3 Wheeler Van Salesman (Bulawayo)

Regional Finance And Administration Assistant x4 (Harare, Mutare, Bulawayo & Gweru)

Waitresses x3 (Harare)

Homebased RGN (Harare)

DHIS2 Specialist (Tsholotsho)

Database Modeller (Bubi)

Provincial ICT Intern x3 (Tsholotsho)

Systems Support Specialist (Lupane)

Systems Engineer

Economic Strengthening and Household Officer x5

No Means No Officer (Bulawayo)

District Team Leader and Clinical Services and Mentorship Officer

Education, Parenting, and In-School Officers x5

GBV, RBM, and Child Protection Officers x5

HIV Prevention and ASRH Officer

Clinical Services and Mentorship Coordinator (Bulawayo)

GBV, Child Protection and Key Populations Coordinator (Bulawayo)

Strategic Information Officer (Bulawayo)

Data Officer (Bulawayo)

HIV Prevention and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Coordinator (Bulawayo)

Branch Managers (Kadoma & Shurugwi)

Products & Research Officer

Lecturer/senior Lecturer/associate Professor/ Professor: Department Of Agribusiness And Management

Livestock Technician

Lecturer/ Senior Lecturer/ Associate Professor/ Professor: Soil Biology And Fertility

Lecturer/ Senior Lecturer/ Associate Professor/ Professor In Ndebele

Sports Director

Catering And Accommodation Manager

Internal Auditor

Chief Security Officer

Director, Information And Communication Technology

Attachees (Harare)

Assistant Shelter Coordinator (Harare)

Investigator (Harare)

Branch Manager (Chiredzi)

System Release Analyst x2

Bancassurance Agents

Strategic Information & Evaluation Interns x6

Medical Laboratory Scientist (Bindura)

SHE Officer (Shurugwi)

Personal Assistant to the CEO (Harare)

Trainee Parts Picker

Cook Or Chef (Harare)

Graduate Trainee: Management (Harare)

Marketing Attachee (Harare)

Fabricator/ Boiler Maker Class 1: Contract (Mutare)

Maintenance Fitter: Contract (Mutare )

Receptionist (Harare)

Driver: Confucius Institute

Business Intelligence Specialist (Harare)

Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) Mentor (Harare)

Positive Parenting Trainer (Harare)

Technical Officer: School and Community Linkages (Harare)

Network Technician

Telecommunications Technician

Graduate Trainee: Software Developer

Webmaster

Principal Accountants x2

Graduate Trainees x4

Assistant Accountants x2

Staff Development Fellows: Industrial Biotechnology Department x2

Field/ Greenhouse General Hand:Industrial Sciences And Technology Department x2

Staff Development Fellows: Biotechnology Department x3

Technician: Pharmaceutical Department (Post A)

Technician: Pharmaceutical Department (Post B)

Technical Assistant: Pharmaceutical Department

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor: Chemical & Process Systems Engineering Department x5

Staff Development Fellows: Chemical & Process Systems Engineering x4

Staff Development Fellows  x3

Clerk x2

Local Product Support (Ngezi)

Field Service Technician

Planning Clerk (Ngezi)

Auto Electrician

Artisan Assistant Class 2

Graduate Trainees ICT x4

Student Interns ICT x4

Electrician

Farm Manager

Goat Manager

Quality Assurance Auditor

Business Development Managers x2

Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator (Harare)

Motor Vehicle Mechanics Lecturer (Bulawayo)

Business Unit Manager: Croco Commercial (Harare)

Graduate Trainee - Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

Security Guards: Marketing Executive (Harare)

Security Sergeant (full time)

Systems Support Analyst

Information & Communications Advisor (Harare)

Programme Quality Learning And Accountability Advisor (PQLA)

Grant Accountant (Harare)

Finance Assistant (Harare)

2024 Intake

Gemology/ Lapidary Technician: Business Development & Innovation (Bulawayo)

Farm Supervisor (Marondera)

Graphic Designer (Harare)

Lecturer: Motor Vehicle Mechanics

Lecturer: Automobile Electrics & Electronics

Mobile Equipment Operators (TLB, Bulldozer, Front-End Loader, Excavator and Grader-Final Cutter)

