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SENATE HANSARD 31 OCTOBER 2024 VOL 34 NO 10
PARLIAMENT OF ZIMBABWE
Thursday, 31st October, 2024
The Senate met at Half-past Two o’clock p.m.
PRAYERS
(THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE in the Chair)
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: We are supposed to be having our Questions Without Notice but I only see one minister, the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs. Welcome Hon. Minister, maybe to those who may have questions concerning the Ministry of War Veterans we can proceed.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE
APOLOGIES RECEIVED FROM MINISTERS
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: I have a list, quite a whole page of Hon. Ministers who tendered their apologies as follows;
Hon. (Rtd) Dr. C.G.D.N. Chiwenga, Vice President; Hon. Vice President Dr. Mohadi; Hon. K. Coventry; Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture; Hon. E. Jesaya, Deputy, Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture; Hon. B. Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality; Hon. K. Kazembe, Minister of Home Affairs and Culture Heritage; Hon. C. Sanyatwe, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Culture Heritage; Hon. W. Chitando, Minister of Mines and Mining Development; Hon. E. Dinha, Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare; Hon. N. M. Ndlovu, Minister of Industry and Commerce; Hon. M. Ncube, Deputy Minister of National Housing; Hon. D. Marapira, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement; Hon. Prof. P. Mavima, Minister of Skills Audit and Development; Attorney General, Mrs Virginia Mabhiza.
While we have this list of apologies, I do not know where it came from. Is it you Clerk who listed this? Do they communicate to you or you just think they are not coming? - (The Clerk responded in agreement). - Have they ever attended this House because we cannot be used to writing lists? Have they ever attended? - [HON. MEMBERS: No]-
This is why I am asking where this is coming from because we cannot just put people on a list while they have never attended Senate. I think that we need to complain, write to them and the Chief Secretary.-[HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] - We can proceed with the Ministers who are here.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
HON. SEN. NCUBE: Thank you Madam President. My question is directed to the Minister of War Veterans. Hon. Minister, the vetting of war collaborators has been going on now for many years. Would you be in a position to indicate when the exercise will come to a close and also in the same vein, confirm whether you have made provision for their allowances in the coming budget? Thank you Madam President.
THE MINISTER OF VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE AFFAIRS (HON. M. MAVHUNGA): Thank you Madam President. Let me thank Hon. Senator Ncube for the question. Yes, the vetting of war collaborators started in 2022. A number of them were left by that time and we did another blitz vetting from the 25th of September, 2024 to the 4th of October, 2024. Now that we have completed vetting, we now would like to gazette the names of those who came for vetting during the first period of vetting. That was 2022 and this vetting in 2024.
This is to try and flush out those who have infiltrated the system. The gazetting will go on for 30 days. After these 30 days, we will then take those who will not have been flushed out to be authentic veterans of the liberation struggle. Furthermore, those ones will now be registered to receive statutory benefits.
Regarding their readiness in payment of statutory benefits, we are in the time of preparing our budget. We made sure that we include in our request, the additional number of veterans of the liberation struggle that we have. As you know that regarding payment of pensions, it is not our ministry which pays pensions. All that we do is to submit the register. We are including, in our budget, other benefits like medical, educational and payment of funeral assistance. I thank you.
HON. SEN. R. M. NDLOVU: I would like to find out whether after we attained independence, when people came from various places, there were children who were born in either Mozambique or Zambia; how are they classified? They were born by the war veterans in those areas? Are they treated as war veterans or there is a category for them?
THE MINISTER OF VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE (HON. SEN. MAVHUNGA): According to the War Veterans Act, we have four categories of veterans of the liberation struggle; those combatants or actual fighters, those who were prisoned due to their participation in trying to liberate themselves, war collaborators – those who were assisting and the non-combatants – those who were in our transit camps but did not get the chance to be militarily trained. We also have the dependants of veterans of the liberation struggle – these are the children of these veterans of the liberation struggle. As for now, we do not have a category stated as children born outside or inside the country.
