Bill Watch 42/2019 [Mid-Year Budget
Review & Supplementary Budget Presented]
04 August 2019
sovereignty of the people of Zimbabwe without any exclusion or
discrimination. His uncontested position as Head of State has been
recognised by the United Nations and the International Community, let alone
the African Union. We have not heard of any country under the sun that has
not recognised His Excellency President Mnangagwa. So therefore, there is
misdirection in terms of the opposition in their unwarranted behaviour.
Secondly, in terms of section 116 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which I
shall quote, the Legislature of Zimbabwe consists of Parliament and the
President acting in accordance with the Constitution, which means His
Excellency the President institutionally is part of this august House and that
position has got to be respected and cannot be contested.
Accordingly, as head of this institution, I rule that the Hon. Members from the
opposition shall not be allowed to attend Parliament today, including after his
Excellency has gone – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Relatedly, their
allowances for today shall not be paid accordingly, so I have ruled”.
Two MDC-A MPs who entered and took their seats after the President's
departure were duly requested to leave the House, and did so.
NSSA Forensic Audit Report Tabled on 1st August
The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare tabled this report [link]
after the Budget presentation. She said copies were being printed and would be
provided to MPs. The Speaker requested MPs to study the report so as to be able
to make constructive contributions on the way forward for NSSA.
Update on Bills
In the brief sitting that ensued after the Budget presentation there were the
following developments on Bills:
Education Amendment Bill [link]
The Parliamentary Legal Committee [PLC]'s adverse report on the amended
Education Amendment Bill was announced. The details of the report and
which of the amendments the PLC found problems with may become apparent
when the report is formally presented by or on behalf of the PLC chairperson.
Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill [link]
Hon Mataranyika, on behalf of the PLC chairperson, withdrew the Adverse Report
on this Bill announced on 24th July and discussed in Bill Watch /2019 [link]. He
explained why in the following terms:
"The Committee met on the 1st of August and considered the notice of
amendments signed by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary
Affairs and resolved to withdraw the adverse report previously issued as the
notice of amendments addresses the Committee’s concerns."
The Minister's amendments have not yet been included on the Order Paper for
next week.
Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Bill [link]
The Minister of Industry and Commerce asked for the Committee Stage to be stood
down until 6th August.