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono says the recent arrest of two CCC MPs is a brazen attempt by ZANU PF to whittle down the opposition’s numbers in Parliament and attain a two-thirds majority to enable the ruling party to push for constitutional amendments.
CCC’s Maureen Kademaunga (Sunningdale), was arrested on charges of attempted murder and malicious damage to property, while Gift Siziba (Tshabalala Pelandaba) was also arrested, accused of inciting the football violence at a football match.
Kademaunga was arrested on Tuesday and spent the night in police cells before the charges were dropped in court on Wednesday.
Siziba was arrested on Wednesday and released on the same day but was ordered to appear before a magistrate on Friday.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Chin’ono warned CCC MPs to avoid saying things that will get the government to craft “false charges” against them.
He said ZANU PF is planning to arrest “as many CCC MPs as possible” and then call for by-elections which it will rig to achieve a two-thirds majority necessary for constitutional amendments. Wrote Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
The attempt to keep opposition MPs in courts on flimsy and comical charges continues with the latest victim being Gift Ostallos Siziba the CCC MP for Tshabalala-Pelandaba in Bulawayo, and its Deputy spokesperson.
ZANU-PF is desperate for a 2/3 majority in parliament that will enable it to remove term limits after Mnangagwa’s consolidation of power which culminated with a mediocre cabinet of cronies and relatives.
Siziba was arrested for posting a message which said, “We fear fokol” which was accompanied by a picture of himself wearing a Highlanders football club jersey. It was football banter on a football day!
The police said that he was Inciting public violence at a football match by saying that his team feared nothing. He will be in court on Friday to answer these charges.
CCC MP for Sunningdale, Maureen Kademaunga was also arrested in Harare 2 days ago on false charges of malicious damage to property and attempted murder.
The prosecution service dropped the charges in court because these cases were politically motivated and there was no basis for arresting and charging her.
There are other CCC election candidates who are in prison pending bail, and of course, former CCC MP Job Sikhala has been in prison for over 500 days without bail, something that is a constitutional right.
So CCC MPs must trade carefully and avoid saying things that will get the regime to craft false charges against them.
ZANU PF wants by-elections that it will rig in order to get the desired 2/3 majority in parliament, their plan is to arrest as many CCC MPs as possible.
CCC should not allow this, its MPs should be tactful and stay alert to the prevailing political realities, otherwise, they will spend years in courts to the detriment of their political programs!
The last five years saw journalists arrested and jailed for exposing corruption, opposition members jailed for doing their work and critics jailed for doing and saying what is allowed under our constitution.
The man who presided over this abuse of the court system is Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
He has been retained as Justice Minister without a parliamentary constituency in the recently appointed government of cronies and relatives, so we should expect more abuse of the court system.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Arrest Of CCC MPs A ZANU PF Strategy To Attain Two-thirds Parliamentary Majority, Says Chin'ono

Mabel Chinomona has been re-elected as the President of the Senate with Retired General (Rtd) Mike Nyambuya re-elected her deputy.
The elections were held on Friday afternoon at the New Parliament building in Mt Hampden.
ZANU PF’s Chinomona garnered 50 votes beating the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC)’s Felix Magalela Sibanda who received 25 votes.
Nyambuya (ZANU PF) was elected Deputy President of the Senate after getting 49 votes, against CCC’s Maggie Chakabuda who received 26 votes.
<figure class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 1080px"><img alt="Image" decoding="async" height="720" loading="lazy" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5g8-FmWEAAzopn?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" width="1080"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Mike Nyambuya</figcaption></figure>
Chinomona and Nyambuya were duly sworn in by Chief Justice Luke Malaba. Nyambuya also becomes the Chairperson of Committees.
Earlier on Friday, ZANU PF’s Jacob Mudenda was re-elected unopposed as the Speaker of the National Assembly also at the New Parliament Building at Mount Hampden in Harare.
Tsitsi Gezi, also of ZANU PF, was re-elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly unopposed after opposition party CCC National Assembly members did not turn up for the election.
Zimbabwe has a bicameral Parliament that is divided into two separate houses, that is the National Assembly (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House).
The composition of the 10th Parliament of Zimbabwe (2023-2028) is as follows:
National Assembly
ZANUPF: 176 MPs.
<ul>
<li>136 direct election.</li>
<li>33 women’s quota.</li>
<li>7 youth quota.</li>
</ul>
CCC: 103 MPs.
<ul>
<li>73 direct election.</li>
<li>27 women’s quota.</li>
<li>3 youth quota.</li>
</ul>
Senate
<ul>
<li>ZANUPF: 33.</li>
<li>CCC: 27.</li>
<li>18 Chiefs.</li>
<li>2 representing People With Disabilities.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mabel Chinomona Re-elected Senate President