HON. SEN. L. SIBANDA: My question goes to the Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle. We have heard war veterans talking about the school fees that is paid for their children. This means that these children are of war veterans who are male. Those are the people who bear children even at a later age. You take care of them by paying school fees for their children but women war veterans at their later stage, they cannot bear children and they do not benefit anything. This means male war veterans are benefiting a lot. What are you doing to cushion the female war veterans at this stage?
THE MINISTER OF VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE (HON. SEN. MAVHUNGA): I will not be able to answer the Hon. Senator’s question because this is all about nature and as you know, women have their time. Once you get to menopause, you will not bear children but male comrades continue to have children. As such, we cannot deny their children assistance because their fellow veterans of the liberation struggle no longer have children going to school. We do not have compensation for that.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Hon. Senators, we have the Deputy Minister for Primary and Secondary Education in the House – Hon. Angeline Gata. Welcome Hon. Minister.
HON. SEN. PHULU: My question is directed to the Minister of Housing and Social Amenities. We have noted that the rate of installation of social amenities such as clubs for the youth; tennis courts and other facilities, has been very slow after 1980. What programme is currently in place to ensure that particularly in the new townships, such amenities are put in place?
THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. SODA): In 2020, the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities promulgated a policy which speaks to housing developments and the way in which delivery of housing shall be conducted including amenities that are supposed to be supporting our settlements. That policy has also informed some plans that we have in our Ministry, which also include the regularisation and sanitisation of our settlements where we are saying those settlements that were established and did not pay particular attention to developments of the requisite amenities that should support the settlements to allow for a place where people can live, places where people can play and do business – can there be re-planning? What we are doing through sanitisation and regularization; we are making sure that the relevant amenities that are supposed to be supporting our settlements are considered or put in place. We also have a plan for urban renewal which will also encompass the development of our amenities. We take cognisance that these amenities are very necessary and they must be part of the settlements that we are developing. We have some plans and a policy that is informing those plans that we are pursuing as a Ministry.
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: In the House, we have Hon. Mhona, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. We welcome you Hon. Minister. We know that every week you come and attend to our questions and we respect you for that.
+HON. SEN. MLOTSHWA: Yes, I hear you Hon. Minister but when you look at rural areas, there are no social amenities. What is Government’s policy with regards to that, so that we also have social amenities for our children to play there?
THE MINISTER OF HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. SODA): I got a bit of the question. I got it that the Hon. Member wants to know the policy or efforts that Government is pursuing that rural areas are also afforded with social amenities. You might be aware that Government has made a call to action to all local authorities by way of producing some masterplans. It is through the masterplans that are being drawn that all social amenities that are supposed to be supporting those settlements even in rural areas are supposed to be provided.
There is a plan by Government through the masterplans that are being drawn and what will follow after those plans. I am sure when those plans were made, there were some consultations that were done to the various stakeholders in the rural areas. When the plans are approved, what will follow are the developments or actual establishment which I believe this House again by way of approving our budget, will also have to support us because when resources are allocated, it is this House that will approve. I thank you.
HON. SEN. ZINDI: My question is directed to the Minister responsible for War Veterans. What is the Minister intending to do or what action she intends to do with regards to the welfare of the War Veterans? They won a case represented by Justice Mangota that they should backdate the US$2000 they were supposed to be paid. What action does the Minister intend to take having such a verdict?
In addition to that question, if you may allow Madam President, regarding the welfare of the war veterans, we have gone more than two years with war veterans who were arrested when they had demonstrated trying to put across a message in terms of the allowances or pensions they are receiving that it is inadequate for their well-being. It is more than two years and they are still reporting at the courts. What is the Ministry doing in regards to that? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF WAR VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE (HON SEN. MAVHUNGA): I want to thank Hon. Senator Zindi for the question but the questions being asked are very specific. They require a bit of research. The questions are referring to court cases and there is no way I can comment on a case which is before the courts. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. NDEBELE: My question is directed to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development. I want to commend him for coming to this House all the time. My question is on the road from Kwekwe to Lupane through Nkayi. From Kwekwe going for about 20km, there is an open place there and mounds and mounds of soils as big as this Parliament building. That road needs to be repaired because the mounds of soil are close to the road. On the other side….
