read it and next week, we then debate it. I think that is a fare proposition. Thank you, I really appreciated your understanding.
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION, PUBLICITY AND BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. DR. MUSWERE): Clause 7 amends Section 11(4) of the principal Act by ensuring that broadcasting services licencees broadcast in all languages spoken in the area they serve. This is to promote the use of officially recognised languages identified in the Constitution. The amendment in Section 11 (5) is to exempt licencees whose services emanate from outside the country from the requirement of allocating to the Government, an hour weekly to explain Government policies, free of charge to the nation.
Clause 11 (7) is amended to make sure that if anyone fails to operate within 18 months, the licence is automatically deemed invalid as this makes it easier administratively for the authority to advertise since spectrum becomes automatically available.
Mr. President, Clause 8 amends Section 12 to align the section with amendments that have been affected in Section 7 (2) with respect to the validity period of the licences. Licences in paragraphs (a) to (e) are given periods because accessing the frequency spectrum is expensive, hence the need to recoup their investments. The rest of the classes uses the internet.
Clause 9 amends Section 18 to allow for the transfer of a licence subject to the approval of the Authority to facilitate corporate rescue.
Clause 10 amends Section 30 of the Act by the insertion of a new paragraph whose effect is to promote the establishment and sustenance of community broadcasting services. In view of the non-profit making nature of community radios, the amendment seeks to allow the Authority to utilise the Fund to also support the sustenance of Community Radios, among others.
Clause 11 amends the section by repealing Subsection (2) and replacing it with a new Subsection (2) which mandates the Authority to issue public broadcasting licences in consultation with the Minister. This gives the Minister an oversight role to remain in the issuing processes.
Clause 12 amends section 38A by broadening the definition of “dealer” in an effort to enhance compliance and boost revenue collection of ZBC.
Clause 13 amends section 38B by inserting a new provision which prohibits the sale of a motor vehicle licence and motor insurance policy to persons who do not have ZBC radio licences. This will enhance compliance.
Clause 14 amends Section 39 by deleting Subsection (50 and replacing it with a new Subsection (5) which requires every subscription broadcasting service licences and subscription management service licences to transmit up to three channels of the public broadcaster. This has been necessitated but the growth of the public broadcasting
Clause 15 amends Section 46 adding new regulatory powers of the board to include areas currently omitted in the Authority’s regulatory function. This is done in order to capacitate the board to regulatory reviews in response to technological advancement.
Clause 16 amends various paragraphs of the Third Schedule to the principal Act to bring the provision applicable to the Authority in line with the provision of the Public Entities Corporate Governance.
Clause 17 amends paragraph 9 of the Fourth Schedule to the principal Act provide the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer and other employees of the Authority in line with sections 17 to 21 and Section 23 of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31].
Clause 18 deletes paragraph 9 (1) (f) of the Firth Schedule which requires that a licence commences providing broadcasting services within six months of being allocated a licence. This is to cure the inconsistency between the paragraph being deleted and Section 11 (7) of the Act which provides that provision of the service licenced must commence within 18 months. It also amends paragraph 10 (1) (c) of the Fifth Schedule to the principal Act to make it mandatory to ensure that members of the community that it serves participate in the operations and selection of programmes and membership of its governing body. The amendment is on deletion of the word ‘encourage’ and replacement with ‘ensure’. This will ensure community participation in the class of licence.
Mr. President, Clause 19 amends the Sixth Schedule to the principal Act by deleting paragraph 2 (2) and substituting it with a new section which allows the Minister to prescribe through regulations, the per centum of local and African content for sports channels. The amendment seeks to foster the growth of local sports while also allowing broadcasters to unlock the commercial value of already popular international sport.
Mr. President, Clause 20 is a transitional provision with respect to the terms of office of current senior officers. The terms of office of the officers will be subject to the limits introduced by this Bill and will therefore be reckoned from the dates of appointment. The provisions are meant to ensure continuity with regards to the regulator as well as its licencees in the context of the amendments made.