The upcoming 10th Parliament of Zimbabwe will consist of two main political parties: the ruling ZANU PF and the primary opposition, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The ZANU PF party holds the majority of seats in the Parliament, but they were not able to secure the required two-thirds majority.
<h3>The 2023 – 2028 National Assembly will be constituted as follows:</h3>
<ol>
<li>A). ZANUPF: 176 MPs </li>
</ol>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>1.a). 136 direct election.</li>
<li>1.b). 33 women’s quota.</li>
<li>1.c). 7 youth quota.</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>B). CCC: 103 MPs.</li>
</ol>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>2.a). 73 direct.</li>
<li>2.b). 27 women’s quota.</li>
<li>2.c). 3 youth quota.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The 2023 – 2028 Senate will be constituted as follows:</h3>
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-roman;">
<li>ZANUPF: 33.</li>
<li>CCC: 27.</li>
<li>18 Chiefs.</li>
<li>2 representing People With Disabilities.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Missing National Assembly Constituency:</h3>
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) postponed the Gutu West constituency election, which was originally scheduled to be held alongside the harmonised polls on August 23, 2023. This decision was made due to the death of one of the candidates, Mr. Christopher Mutonhori Rwodzi, in a road accident that occurred after the nominations had closed.
This postponement is a standard procedure to allow for the nomination of an alternative candidate by those who had originally nominated the deceased candidate. Essentially, this converts the election into a by-election solely for that constituency.
The announcement of the postponement was made by Mr. Utloile Silaigwana, the chief elections officer of ZEC, through a notice published in the Government Gazette. According to the notice, a nomination court will be established at a later date, as advised by the Commission, to solicit fresh nominations for the election of a member of Parliament in the aforementioned constituency.
The Electoral Act mandates ZEC to defer a constituency election in the event of a candidate’s death between the nomination and the polling period, or even during the voting process itself. In such cases, all proceedings related to that election are deemed null and void, and the election process must start anew, following the same procedures as if a vacancy had occurred.
The candidates who were already duly nominated for the Gutu West Constituency do not require fresh nominations. These are John Paradza from ZANU PF and Mr Ephraim Murudu of CCC. However, the surviving candidates or their representatives must inform the constituency elections officer in writing of their intention to remain in the running.
<h3>MDC Missing:</h3>
The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) failed to secure any Parliamentary seats for the first time in 23 years. Since its establishment in 1999, the MDC has been the primary opposition party in the country. But under the leadership of former Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe and later Senator Douglas Mwonzora, the party faced criticism for allegedly collaborating with the ruling party, leading to a decline in its popularity. This accusation tarnished the party’s reputation and affected its support among the people.
Furthermore, the MDC has been grappling with a leadership crisis since 2018, which intensified following the passing of its founding leader, Morgan Tsvangirai. These internal struggles have hindered the party’s ability to effectively navigate the political landscape, contributing to its recent electoral defeat.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindila News</a></h3>

Composition Of The Zimbabwean Parliament For 2023-2028

Lupane villagers have established a community parliament that draws people from across the globe to debate developmental, political, human rights and social issues affecting the district.
Lupane Community Parliament (LCP) speaker Njabulo Sibanda told the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200011794/lupane-villagers-set-up-community-parliament">Southern Eye</a> that they borrowed the idea from the Nkayi Community Parliament, which has been operational since 2021.
LCP currently has a membership of 390 people, according to Sibanda. He added:
<blockquote>
The other reason for the formation of the Lupane Community Parliament (LCP) was to create awareness on policy and constitutional matters.
We have started working and having very robust and informative discussions with the professionals we invite to come and share the information with us.
</blockquote>
Sibanda said they would also hold their representatives in Parliament and local authorities accountable. He said:
<blockquote>
The overall goal of the LCPs is to contribute to the economic, social, cultural, educational and general development and empowerment of the Lupane community by providing a participatory and non-partisan platform for research, learning, exchange of knowledge, sharing of ideas, information dissemination, dialogue and debate on topical public policy matters and by holding public entities and office bearers accountable.
</blockquote>
The Nkayi Community Parliament, which LCP seeks to emulate, has engaged with some of the local leaders such as Nkayi North MP Sithembiso Nyoni, Nkayi South MP Stars Mathe, Nkayi senator Chief Ndlovu on various matters affecting the district.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Lupane Villagers Establish Community Parliament

The opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) has criticised Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda for rejecting a proposal by the Public Accounts and the Budget, Finance, and Economic Development committees to investigate allegations raised in the Gold Mafia documentary which was premiered by Al Jazeera recently.
In a statement, CCC said Mudenda’s decision raises serious doubts about the Government’s commitment to accountability and transparency. CCC said:
<blockquote>
We strongly denounce the decision made by the Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda to prevent the parliamentary committees from investigating the overwhelming evidence presented in the #GoldMafia documentary.
The evidence suggests that there is massive corruption, looting, money laundering, and the smuggling of gold by the political elites and their close allies.
The Speaker’s decision to prevent proper investigation raises serious doubts about the regime’s commitment to accountability and transparency.
We demand swift action be taken to investigate the matter to ensure that those involved in such illegal activities are brought to justice.
</blockquote>
Mudenda told the two parliamentary committees that Parliament should allow the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), the central bank and the Police to conduct the investigations.
He said in reaching the decision, he was guided by the South African Government’s decision to task specialised agencies with investigating the gold smuggling and money laundering allegations raised in the Gold Mafia documentary.
“Gold Mafia” is a four-part investigation by Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit (I-Unit) which exposed gold smuggling gangs in Southern Africa.
The gangs help criminals launder hundreds of millions of dollars, getting rich themselves while plundering their nations.
They use gold to turn dirty cash into clean, seemingly legitimate money for those with large amounts of unaccounted wealth.
The gangs do so by using a complex web of companies, counterfeit identities and fake documents.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Gold Mafia: CCC Chides Mudenda For Refusing To Grant Investigation Authority To Committees

Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda has rejected a proposal by the Public Accounts and the Budget, Finance, and Economic Development committees to investigate allegations raised in the Gold Mafia documentary which was premiered by Al Jazeera recently.
In a memorandum addressed to the two parliamentary committees, Mudenda said Parliament should allow the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), the central bank and the Police to conduct the investigations.
He said in reaching the decision, he was guided by the South African Government’s decision to task specialised agencies with investigating the gold smuggling and money laundering allegations raised in the Gold Mafia documentary. Reads the memo:
<blockquote>
I wish to state from the outset that the matter is serious and of national importance.
However, it is pertinent to note that the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the RBZ have already started processes to investigate the matter.
In that vein, it would be improper for Parliament to embark on an inquiry on a matter that other arms of the State are investigating.
In addition, the matters are of a complex nature and may require extraterritorial visits due to the alleged involvement of foreign players.
In that regard, it is prudent to leave the investigations to specialised agencies like ZACC, and the Police are better placed to investigate matters.
Parliament will continue to monitor the investigations and will carry out its oversight role when the specialised agencies have completed their investigation.
In addition, the Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development conducted an inquiry into Illicit Financial flows in the Mining Sector in the course of last year.
In reaching this decision I have also been guided by the stance taken by the South African Government which has deferred to specialised agencies regarding the same issues.
</blockquote>
“Gold Mafia” is a four-part investigation by Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit (I-Unit) which exposed gold smuggling gangs in Southern Africa.
The gangs help criminals launder hundreds of millions of dollars, getting rich themselves while plundering their nations.
They use gold to turn dirty cash into clean, seemingly legitimate money for those with large amounts of unaccounted wealth.
The gangs do so by using a complex web of companies, counterfeit identities and fake documents.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Gold Mafia: Speaker Of Parliament Refuses To Grant Investigation Authority To Committees