THE HON. PRESIDENT OF SENATE: Order, your question is so particular. You need to put it in written form so that the Minister goes and do some research with the help of staff from his office concerning that particular road.
HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: Thank you Madam President for giving me the opportunity to ask my question. You might deem it to be a direct question but it bears national interest. I beg your indulgence that I proceed with my question.
We have noted with concern that the Civil Aviation Bill was gazetted last week. We also know that by the end of the year, IATA audit will be coming in and the implications of not having that Bill through both Houses will be something else. What plans do we have to ensure that Bill sails through both Houses so that we do not get the punishment or negative implications where our flights to and from Zimbabwe will not be allowed?
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Madam President Ma’am. I would like to thank Hon. Senator Mupfumira for that question. Why I liked the question so much is to get the support from both Houses, which I am quite grateful. Why I also delayed passing through the National Assembly was trying to ascertain exactly what I can do pertaining to the same Bill. For progress’s sake and in terms of procedure, when a Bill is gazetted, it has to appear on the Order Paper after 14 days. So, I need to seek leave of the House so that it comes earlier. That is what I will be doing before end of the Session in the National Assembly today.
To support and also to answer what Hon. Senator Mupfumira had said, it is a very important piece of legislation which is also very technical. We find, like normally where we say we had to do public hearings across the nation, we also humbly ask our Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development so that they engage specific stakeholders for their consultations. I am sure in that regard, we will be in a position to also shorten the process. Therefore, I would also humbly request support from the Senate as well when the Bill comes. I want to also buttress the point that it is very important so that as we then partake our audit for this year, we will be in a position to have gone through this particular piece of legislation. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. MAVENYENGWA: Thank you Madam President. My question is directed to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education. I would like to understand from the Hon. Minister, we are into the rain season. In areas like Mwenezi where children learn outside, what plans do they have to ensure that they are sheltered even under tents? Secondly, we have seen that a lot of schools are being blown away by storms. What is their state of preparedness together with the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), so that children will not lose a lot of time not going to school after the roofs are blown away? I thank you.
>THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. GATA): Thank you Madam President. I would like to also thank Hon. Sen. Mavenyengwa for that question. It is a very important question. The first thing indeed he asked himself and he responded to himself somehow, with regard to the tents. As a Ministry, because we have channels of reporting, we are told by the district, the district reports to the province and the province reports to head office. We indeed work with Government, the Civil Protection Unit. They provide tents when that need arises if they are also available. We also work with partners, like the You and Family. They also come in when there are such reports. They provide tents, which are always there in the district, meant for emergencies. So, they rush and provide those tents.
When classrooms are blown away, we see that happening in several areas because our schools need continuous attention and maintenance. Now, because of ageing, these winds and the storms are so harsh and they are blowing away the roofs. As a Ministry, we have disaster management because we work as the whole of Government. So, we go to the Local Government and they give us assistance because they have a risk or disaster management team. In addition, as a Ministry, we have a budget, since we are now approaching the budget season, we kindly request both Houses, National Assembly and the Senate that we should include this disaster fund in our budget. When we are told where those schools are, we will then include them in the budget so that they are taken care of. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. M. MOYO: Thank you for giving me this opportunity. My supplementary question to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education is that there are school children who walk long distances to school. They also cross rivers, now we are in the rain season. When the rivers are flooded and we have children who will be writing their examinations, how prepared is the Ministry for situations like that?
*HON. GATA: Thank you Madam President for the question that has been asked by the Hon. Senator. Sure, we are in that season of examinations. What is good is we learn through experience, we do not expect children to walk more than five km to school, that is the policy. It is Government policy that distances walked by children going to schools should be at least five km. Now, since development is not equal everywhere, the issue that you have raised is very important. Yes, we have rivers, when the rains come, we have teachers who were capacitated for disaster management. If such situations occur, we can house children at schools. Even the children, we orient them on what to do under such situations, they should not cross. Still on that, on this view, we arrange as the whole of Government, especially the Ministry of Transport that temporary bridges be put in place to enable children to cross. All those things we expect them to be done.
On examination classes, say the river is flooded, where the capacity that the examinations should not be compromised, all those things are in place. I would like to inform the Hon. Senator that the Ministry is well prepared for that. I thank you.