Mr. President, Clause 21 inserts a new schedule which contains the declaration to be signed by those who opt not to equip their cars with radios. It is not punitive for people who do not have radios in their vehicles as they can get exemption through signing of these declaration forms.
I therefore submit and urge the Senate to support and pass this Bill. I submit and move that the Bill be now read a second time.
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDEN OF SENATE: Thank you Hon. Minister, like I said earlier on, I would like to enable the House to go through this, read it, understand it so that you can debate from an informed position. So, we will not debate today, I will hear from the Minister when he proposes that we reconvene to debate this Bill. Hon. Minister, can you please propose to adjourn …..
HON. SEN. CHIEF SIANSALI: On a point of order Mr. President. I would like to withdraw my previous position. I had confirmed that the Bill was shared at 1328 hours but after carefully listening to the Minister now, the Bill that was shared at 1328 hours is [H. B. 10A.2024]. The sections that he is citing are not in tandem with the instructions that he is amending with what we have. With that Mr. President, may be the Minister or whoever should share the correct Bill not this that we have – [HON. SENATORS: Hear, hear.] –
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Thank you Hon. Senator Chief Siansali. It buttresses the point which I am making that we will not debate it today so that Hon. Senators can read the Bill and understand it. Whoever is responsible for sharing it with the Hon. Senators should do it today so that people can get it on their gadgets.
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION, PUBLICITY AND BROADCASTING SERVICES (HON. DR. MUSWERE): Thank you Mr. President, I move that the debate be now adjourned.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 1st April, 2025.
MOTION
LEGALISATION OF TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on access to safe legal abortion services.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate be now adjourned.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 1st April, 2025.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE ENQUIRY INTO THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT
Sixth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Thematic Committee on Climate Change on the enquiry into the impact of Climate Change on Human-Wildlife Conflict induced by Climate Change in 2024.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate be now adjourned.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 1st April, 2025.
MOTION
OVERHAUL OF DILAPIDATED STADIA
Seventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the deplorable sports infrastructure in the country.
Question again proposed.
+HON. SEN. SIBANDA: Thank you Mr. President. I also want to thank the Hon. Member who tabled this motion. If you have taken into consideration Mr. President, you will realise that our sports facilities are no longer in good state. You take note that most of the sport facilities are places that people use sometimes even for resting. For example, we have sport facilities under soccer, netball, hockey, athletics, swimming and many others that I cannot mention now. However, most of those sport centres are in a deplorable state and need to be rehabilitated.
Mr. President, long back, I remember I used to go and watch soccer at different stadia, for example, Gwanzura Sports Stadium, Rufaro Stadium, Chipadze, Dulibadzimu and many other stadia that I cannot mention now. All these are in a deplorable state and you realise that most of the time they try to choose stadia that are in a better state. If I recall, in the year 1995, we once had All Africa Games which was hosted by Zimbabwe. Yes, we rehabilitated some sporting recreational facilities. The question that I then pose and sometimes ask myself is, if countries that participated want to come back again, what are they going to say if they find our sporting facilities in a deplorable state in which they are? Is it something that will put the nation in a good state or we will become a laughing stock? The White City Sports Stadium in Bulawayo, you realise that at a certain point, was renovated and it was looking good, that is a hockey stadium that I am referring to. However, you note that it is now a white elephant. It is a nice place but it is in a deplorable state. Mr. President, most of our sports facilities, you realise that most people take their time to go and sit there just to rest. It is difficult now even to go and watch soccer in any stadium because of the state of our grounds. Our stadia are in a very deplorable state and a few people now participate and now go to watch the soccer matches. One would then have to question themselves before going to the stadium if their lives are safe for them to go there. It is only a few who participate.
Musicians are the ones who now use the stadia, for example, if it is a music gala. However, I question myself on the state of our sports facilities for they are not even safe for people to use. Some of them were even used for weddings. People would hire the sport grounds as venues for their weddings. For a wedding ceremony, you need a big area.