Japan’s parliament has expelled an MP from a single-issue party, Yoshikazu Higashitani, known by his online pseudonym GaaSyy, after he failed to show up for work.
According to <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/15/japan-parliament-expels-mp-who-never-came-to-work">Al Jazeera</a>, Higashitani has become the first MP expelled due to persistent absence by Japan’s parliament in more than 70 years.
Higashitani is one of two members elected from the Seijika Joshi 48, or “Politician Girls 48” opposition party.
The party was formerly known as the NHK Party and campaigns for changes to Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK.
Since being elected in July 2022, Higashitani has failed to attend a single session.
Higashitani has been nicknamed “No-show MP”. He is a former businessman and YouTuber, famous for his celebrity gossip videos.
He has remained in Dubai, claiming he is at risk of arrest if he returns to Japan.
Higashitani faces questioning over alleged defamation of some Japanese celebrities related to his YouTube videos.
Last week, the Japanese Parliament asked him to apologise in person in the Tokyo chamber, but he did not travel to Japan.
Instead, Higashitani announced on his YouTube channel that he was going to Turkey and that he planned to donate his salary to Turkish earthquake relief.
Hamada Satoshi, the other member of Seijika Joshi 48, said Higashitani’s expulsion from Parliament was illegal.
The lawmaker will be replaced in the house by another member of the party.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Japan Parliament Expels YouTuber MP Who Never Came To Work Since His Election

Civil servants have urged Parliament to investigate the Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) to establish the cause for the closure of health facilities owned by its subsidiary, Premier Service Medical Investments (PSMI).
PSMAS provides medical cover for almost all State employees as well as other people who are not members of the civil service.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/public-workers-want-parly-to-investigate-psmas/">The Herald</a>, civil servants’ premiums are subsided by the government while PSMAS members outside the civil service pay a higher tariff as they do not get a Government subsidy.
The closure of PSMI clinics, pharmacies and hospitals has forced members to move into the private sector and make co-payments even when their cards are accepted.
Representatives of the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (formerly Apex Council) on Monday appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
Speaking before the Committee, ZCPSTU secretary general David Dzatsunga said the situation has become dire for civil servants. He said:
<blockquote>
When it comes to PSMAS, most of the PSMI institutions are closed and the situation has become dire for civil servants who cannot afford the high tariffs charged by private doctors and institutions.
… As a committee you can engage with the regulator of medical aid societies (Ministry of Health and Child Care, Air Commodore Dr. Jasper Chimedza), PSMAS and the Public Service Commission.
These are the institutions you may want to engage and get to know what exactly is going on.
</blockquote>
PSMAS and its subsidiaries have also failed to pay workers for several months, with the bulk of company resources reportedly being channeled to management welfare.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Civil Servants Want Parliament To Investigate PSMAS

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has summoned Parliament to an Extra-Ordinary Sitting that will see members debate the preliminary delimitation report handed over to the President recently.
Parliament is currently on a festive period break but members are set to conduct a virtual sitting to debate the preliminary delimitation report on 6 January 2023.
The report was submitted to Mnangagwa by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Priscilla Chigumba on 26 December 2022.
In a message to lawmakers on Tuesday, Parliament said:
<blockquote>
In terms of Section 110(2) (c), His Excellency, the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa has summoned Parliament to an Extra-Ordinary Sitting to conduct special business relating to the Preliminary Delimitation Report on Friday, 6th January 2023 at 9:00 am.
Due to accommodation challenges still being experienced in Harare, Members are advised to attend the Sitting virtually.
The login details will be shared in due course. A few Members who will attend physically will be advised by the Chief Whips.
</blockquote>
The report has not yet been seen by both legislators or the public <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zanu-pf-affiliated-groups-condemn-zec-preliminary-delimitation-report/">but some ZANU PF-affiliated organisations have expressed disgruntlement over the document.</a>