*HON. SEN. CHAPFUDZA: Thank you Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to ask my question which is directed to the Minister of Housing and Social Amenities. My question is you realise that there are some projects that were started by Government and have been there for 20 years or more and not yet completed, yet there are some projects that started elsewhere in other areas less than five years completed and have been commissioned.
Why do we have some projects being completed earlier and yet some of the projects spend years and they are exposed so much that they can be seen even by visitors and everyone can see that this is failure on part of Government. Does this have anything to do with regionalism or it has to do with Government that they start and finish other projects earlier?
*THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL HOUSING AND SOCIAL AMENITIES (HON. SODA): Thank you Hon. President. I would like to thank the Hon. Senator for the question. The reason why Government starts projects in various areas is because Government intends that those projects must be completed to help the beneficiaries or the people and fulfil the intentions of that project. Indeed, there are some projects that have taken a long time without being completed. Sometimes it is because of availability of resources meant for those projects. This is nothing to do with one region being more important than the other. That is why we hear the President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
No place must be left behind whilst another is developed. All regions must be handled the same way. For example, there is another project that was recently completed, a project that was started in 2021. The project that was meant to give relief to Budiriro residents whereby the President ended up saying that the flats being constructed in Dzivarasekwa must be expedited. It was because it was meant to give a solution to people who year in year out face the problem of disasters, so it is because people needed relief immediately so it was prioritised. I heard of other projects that might have started earlier, but in response to your last question, there is no region that is more important than the other. All projects are important and must be completed in this country and it is also our request that since this is the House that is supposed to pass requests by Ministries, please do so especially with regards to social amenities issues. There are a lot of projects that are lagging behind and we request for resources to ensure that they are fulfilled and the purpose of the project is attained. I thank you.
+HON. SEN. M. NDLOVU: Thank you Hon. President for the opportunity. My question is directed to the Minister of Education. War veterans do not have draught power. What are you doing for them? They do not have inputs, let me ask what are the war veterans going to do when they do not have the draught power?
THE MINISTER OF VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE AFFAIRS (HON. SEN. MAVHUNGA): Thank you Mr. President. I want to thank Hon. Ndlovu for the question. Yes, our veterans do not have draught power and for them to have draught power, we engaged with the Minister of Agriculture in our engagement meetings to ensure that war veterans are assisted with tractors, inputs irrigation equipment and all other necessary items that might be needed in their agricultural practice. As regards inputs for the Pfumvudza/Intwasa, we agreed with the Minister that our veterans be given first priority when these inputs are being distributed. For those who are in A2 farms, we arranged that they be assisted through ARDA, through the banks.
Yes, there are some veterans again who are able to do farming on their own. For those who are to be assisted through ARDA, we are urging them to approach their Extension Officers. For those with irrigation, they are going to be considered in the production of maize. For those that do not have irrigation, they are going to be considered to grow traditional grains like sorghum, rapoko and other crops that do not need much water. As for the mechanisation, the tractors are being accessed through banks but the problem we are having is that our veterans do not have the money required for deposit.
So, we have talked to the Minister of Agriculture for us to have an arrangement for few veterans to be selected and be given tractors on zero deposit. We are going to see if it works then we will keep on organising for other groups to follow. These ones, I am talking the ones that are going to benefit from tractors, I cannot say today or tomorrow. The Minister said the tractors are coming from Belarus. However, right now, there are tractors with the Women’s bank, tractors with CBZ, tractors with Agribank, those ones for those with deposit can go and access them. I thank you.
˜HON. SEN FANUEL: Thank you Mr. President for affording me the opportunity to speak. We are aggrieved as Members of Parliament by the issues of drugs and substance abuse as well as early marriages which are rife in our country. We also have children travelling 15km to go to school in Binga. They move from one ward to the other, such as Sinakoma to Chininga. Right now, the rains are pouring and they have to seek shelter. But when they do that, at times they are raped or abused by the people offering them shelter. Sometimes they fail to go to school because of the long distances they travel. My question to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education is, what plans do they have to build a few blocks and teachers’ houses at Chininga so that children continue attending school instead of dropping out of school?