I remember that we used to joke to say, how did you manage to do whatever you would have done? The response was, I managed to do it even when it was difficult. When you mention areas such as Gwanzura Stadium, you realise that our children nowadays do not even know that there is a place that exists which is called Gwanzura. Some of the swimming pools are also in a deplorable state. They become white elephants and they are not being used anymore. I believe once we rehabilitate those centres, it will give an opportunity for us even as the elderly people to use them. People used to hire swimming areas to take pictures, especially during weddings.
As a way of occupying our youths, they would go to such grounds for different sporting activities to relax or to play different sport disciplines. Now, we end up having our youths engaging in drugs and sitting on bridges. It is because they do not have anywhere where they can relax or where they can go and play any sporting activities. Participating in sports is another way of relieving stress. This is medically proven. Sporting activities are very important in one's health as they improve our health.
We used to have good sporting activities that were conducted in different stadiums. Our soccer teams from the army or police used to have a specific ground called One Commando. No one wanted to go and play in One Commando because it was in a deplorable state. I believe even the ones that were in a better state are now in a deplorable state more than One Commando. We are a very good nation, why can we not consider rehabilitating our sporting grounds? This can also increase the foreign currency that we get if many people come and participate in our sporting facilities. Thank you.
*HON. SEN. KATUMBA: Thank you Mr. President. I would like to add a few words on the motion brought by Hon. Senator Tshabangu referring to the soccer stadia in the country. This is a very important motion because as we grew up, the stadiums were working. Soccer was played and a lot of tournaments were organised. Even our country would earn revenue from that.
We also saw people going around, for example, to Rufaro Stadium in the morning from 10am and 11am and there would be a lot of congestion because people enjoyed watching the matches and that was a source of revenue. Some of our kids who are growing up no longer know that. The country is now full of maboozers tournaments. Kids are only watching localised matches. We got to know Hon. Kirsty Coventry through sports and that was a very good thing and very popular, it was very important. Even marriages were sorted because if the father was disappointed, he would go and watch a match. When he came back, he would have relaxed. As a country, we no longer have recreational facilities, which is why we now have a lot of drug and substance abuse. Men no longer have other forms of entertainment except extramarital affairs.
Mr. President, the issue of stadia is very important. I remember when the Olympics were about to be held in Zimbabwe around 1995, that changed because we failed to construct venues for sports. Since this is a source of revenue, why can we not invest in it? We used to know several teams like Dynamos versus Caps, Highlanders versus Black Aces. These days they are no longer popular because of the venues.
As women, we were beginning to support these famous teams but they no longer have stadiums. I pray that this situation will be rectified and all those things are reintroduced in the country. Right now, we are crying foul because of drugs and substance abuse because of lack of recreation. That was a source of recreation that would actually ease stress. May the Minister of Finance allocate funds to the Ministry of Sport and Recreation so that all sporting venues will be spruced up? Why do we have to go out of the country to play our matches? Our country is very beautiful. If we rectify that, we can earn the foreign currency that we need. This is a very important motion. In my view, the Hon. Minister must find something to do to restore the lost glory. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MUZODA: Thank you Mr. President. I applaud the motion brought by Hon. Senator Tshabangu that talks about the dilapidation of sports venues, especially stadia, which can actually attract people to come and compete or play in this country. It is very good to be honest with each other. We no longer have any sport venues.
Looking at what is happening in other countries, especially soccer stadia and other sports which are also sources of recreation, entertainment and source of livelihood, we can mention stadia in this country. Actually, I say they used to be there. At the moment, we no longer have because there is nothing more to talk about as we compare with other countries, for example, South Africa. Do we have any place or any soccer stadium that even matches a venue in Soweto or a stadium in Soweto in the high-density suburbs such as Mbare, like the National Sports Stadium that is being renovated and bucket seats being procured? According to our research, the National Sports Stadium cannot be renovated. It is all because of its construction.
