Bill Watch 49/2019 [Parliament Sits
This Week to end its First Session] 24 September 2019
Information Bill and Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill.
And as already mentioned the Senate’s amendment of the Education
Amendment Bill added an item to the PLC’s workload.
Bills Coming up in Parliament This Week
In the Senate
Education Amendment Bill The Senate will be waiting for the PLC's report on
the amendment the Senate made to clause 14 [see above]. If – as expected –
it is a non-adverse report and the Senate then gives the Bill its third reading, the
Bill will have to be returned to the National Assembly for its approval of the
Senate's amendment. If that happens early enough, it should be possible for
the Senate to pass the Bill – and for the National Assembly, which has the final
say on this last amendment, to complete passage of the Bill before the session
ends.
There seems to be little chance of any other Bills reaching the Senate from the
National Assembly during the week [see next paragraph].
In the National Assembly
Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Bill [link]
This Bill awaits continuation of the Committee Stage, as it has been since 30th
July. Several pages of amendments put forward by the Portfolio Committee on
Industry and Commerce await consideration.
Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Amendment Bill [link]
For continuation of the Second Reading debate on this urgent Bill. The Minister
of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs told the House during Question Time
on 4th September that he would be "very happy if Hon. Members can debate,
improve and enact it very fast so that we can deal with corrupt people". But
progress during the week will depend on whether the Portfolio Committee report
on the public hearings on the Bill is ready in time.
The Bill's purpose is to re-enact the expired provisions of amendments to the
Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act first enacted by SI 246 of 2018
on 9th November, 2018 under the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures)
Act. SI 246 expired on 9th May, three months ago now – three months during
which its provisions could not be used. It is, therefore, surprising that passage
of the Bill has been so delayed, because the objective is enhancement of the
legal weapons to fight corruption, money laundering, terrorist financing and tax
evasion. Once it is law, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, ZIMRA
and the police will be enabled, under judicial supervision, to demand
explanations from persons who exhibit great wealth without having any
apparent lawful means of obtaining it – and, if no satisfactory explanations are
given, for ill-gotten gains to be forfeited.
Other countries already have such legislation, including the United Kingdom.
Coroner's Office Bill [link]
The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs has made his Second
Reading speech. The Order Paper for 24th September lists continuation of the