THE HON. DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE: That is a specific question and I would urge the Hon. Senator to put it in writing so that the Minister can go and find out exactly what is happening in that area and give you a full answer.
*HON. SEN. GUMBO: Thank you Mr. President. My question is directed to Hon. Mhona, the Minister of Transport. Hon. Minister, the Chirundu Highway, 15kms before Karoi and 15kms before Makuti is now very difficult to use. A lot of accidents are happening there as vehicles are overturning. If you have time, I would ask you to go there personally and look at the road. What plans do you have to rehabilitate that road? I thank you.
THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT (HON. MHONA): Thank you Hon. President, let me also thank Hon. Senator Gumbo for the question. Indeed, many of our roads have deteriorated but I would like to applaud President Mnangagwa’s Government for attending to the roads. I would like to say that we have identified the partners that we are working with and have instructed them to do the rehabilitation of the roads in collaboration with engineers from the Ministry. They are going to temporarily patch the potholes towards Christmas but Government’s plan is to rehabilitate the whole road and we have since given the tender to five companies to work on the road from Harare to the border post. We are not just doing that road alone but we have also identified a company to rehabilitate the border post itself. Therefore, I would also like to urge our drivers to take care of people’s lives on those roads. We have realised that there are people who are speeding and overloading as well. Also, some are illegally pirating. I thank the Hon. Senator for raising that question because that section of the road has potholes. Let me promise the Hon. Senator that as a Ministry, we are working flat out to cover those potholes so that the road is passable.
HON. SEN. GWATURE: My question is directed to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education. We appreciate indeed the assistance that the pupils are getting in terms of the feeding scheme. Wheat is being taken to schools to feed the pupils but the problem is that wheat is coming without items such as relish and cooking oil to enable them to get a proper meal. The parents are struggling to get money to purchase cooking oil and relish. What measures are in place to ensure that the pupils get a full meal?
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (HON. GATA): I would like to thank the Hon. Senator for that important question. I would like to thank the President first and his Government for being a listening President. Hunger was in pursuit everywhere and this was induced by the drought caused by El-Nino. The President tried to ensure that everyone gets food. Indeed, we have a school feeding programme where we work in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Public Service and Social Welfare to provide food to schools. Firstly, we ensure that learners get wheat or maize so that at least they have sadza or porridge. We also have school business units which were established to provide relish. We encourage our schools to work hard in the school business units where they grow vegetables like (rape, tsunga, cabbage, beans, tomatoes and onions), keep chickens, goats, pigs and rabbits. Yes, Government provides but we have 10 650 schools needing feeding. Are we able to provide goats for relish for lunch? I think it becomes a mammoth task, so at least when you are given something, we also need as communities to assist. We acknowledge what we get from Government but let us also contribute, be it from our SDC or the community to ensure that our children have a full meal and we can provide salt, cooking oil and other things that we may want to use to feed our children. The Government is doing the bigger part of the work in the school feeding programmes. We also have the First Lady who also is assisting from her kitchen, providing school feeding programmes and also carrying out the same programme which is coming from her part. We have partners who are working on 30 schools that we have, providing school feeding programmes. I would like to urge and encourage parents as well as communities, let us be involved in our schools. I thank you.
Questions Without Notice were interrupted by THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SENATE in terms of Standing Order No. 67.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. MATIBIRI: I move that Orders of the Day Numbers 1 to 3 be stood over until the rest of the Orders on the Order Paper have been disposed of.
HON. SEN. S. MOYO: I second.
Motion put and agree to.
MOTION
PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: DEBATE ON ADDRESS
Fourth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion in reply to the Presidential Speech.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. S. MOYO: Thank you very much Mr. President for giving me this opportunity to say what was mentioned by the President during the State of the Nation Address. We took note of the food programme mentioned by the President and how no Zimbabwean will go without food. We really hope all our people all over Zimbabwe get food. We also agree that the mining sector continues to attract favourable investment as tourism arrivals are having an upward trend.