We can come here and mislead each other. As a country, we need to look for venues or places to construct stadiums that can actually put us on the map on the international arena. In the past, sports were embarrassing but these days they are a source of livelihood. School going children, that is where you get the likes of Musona, Khama Billiat and some of the famous players that we have currently. They come from such areas. They are the richest people compared to those who go to work and are formerly employed because their jobs emanate from their talents that they showcase.
The request is, may Government not go around in circles? Let us look for land or places to construct world-class stadiums and we close these ones. If you go to Gwanzura Stadium today, you can be bitten by a black mamba. They are no longer stadiums. They are just places to relax as people smoke cigarettes and take mutoriro, like what was earlier on alluded to.
What relieves stress is entertainment and sports. In its absence, even families are affected because of lack of entertainment. My request is, we need to unite and be honest to each other. Right now, we no longer have entertainment or sports centres. We now use other countries as home grounds, yet we have our own country.
If possible, the rainy season has just ended. Prepare to construct stadiums that are recognised by FIFA instead of being banned except Rufaro and Barbourfields because they are not good enough. Those are my few words Mr. President on this motion brought by Hon. Senator Tshabangu. It is very sad. It also takes away an opportunity for us to get revenue because no one can come and even play a friendly match. They may choose to come to the National Sports Stadium. It is no longer possible because those places are not fit to host sports. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. RITTA NDLOVU: Thank you Mr. President Sir.
The previous speaker mentioned all my points. I do not have much to say. However, I will just add a few points that he left out.
+HON. SEN. RITTA. NDLOVU: Thank you Mr. President Sir. The previous Speaker mentioned all my points. I do not have much to say. However, I will just add a few points that he left out. I have learned that you are not supposed to share your points with your neighbour. First and foremost, I want to thank Hon. Senator Tshabangu for the motion that he tabled in this House for the rehabilitation of our stadia to an extent that we have to conduct our matches in other neighbouring countries; which is not a good thing and does not put us in a good position as a country. I remember there was a time when the Hon. Minister came here and one Hon. Member asked about the status of the stadia.
The response from the Hon. Minister was that they are renovating all the stadia. However, I am not happy with that because we realise that the information that the Minister gave to the House was not true and we are being told that there is no way we can renovate, especially the National Sports Stadium and there is need to get another place where we can construct a stadium like Manchester United Stadium. I know Zimbabwe is a country with enough land to construct such stadia. I also want to speak on the Barbourfields Stadium which is in Bulawayo and is the second biggest stadium after the National Sports Stadium.
We also need to consider such. We need to renovate all the stadia that are there so that we can attract even other nations to come and play their friendly matches in our country. The Hon. Member who contributed before me alluded to that, that as long as our stadia are in line with the FIFA regulations, we can use them even to host other countries for friendly matches. In Zimbabwe, we are only left with football matches as a sporting discipline that is prioritised. You realise that there are so many people who love that sporting activity and they even watch such matches in bars. My request is, when honourable Ministers come here, can they present the exact position of what would have been asked so that we know exactly the status, especially of our sporting grounds. Thank you Mr. President.
*HON. SEN. CHIEF CHARUMBIRA: Thank you Mr. President. Indeed, most of the points have been raised so far. I would like to thank Hon. Senator Tshabangu for this motion. I first of all would like to congratulate the International Olympic Committee President, Hon. Kirsty Coventry, since we are talking about sports. Congratulations! -[HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]- Zimbabwe is shining. I would like to congratulate the National Team yesterday for pulling a draw with Nigeria at home. We thought we were going to lose, so I am very glad that we won. My points with regards to soccer is, yes, you are saying the truth, soccer unites people, people get activities and it reduces drug and substance abuse as well as extramarital affairs. However, I want this issue to come back to the House, to Parliamentarians. Where were we as Parliamentarians when all those stadia that you mentioned that were good enough in the past, were collapsing? What happened to the early warnings? Do we not have a vision to notice that this thing will deteriorate in the future? As Parliamentarians, let us look at sports, stadia, roads because we come from people, let us forewarn the country. Let us not be reactionaries. Now the stadia are closed. We come here and debate. It is good that we open each other's eyes but this issue has raised a lot of questions for the future.