Parliament Breaks Recess To Debate ZEC Delimitation Report

Blinart Investments managing director, Elizabeth Muchenje, defended the US$9 200 per laptop price which the company had levied the Parliament of Zimbabwe in a tender that was eventually cancelled.
Addressing the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) committee on how laptop prices reached a price of US$9000 each, Muchenje said:
<blockquote>
It was a high-end laptop with seven other accessories with it.
</blockquote>
Muchenje said the laptop was priced at US$9 264.49, payable in RTGS – the local currency – at the prevailing bank rate. She further gave a breakdown of the costs of the laptop. 
There was the HP Spectra 32GB laptop, Laptop Stand, Laptop Backup, HDMI Adapter, USB Adapter, Wireless Mouse HP, Laptop pouch, and Microsoft Professional Office 2019.
The cost amounted to US$5 176.36 for the laptop and all the accessories. 
<blockquote>
The company factored in ZIMRA Tax (14.5%) and courier charges, hotel and tickets, US$6026.12.
Markup (35%) US$2109.14 per laptop. 
The Grand total rose to US$9 314.87.
</blockquote>
NB: laptops don’t pay customs duties, but they pay Value Added Tax (VAT) of 14.5%.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development issued statements to the effect that it had <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/treasury-cancels-tender-authorised-by-parliament-directs-that-suppliers-be-blacklisted/">cancelled two tenders to supply laptops and desktops</a> arguing that the suppliers had overpriced the commodities.
Blinart Investments which had been awarded the tender to supply laptops was selling each laptop at USD9 264.49  and the government would have paid US$1 602 755.77 for 173 laptops.
The other company, Mid-End Computers and Hardware (P/L), demanded US$243 052.36 for 79 desktops as each was priced at USD3 076.61.
Members of the public criticised Parliament for awarding the tender saying this was grand corruption. 
It also emerged that some companies, Lacheln for instance, submitted bids for the Laptop tender at Parliament for as low as $213 655 but Parliament opted for Blinart which had tendered for $1.6 million. 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/list-of-companies-that-submitted-bids-for-laptops-tender-awarded-to-blinart-at-us9k-each/">List Of Companies That Submitted Bids For Laptops Tender Awarded To Blinart At US$9K Each</a></li>
</ul>
Previously,<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/09/19/us9k-per-laptop-tender-in-a-normal-economy-usd4590-46-shouldve-been-the-final-price/"> Pindula News published a Twitter thread by Michael Rushizha @mrushizha</a> who believes that Blinart Investments’ price was justified. This reporter believes it is important to reproduce the post for some context. See below:
<blockquote>
It is important to understand that this is not just any laptop. This is a high-end laptop with a touch-screen, some fancy software and accessories. These laptops don’t come cheap. We need to break down the requirement into smaller components for everyone’s comprehension.
According to pages 16 and 17 of the tender document, Parliament of Zimbabwe ordered 173x 13.3 or 14-inch laptops consisting of the following: 1x Microsoft Office 2019 Professional 1x Sophos Antivirus 1x HP Wireless Mouses 1x HP Laptop Stands 1x HP Laptop Carry Cases.
Now we need to cost each item. For the 13.3 or 14-inch laptop, I’m going to use a ‘cheaper’ HP EliteBook 840 G8 for this example. This baby costs a cool USD 2,259.00 with a storage of 512 GB. We need the storage to be 1.0 TB, so we add USD 80.00 to get USD 2,339.00.
Next, we need to factor in the cost of Microsoft Office Professional. The current version is 2021 and it goes for USD 439.99 bringing our running total to USD 2,778.99.
We also need a Sophos Antivirus license, which is actually an annual subscription. This license costs USD 28.00 per user, or per laptop. This brings our running total to USD 2,806.99.
Next, is the Wireless Mouses going for USD 16.99 each. This brings our running total to USD 2,823.98
The HP laptop stands are next for USD 49.95 each. This brings our running total to USD 2,869.93.
Last but not least, the HP laptop carry cases go for USD 36.99 each. This brings our running total to USD 2,906.92
Now the business dynamics. These computers are not manufactured in Zimbabwe or Africa. The prices are from HP, so I’m going to use a 3% shipping fee to one of the South African distributors which suppliers in Zimbabwe deal with, bringing our running cost per laptop to USD 2,994.13.
Next, we need to add another 3% shipping fee from South Africa to Harare, Zimbabwe. This brings our running cost per laptop to USD 3,083.95.
Our laptops are now in Zimbabwe, and fortunately, laptops don’t pay customs duties, but they pay VAT of 14.5% and this adds a further USD 447.17 to our laptop bringing the running cost per laptop to USD 3,531.12
After the taxman’s lion’s share, the retailer adds a markup for their trouble ranging between 20% – 30% depending on the risk. For this example, we will go high-end and apply a 30% markup to come to USD 4,590.46.
In a normal economy, USD 4,590.46 should have been the final price for each of these laptops. Sadly, Zimbabwe’s economy is anything but normal. This is where it all starts to become interesting.
You see, @ReserveBankZIM and local banks haven’t been issuing foreign currency to non-priority sectors for some time now. This led to people using alternative means to acquire this resource. At the time this tender close, parallel market rates were at a record USD 1: ZWL 800.
Page 10 of the tender states that, bids should be priced in ZW$ and foreign currency equivalent at the prevailing market rate. And that payment will be done in ZW$ converted at the ruling rate on the agreed delivery timelines as stated in the contract.
To cater for losses presented by the disparity between the ZW$ parallel market rate and US$ interbank rate, for which payment was going to be made at the date of payment, one needs to multiply the final US$ value of the laptops with the parallel rate of 800 to get the ZW$ value and divide by the interbank rate of July 15th 2022, which was 396.8940 In the end, the final ZW$ value of each laptop will be ZWL 3,672,368.00 and the US$ value will be USD 9,252.77 which is very close to the much-disputed USD 9,264.48 you see today.
Whether we like it or not, Blinart may NOT be the villain here. I would like to think that @ParliamentZim did their adjudication processes and found everything above board. It’s possible that they may have been bidders with lower prices, but got disqualified for non-compliance.
Tenders of such value usually go through the Special Oversight Committee (SPOC) to which every bidder MUST pay a SPOC Administration Fee of typically ZWL 15,000.00, in which in this case, no such payment was asked of the bidders, and I don’t think it went through SPOC.
In conclusion, the noise made since yesterday was caused by government officials that are not actually in touch with the realities of the country that claim to serve.
@ParliamentZim made the mistake of reacting by cancelling the tender which it professed had gone through internal processes and SPOC. They should have defended their internal adjudication processes and shed light on how the decision was reached with the backing of the SPOC.
</blockquote>
<h2>More Pindula News</h2>