We agree on how the President put pressure on Honourable Ministers to push the Bills that were outstanding from previous sessions of the august House. The President also put pressure on the Ministers who did not forward Bills to Parliament that came up in the last SONA address. We agree with the President on how Portfolio Committees should take findings and recommendations into consideration when making budget decisions for the collective good of our nation.
On the other hand, the President did not address the issue of the minerals mined by investors like the Chinese. For example, in Binga and other areas, the Chinese do not develop the areas they mine and they refuse to take the ZiG currency. They bring their own products and they do not support the locals. What is the use of the Community Share Ownership Trust when our people are suffering? What role does it play? I suggest that measures should be put in place to make sure that these investors follow the law because they do as they please. This is not their country. We are the people and we have had enough.
The President did not address the retirement packages and pensions. Our senior citizens continue to be disrespected by the Government. They are currently getting USD30 or less. They queue for long hours in the sun. Why are there no ATM machines built outside to make it easier for our old people to get their money and go about their business. That is not how the senior citizens should be treated. They wait for long hours with no food and some even faint. This issue really needs to be addressed and a working system needs to be put in place.
It is no secret that we face challenges when it comes to employment trust act on investment. There is low economic growth, depressed private investment, be it local or international, poor institutional support and poor infrastructure. I advise the introduction of policies and incentives that are geared at attracting foreign direct investment in the country.
To promote employment generation, Government should implement macro-economic policies that improve the investment climate in the country. For example, Government needs to review the indigenisation policy to make it more attractive to international markets and to introduce Special Economic Zones as well as industrial parks. Countries like Brazil have established investment agencies and have monetary policies and financial incentives to attract investment. It will be important for Government of Zimbabwe to improve the regulatory environment by reducing corporate tax from the current 24.72%.
In closing, the President did not talk about roads. The same investors use their heavy-duty trucks when taking our minerals and they do not fix the roads. When the roads are damaged, it leads to accidents. What is Government doing to put in place measures to protect lives? Why have we not developed our transport network and roads? Other countries have modern roads. Why is there lack of funding and resources when it comes to our road? Corruption needs to be stopped because we need to develop new technologies and infrastructure necessary for modern day transportation systems. Only then can we start to expect more investment in the country. This will go a long way to increase employment in the country and help speed up the much-needed economic recovery. I call upon the relevant Ministers to address the issues I have raised. I thank you.
HON. SEN. GUMPO: Madam President, I would like to thank you for giving me an opportunity to debate on the recent Presidential Speech in which the President delivered his State of the Nation Address where he stressed the nation to continue with the prevailing peace in our country, which is being emulated by the whole region and Africa in total.
This environment is very conducive to the development of the country which is taking place under his hands and that of his administration. This fact was recognised by SADC delegates during their visit to the country.
The nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo thundered in the new Parliament building, making his mantra a regional song. The delegates were delighted to visit a number of projects, one of them being the Pomona Garbage Recycling Plant which was an envy to the delegates who had a lesson to take back to their countries. This is indeed a great credit to His Excellency and his team. This is also a lesson to us the owners of this country which has made great strides within a very short space of time, only five years of his administration.
We must all give credit where it belongs. The President needs the nation’s support to carry on with his achievement for the benefit of this beautiful country. I thank you.
HON. SEN. C. MUTSVANGWA: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. MUPFUMIRA: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 5th November, 2024.
MOTION
EQUIPPING OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS TO ENSURE COMMUNITIES PRACTICE, PRESERVE AND RESPECT CULTURAL PRACTICES
Fifth Order read: Adjourned debate on motion on the need to preserve our cultural and traditional practices.
Question again proposed.
HON. SEN. SHIRI: Thank you Madam President. I want to second the motion raised by Hon. Senator Wunganayi, emphasising the urgent need to revitalise and protect our cultural heritage. The erosion of our traditional values and customs, largely due to foreign influences, demands immediate attention. As custodians of our culture, chiefs must be empowered to safeguard our identity and counter harmful foreign moral decadence.
For far too long, external forces have threatened the very fabric of our society, undermining the authority of our traditional leaders. It is crucial that we recognise the importance of chiefs' jurisdiction extending beyond rural areas to urban centers where cultural dilution is most pronounced.