Why do we have to get to this extent? Where were the MPs and the Senators that if this stadium continues at this trajectory, it will close in the future? Let us start from those who write, what are the mechanisms of early warning systems as Parliamentarians? We should foresee disaster in the future. We have Portfolio Committees. Yes, in Senate we have Thematic Committees but we do not have sports. We must find some way to sort it. It will be good but at the National Assembly, we have a Portfolio Committee on Sports. Where was it? When they go out for tours and hearings and all other things, do they not see that this is an eye-opening situation so that in the future, it may not necessarily be about visits but let us look at institutions also so that we are better prepared in the future instead of reacting to a crisis. That is a very important thing.
In Thematic Committees, part of the business does not only attend to problematic areas like prisons where there are no clothes and we attend to rectify the crisis but we need to foresee the situation and convince the Minister to invest in the stadia because three or four years from now, they may close. Let us debate before they close. Right now, the Hon. Minister only says the money that you give to me which you vote as Parliament is very little. There are a lot of good stadia. We went to South Africa, Mandela Stadium. Who constructs those stadia? It is very important as we debate this motion. Who constructs those stadia? Is it necessary from the taxpayer?
For the success of the sports that we know, the private sector such as mines is heavily involved. They come with money to sponsor and we may construct those sporting arenas. So, as we debate this, let us look into what is happening, where it is successful, who pays the players, how are they paid?
We need to know as citizens, especially the private sector. What are we doing about it so that it moves well? Finally, I would like to say as we debate on sports in this country, when we talk of sponsorship, be it players or infrastructure, we are very low, we do not support very much, especially the players. If Zimbabwe is beaten by Lesotho for example, you see that it is because the players are not motivated at all. So, it goes back to sports. What is the attitude towards sports as well as infrastructure? Let us work hard. As I sit down, I think we have learnt a lesson that Parliament must have early warning mechanisms so that in any sector, Parliament sees well in advance the situation that may become bad in future so that it does not deteriorate. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MDHLURI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 27th March, 2025.
MOTION
RECAPITALISATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH CARE INSTITUTIONS
Eighth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the state of the health care system in the country.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MDHLURI: I move that debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. KABONDO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 27th March, 2025.
MOTION
SUPPORT FOR LIVESTOCK FARMERS THROUGH PROVISION OF SUPPLEMENTARY STOCK FEEDS AND VACCINES
Nineth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the importance of livestock production in Zimbabwe.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 27th March, 2025.
MOTION
BLENDING OF IMPORTED GASOLINE WITH LOCALLY PRODUCED ETHANOL
Tenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the blending of fuel with ethanol.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TSHABANGU: Thank you Mr. President. It is unfortunate that my brother, Hon. Senator Zvidzai is not in the House but I will put a print in the debate that has been extensively debated by fellow Senators. I would like to put across certain elements to this important and valuable debate. Statutory Instrument 17 of 2013 was amended by Statutory Instrument 150 of 2023. This has created serious operational challenges in the Southern Region, which has a potential in the near future to reduce fuel supply in that region. It costs 0.08 cents to move a litre from Beira to Harare. It further costs 84 cents to move a litre from Johannesburg in South Africa by road, even far less in places like Gwanda and Filabusi. It costs 0.6 cents to move a litre from Harare to Bulawayo. This means it will cost USD1.44 to move fuel from Beira to Bulawayo and it will cost USD1.30 to move the same fuel from Beira to Harare.