Blinart Investments Defends US$9 000 Per Laptop Price

The opposition CCC Parliamentary Caucus has denied claims that the US$40 000 loans granted to Members of Parliament by Treasury are donations.
CCC MPs have received a lot of criticism especially on social media platforms for taking the loans.
Critics accuse the opposition MPs of joining the “gravy train” saying they are no longer serving the interets of the electorate, but their selfish interests.
Even CCC president Nelson Chamisa has criticised his MPs for accepting the loans and warned them that they will be punished by voters.
But CCC Chief Whip in Parliament Prosper Mutseyami defended the party’s MPs, saying the loans are a “genuine part of the MPs’ welfare.” He said:
<blockquote>
The suggestion in some quarters that loans are donations is not correct. In the midterm supplementary budget of September 2022 approved, provision was made for a housing or vehicle loan of US$40 000.
This loan was understood as a genuine part of the MPs’ welfare. The loan is therefore not a surprise executive instrument but one that went through the due process of appropriation as is provided in the constitution.
It is not a discretionary issue or an executive gratuitous gesture like the grants granted to ministers and deputy ministers.
In October of 2022, MPs were made to sign binding loan application forms which they executed.
In late November, parliament made partial disbursements of these loans. The loan in question is above board.
</blockquote>
Mutseyami, who is the MP for Dangamvura, said it was unfair to compare CCC legislators with those of ZANU PF simply because they accepted the loans. He said:
<blockquote>
The loan in question is no excuse for state failure or the deplorable state of public services.
It is no excuse for 42 years of mismanagement and misallocation of public resources. And most certainly the loan cannot bribe or derail our cause.
We therefore reject the equalisation. We are not Zanu, have never been Zanu. We have remained principled and committed.
We have remained unwavering in our quest for transformation and change in our country We have faced dictatorship and its billions of dollars weaponised against our people.
</blockquote>
Mutseyami also claimed that MPs are currently earning ZWL$$200 000 “which is equivalent to US$200.” He added:
<blockquote>
The new salary remains way below the poverty datum line by a long margin.
It also remains way below the average regional salary of MPs which is US$2 000 even in economies smaller than Zimbabwe or countries such as Kenya and others where MPs are paid around US$13,000 a month.
This is in addition to the provision of constituency offices, and paid research assistance.
</blockquote>
| ZimLive