Botswana's model of integrating traditional leadership into urban governance is worthy of emulation. In Botswana, chiefs are appointed as Kgosi in urban areas, ensuring cultural continuity and community cohesion.
Similarly, Zimbabwe can benefit from establishing urban chiefdoms, mirroring Botswana's Kgosi system, appointing chiefs as patronage figures in urban communities, integrating traditional leaders into municipal governance structures and creating cultural advisory councils, comprising chiefs and community leaders.
By doing so, we can preserve cultural heritage in urban centres, foster community engagement and participation, promote cultural education and awareness, counter harmful foreign influences and strengthen national identity. I strongly believe that by supporting this motion, we can reclaim our cultural heritage and ensure its continuation for generations to come. I want to urge my fellow Members of Parliament to also join me in advocating for the empowerment of our traditional leaders and the preservation of our rich cultural legacy. I thank you.
HON. SEN. WUNGANAYI: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. RITTA NDLOVU: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to resume: Tuesday, 5th November, 2024.
MOTION
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
HON. SEN. R. M. NDLOVU: I move that we revert to Order of the Day, Number 3.
HON. SEN. GUMPO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
MOTION
PROTECTION OF GENDER RIGTHS AND PENALTIES TO OFFENDERS FLOUTING GENDER LAWS
HON. SEN. NDEBELE: I move the motion standing in my name that:
WHEREAS Parliament enacted the Gender Commission Act of 2015 to monitor, investigate and advise on gender violations as well as to advocate for gender equality.
CONCERNED that gender inequalities continue in all facets of the Zimbabwean society resulting in the low representation of women in decision-making organs in most institutions.
NOW THEREFORE, this House resolves that:
- The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises ensures that gender rights are protected and safeguarded as enshrined in the Constitution and other Legislation;
- The responsible Ministry puts in place mechanisms to ensure that disparities in education, economic and political spheres are addressed with a view to achieving equal representation between men and women and;
Heavy penalties are meted out to offenders who flout gender laws with impunity.
HON. SEN. S. MOYO: I second.
HON. SEN. NDEBELE: Madam President. I rise to move and debate a motion in my name on the enforcement of Gender Commission Act to protect gender rights. This Act was designed to protect gender rights and promote equality within our society, yet it remains underutilised and inadequately enforced. The Gender Commission Act was established to create an independent body that would advocate for gender equality, monitor compliance with gender laws and address grievances related to gender discrimination. However, the effectiveness of this Act hinges on our commitment to enforcing its provisions and ensuring that gender rights are upheld.
This Act represents our collective efforts to address the historical injustices and disparities faced by women and marginalised groups in our society. The Gender Commission Act was established to create a framework for promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their gender. It aims to provide a mechanism for addressing gender-based discrimination and ensuring that the principles of equality are upheld in all aspects of life.
Madam President, the need to protect gender rights through enforcing this Act cannot be overstated. At its core, the Gender Commission Act aims to safeguard the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender. In Zimbabwe, we continue to witness alarming rates of Gender-Based Violence, discrimination and economic disenfranchisement. The enforcement of the Act is crucial to providing a framework for protecting the rights of women and marginalised groups, ensuring they have access to justice and support.
Equally significant is using this legislation to address gender disparities. It is concerning that gender disparities persist in various sectors, including economic participation, political representation and access to education and healthcare. Women often face barriers to entering the workforce, accessing credit and owning land. Additionally, despite progress made, women remain under represented in decision-making positions. The enforcement of the Gender Commission Act can help to advocate for gender parity in political representation at all levels.
Madam President, gender laws are designed to protect the rights of individuals and promote equality across all sectors of society. They provide a framework for addressing issues such as Gender-Based Violence, discrimination and inequality. However, the mere existence of these laws is not sufficient. For them to have a meaningful impact, there must be consequences for those who violate them. Implementing penalties and sanctions for violations of gender laws is essential for establishing accountability. When individuals and institutions know that there are serious consequences for breaking the law, they are more likely to adhere to the principles of gender equality and respect for human rights. Clear penalties act as a deterrent against Gender-Based Violence and discrimination.