As such, it disadvantages the people in the southern region. However, Statutory Instrument 17 of 2013 created an opportunity that fuel that is transported by road or rail should be exempted from the duty thereby reducing its cost. Only fuel that is transmitted through pipeline should be levied with duties. It is unfortunate that the Statutory Instrument 150 of 2023 has levied the fuel that is being transported by rail or road. This creates problems because it does not give those who are in proximity to the plants or to the fuel like in South Africa, to access the fuel without this excessive duty payments. Ethanol is a by -product of sugar cane. There is no reason why this Government of today should really sell the ethanol in USD. Absolutely no reason. One of the most fundamental things Mr. President is that we thought ethanol, was going to be sold in local currency, since it is a by-product, was going to create employment opportunities within the agricultural sector. Then by stimulating economic growth, it was going to stabilise the prices because everything, whether it is in the production sector, is hinged on fuel. Everything that happens in any country, the higher the fuel is, it increases all the basic commodities, the conditions of service and the production chain of everything. We thought, if ethanol as a by-product was to be sold in local currency. It was going to stimulate the economy and to increase the accessibility of ethanol.
We were going to see more plants, especially in region 4, so that the sugarcane and maize is planted Mr. President. It was going to give us environmental benefits because it reduces the emissions in natural gas. All these things, were going to be contributed by having the ethanol being sold in Zimbabwe's local currency. If it was going to be sold in US Dollars, we were going to see more players coming in, buying the ethanol, thereby subsidising the fuel. We were going to reduce the smuggling of fuel, which is another point that I am going to come to. It has actually parachuted the smuggling aspect in this country, thereby reducing the collection of our revenue through the taxation of the fuel revenue.
Mr. President, it was also going to improve our balance of payments because there was nothing to lose. It was going to reduce even the freight charges for importing the ethanol for a landing cost here. All these things were going to be reduced. There is absolutely no justification whatsoever, as speakers have alluded that ethanol is a by-product in our industry, agriculture industry and in producing sugar cane. There is no reason for us to sell it in foreign currency. I will give you the examples of ethanol in the region or worldwide. We do not know whether our ethanol is super special, different and grown or is squeezed through sugar cane which is not planted in Kenya and Brazil.
It does not really make sense at all Mr. President. The prices of ethanol in countries around the world, like in Brazil, it costs 65 cents. You get ethanol in India at 55 cents. In Kenya, which is not far from us, it costs 40 cents. In Zimbabwe, it costs USD1.10. Surely, you are taking that burden to the final consumer. The poor man who is driving his 305 has to inherit the burden of USD1.10. We have water, we have got the land. There is no labour at all.
We charge it in USD1.10. All this Mr. President, creates a problem in the industry. There is no reason that a region in Southern Africa, I mean, in the southern region, pays more than the people in the northern region. I mean, we cannot have laws like that. I mean tax should be uniform. Why should we have someone who is staying in Binga paying more because of his geographical location and someone who is closer to the Beira, whoever is getting the fuel, pays less? This has to be uniform. We need to adjust this, revisit this special instrument 15 so that everyone is given an opportunity based on their geographical location.
Now, coming to this mapping Mr. President, because bringing ethanol from Harare to Bulawayo is expensive, it gives an advantage to a person or dealer who is in Harare because it is closer to the Beira.
But a person who is in Victoria Falls, Binga, Beitbridge and Bulawayo cannot make profits. It cannot balance to bring ethanol at USD1.10. What do the people in the southern region do now? They smuggle the fuel in Botswana. Zimbabwe as a country is losing a lot of money through smuggling of fuel because we know that fuel produces something like three billion annually. That is a lot of money through revenue.
The country is losing quite a significant amount. They smuggle the fuel because it is cheaper to smuggle. It is cheaper to bring fuel from Botswana and South Africa. They smuggle it to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls is even closer to Kazungula, closer to Zambia through all these entries . They are now the entries of smuggling fuel. This is why today the southern region is still surviving because of smuggling fuel. When they smuggle fuel, they will then bring in the ethanol. They dilute it themselves so that when the reserve officer comes and tests if the fuel in the reserves is compliant, there is a compliance of about 5-10% of ethanol. It is cheaper because a load of truck of ethanol is going to dilute maybe 10 trucks of smuggled fuel in South Africa.