Knowing that actions will lead to legal repercussions can discourage potential offenders from committing such acts. Enforcing penalties strengthens the rule of law and reinforces the importance of gender laws in our society. It sends a clear message that Gender-Based Violence and discrimination will not be tolerated. The establishment of penalties is crucial for protecting victims and survivors of Gender-Based Violence. When offenders face consequences, it empowers victims to come forward and seek justice without fear to retribution or dismissal.
Furthermore, strong legal frameworks provide victims with the assurance that their grievances will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately. This encourages more individuals to report violations and seek help. Also knowing that offenders are held accountable can aid in the healing process for victims as it affirms their right to live free from violence and discrimination. For the Gender Commission Act to be effective, it must include mechanisms for accountability. Establishing reporting systems for violations will empower victims to seek justice and hold perpetrators accountable.
Madam President, let me take this opportunity to call for clear actions. I urge this august House to recognise the urgency of enforcing the Gender Commission Act through the following: First, ensuring that the Gender Commission is adequately funded and staffed to carry out its mandate effectively. Secondly, launching public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights under the Gender Commission Act and the importance of gender equality.
Third, fostering collaboration between Government agencies, civil society and international partners to enhance the effectiveness of the Gender Commission. Fourth, it is imperative that the Anti-Domestic Violence Council receives adequate budgetary support and collaborates closely with the Zimbabwe Gender Commission. By doing so, we can create a robust response to domestic violence and promote gender equality in our society.
Collaboration between the Anti-Domestic Violence Council and the Zimbabwe Gender Commission is vital in addressing domestic violence and promoting gender equality. By working together, both entities can adopt a holistic approach to combating gender-based violence. This collaboration can lead to comprehensive policies and programmes that address the root causes of domestic violence. The Gender Commission’s expertise in gender issues complements the Council’s focus on domestic violence. By pooling resources and knowledge, they can develop more effective strategies to support victims and prevent violence.
Clearly, the provisions of the Gender Commission Act have the potential to create transformative changes in our society. By protecting gender rights and promoting equality, we can foster an environment where everyone can thrive free from discrimination and violence.
This not only benefits individuals, but also strengthens our communities and contributes to national development. It is with no doubt that the enforcement of the Gender Commission Act is not just a legal obligation, it is a moral imperative. By protecting gender rights, addressing disparities and ensuring accountability, we can create a more equitable society for all Zimbabweans. I call upon all Members of this House to support this motion and commit to taking concrete actions that uphold the principles of gender equality and justice. Together, we can build a future where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive. I thank you.
HON. SEN. S. MOYO: Thank you very much, Madam President, for giving me this opportunity to stand here to second the motion moved by Hon. Ndebele. Hon. Ndebele made a strong argument so that we improve as a country from the Ministry and the relevant Committees to protect the gender rights while considering the practical challenges. There should be teamwork between the Government business people, civil society and other stakeholders. Is the key to promote gender quality and creating a united society.
+HON. SEN. S. MOYO (spkng)… and creating a united society. By imposing heavy penalties on offenders who violate gender laws, the Government can send out a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. This can serve as a warning to potential offenders and help create a safer environment for everyone, especially our women. We should improve the Domestic Violence Act of 2007, the Gender Commission Act of 2017, the Labour Act and the Sexual Offences Act. There should be more projects like the Msasa Project, which is a local organisation that provides support to survivors of Gender-Based Violence. It reported receiving over 10000 cases of violence in 2019 alone. We should have more projects like that all over Zimbabwe.
In conclusion, child marriage is another problem in Zimbabwe as 32% of the girls are being married before the age of 18. It is important for Government, civil society organisations and communities to work together to raise awareness to provide support to survivors and put in place good policies and programmes to stop Gender-Based Violence and promote gender equality. I thank you.
HON. SEN. NDEBELE: I move that the debate do now adjourn.
HON. SEN. S. MOYO: I second.
Motion put and agreed to.
Debate to Resume: Tuesday, 12th November, 2024.
On the Motion of HON. SEN. R. M. NDLOVU, seconded by HON. SEN. MUZENDA, the Senate adjourned at Fourteen Minutes past Four o’clock p.m. until Tuesday 12th November, 2024.