It gives them that fair advantage. What does it do to the Government as a whole? What does it do to the fiscus? What does it do to the Treasury? It really burns the bridges of collection of the fuel.
Mr. President, I genuinely feel, that we need to rationalise the laws. We need to look closer with a long lens in terms of how then do we stabilise the imbalances in supply of our fuel in Zimbabwe. Our modern vehicles are even written that this vehicle needs this type of unleaded fuel. Sooner or later, with these emissions of blending with ethanol, it defeats the whole purpose of why it is there in the first place and it is eroding our engines. It is giving us an unnecessary expense as motorists.
Mr. President, I witnessed it myself. One day I went to buy lawn and these lawn mowers, the recent one, this hand lawn mower, the grass cutter, that is the term that I am trying to use…
THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF SENATE (HON. SEN. KAMBIZI): Order Hon. Senator Tshabangu, you have four minutes. Thank you Mr. President. I would love if you can extend but nevertheless, I will try to squeeze my submissions in four minutes. I bought that and the attendant tells me that this machine uses unleaded. You use unleaded and it is written ‘to use unleaded fuel’. Where do I get unleaded fuel? There is no garage in Bulawayo that says unleaded fuel but the machine that I am buying is written unleaded. I bought it and I used it for a week and it packed because of the fuel.
Mr. President, what does this do to our tourism? We have got many tourists that are coming from South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and within the region. When they drive Mr. President, some of us are privileged because we come from the southern region. Our fellow compatriots, Zimbabweans who are in South Africa, when they come around December and they use that fuel, the moment they get to South Africa, they have got a crisis. It is because the engines cannot sustain the leaded fuel of ethanol and in some instances, it is not even. You find at another garage, it is 5%, the other garage is 10% and another one is 15%; that is unacceptable Mr. President. We are destroying our economy ourselves. Who is benefiting from this ethanol? That should be the biggest question that we should ask ourselves.
Mr. President, why is ethanol sold in foreign currency and who is benefiting? Is the Government of Zimbabwe benefiting and in what sense, yet we are opening doors of the smuggling of fuel in this country? Are we going to be known? Today, everyone is trying to survive but why is the Government, why does the Minister produce such pieces of legislation that does not bring this country together? Mr. President, I am standing here heartbroken that this industry is a key industry. It contributes five to six billion annually and we are losing through leakages that five to six billion a year. There is nothing, any economy is built on energy.
Mr. President, for the survival of this country and to grow, we need to address the fuel pricing. In South Africa, every year or every quarter, three times a year, you will see the reduction of fuel by certain percentages. Five rand, 10%, there is a fuel reduction. You look at the index in the stock exchange, it grows because the fuel has been reduced. In Zimbabwe, it is ever rising, Mr. President. There is no regulation. I do not think ZERA is doing enough. I do not think the Minister is doing enough and this cannot be allowed to continue, having these disparities of fuel.
Mr. President, if you go to South Africa, if you go to Bulawayo, the fuel is 10 points higher than the fuel in Harare. You go to Victoria Falls, the fuel is 15.20 points higher than the fuel in Harare. You go to South Africa in Kwazulu Natal, the fuel, maybe the difference is just two points, it is the same, Mr. President. This disparity creates divisions in terms of production, economic growth and I think we need some sense of semblance, some sense of real introspection. I wish if the mover of this motion was here so that by the time he wraps up his motion, he would have really tapped into two sense of my contribution. I thank you Mr. President.
HON. SEN. MUDLURI: I move that the debate be now adjourned.
HON. SEN. KABONDO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 1st April, 2025.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) MEETING HELD AT THE TWENTY NINTH SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES HELD IN BAKU, AZERBAIJAN
Eleventh Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting held at the Twenty Ninth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 29).
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate be now adjourned.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 1st April, 2025.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE DELEGATION TO THE 2ND ORDINARY 2024 SESSION OF THE SENATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF COTE D’IVOIRE AND THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM OF AFRICAN SENATES
Twelveth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Delegation to the Second Ordinary 2024 Session of the Senate of the Republic of Cote D’lvoire and the International Symposium of African Senates.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: Thank you Mr. President, for giving me the opportunity to contribute on this important debate on the recent participation of the Zimbabwean delegation in the Second Ordinary 24th Session of the State of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire and the International Symposium of African Senates held in Yamoussoukro.
Mr. President, it is important to acknowledge that the objectives of the Symposium were indeed noble. The discussions centred on strengthening African Senates, enhancing democratic institutions and fostering inter-parliamentary cooperation. These are goals that resonate with our aspirations for a strong, effective and independent legislative system. However, we must carefully scrutinise the actual outcomes of the Symposium and the potential implications for Zimbabwe and the continent at large.
One of the key outcomes of the Symposium was the establishment of the Association of African Senates headquartered in Cote d'Ivoire with its first President appointed from that country. While this might seem like a step towards unity and collaboration, we must critically assess whether this association will truly serve African interests or it could become a vehicle for advancing external influences, particularly those of Francophone bloc and their historical connections with France. It is telling that the President of the French Senate was the only non-African delegate present and was deeply involved in the discussions.
We must ask, is this association designed to strengthen African self-reliance or does it risk entrenching historical patterns of dependency? The active participation and endorsement of the French Senate raises legitimate concerns about whether these initiatives serve as an extension of French interests in the continent. Zimbabwe, as a sovereign nation with a strong historical stance on independence and self-determination, must remain vigilant against any arrangements that could compromise our national interests.
Zimbabwe has already demonstrated commitment to inter-parliamentary cooperation through various well-established platforms. We are active members of the Association of Senates, Shoora and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World (ASSECAA) which brings together upper houses from both African and Arab countries for meaningful collaboration. Additionally, our Senate engages with the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum, (SADC-PF) and the Pan-African Parliament (PAP). These institutions provide adequate platforms for regional and continental cooperation without necessarily creating new financial and structural obligations.
Furthermore, it is imperative that any new initiative should not impose additional financial burdens on our Government. We must carefully evaluate whether this membership is necessary and whether it provides tangible benefits that warrant the expenditure. Zimbabwe's history has taught us valuable lessons about the dangers of dependency on external actors. The struggle for independence was centred on self-governance and self-sufficiency. We must not allow ourselves to be drawn back into arrangements that could undermine our sovereignty or subject us to foreign influence.
Rather than joining associations that may serve external interests, Zimbabwe should prioritise strengthening our existing regional and continental parliamentary bodies. We must also focus on domestic capacity building to ensure that our legislative institutions remain independent, robust and effective in addressing national challenges. This is a matter of strategic importance to Zimbabwe and the African continent at large. Let us remain vigilant, independent and steadfast in our pursuit of genuine and mutually beneficial inter-parliamentary collaboration. I thank you.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 27th March, 2025.
MOTION
REPORT OF THE THEMATIC COMMITTEE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS ON THE STATE OF DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Thirteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the Report of the Thematic Committee on Sustainable Development Goals on the state of drug and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation centres
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. TONGOGARA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MOHADI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 27th March, 2025.
MOTION
PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION, SALE AND CONSUMPTION OF DANGEROUS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Fourteenth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the production of cheap illicit alcoholic beverages.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. CHABUKA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MDHLURI: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Thursday, 27th March, 2025.
On the motion of HON. SEN. TONGOGARA, seconded by HON. SEN. MOHADI, the Senate adjourned at Sixteen Minutes to Five o’clock p.m.