CCC MPs Say US$40 000 Loans Are Not A Donation

The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Tsitsi Gezi on Tuesday castigated Members of Parliament across the political divide for “behaving like drunkards”.
This was after she struggled to bring the House to order for about 15 minutes during a heated argument between ZANU PF and MDC MPs on one side and CCC MPs on the other side.
The chaos was triggered by Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent), who had accused CCC leader Nelson Chamisa of “hypocrisy” over the US$40 000 loans given to MPs and this angered CCC MPs.
Cabinet ministers were each offered US$500 000, deputy ministers US$350 000 and MPs US$40 000 as loans by the government.
Chamisa then criticised his own MPs for accepting the US$40 000 loans and also condemned the government for its seeming misplaced priorities.
Mliswa raised a matter of national interest on the welfare of legislators, saying MPs in Zimbabwe were the least paid in the region, and then went on to attack Chamisa. He said:
<blockquote>
I would also want leaders of other political parties, especially Advocate Chamisa, to really understand — him being a lawyer — that MPs have a contract with Parliament; not with the party when they are here. I don’t know why he gets involved.
He must not whip them (MPs) on contractual issues. He was once an MP. I expected him to stand for other MPs because he knows how we have suffered.
We don’t want such hypocrisy from any leader. Let him deal with putting out his structures at CCC while here in Parliament, we get our money.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF and MDC Alliance legislators cheered Mliswa, but CCC MPs were displeased.
Mbizo MP Settlement Chikwinya then raised a point of order and accused Mliswa of denigrating Chamisa. Said Chikwinya:
<blockquote>
He cannot respond for himself as he (Chamisa) does not sit in this Parliament.
</blockquote>
Some MPs jumped over seats to get to Chikwinya and threaten him, and the commotion lasted for about 15 minutes. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004667/chaos-in-parly-over-chamisa">NewsDay</a>

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Chides MPs For "Behaving Like Drunkards"

A fistfight broke out among legislators in Senegal’s parliament on Thursday after a male opposition lawmaker slapped a female colleague in the face.
The attack reportedly happened during a budget presentation.
Opposition MP Massata Samb walked over and slapped Amy Ndiaye Gniby of the ruling Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY) coalition, resulting in a brawl.
Gniby threw a chair back at Samb before another MP tackled her to the floor. The session was eventually suspended as MPs exchanged blows, accusations, and insults.
Samb was addressing the assembly about comments Gniby made over the weekend in which she criticised a spiritual leader opposed to a third term for Senegal President Macky Sall. Samb said:
<blockquote>
Mister President, a deputy has stood in front of this tribune to insult someone’s marabout (spiritual leader).
</blockquote>
Gniby made fun of Samb’s remarks and declared she did not care, after which Samb walked over and hit her, sparking a mass brawl among MPs.
In July this year, reports suggested that Sall will seek a third term in 2024. This resulted in the ruling party losing its comfortable parliamentary majority in elections held that month.
Since then, tension has been growing between ruling and opposition politicians.
Sall (60) has refused to state clearly whether he plans to run for a third term.
Currently, the Senegalese constitution provides for a two-term presidential limit but Sall’s supporters argue a constitutional reform reset the clock, allowing him to run again. | <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/feminists-denounce-slapping-of-female-politician-in-senegals-parliament/">SABC News</a>

Senegal Opposition MP Slaps Female Lawmaker In Parliament

Norton MP, Temba Mliswa (Independent) is not happy over Parliament’s failure to take legislators on a tour of the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden before the presentation of SONA and the national budget.
Last week the Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda announced that the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and 2023 Budget, to be delivered by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube, respectively, will take place from the Mount Hampden site.
However, Mliswa believes MPs should have been taken there first before they sit for SONA and the national budget presentation. Said Mliswa:
<blockquote>
Unfortunately, the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden is set to start being used when the Fifth session of the Ninth Parliament begins without the MPs having visited it. It’s a very queer arrangement to me.
The President visited, some Ministers and so did the Speaker of Parliament also. However, we, the legislators who shall be utilising the facility were never taken there to see and proffer our thoughts. The level of disrespect for the office of the MP is gross.
Now we are like cattle being herded into the dip, ignorant and blind about its state. Chero imba yawavakirwa you don’t just start using it before assessing it.
I suspected that this would happen and even thought of raising a point of order about it.
We cannot even respect our own institutions and national offices. This country is strange at times.
</blockquote>
The New Parliament Building was built by Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) and fully funded by the Chinese government as “a gift to the people of Zimbabwe”.
The US$140 million 650-seat structure comprises a six-storey office complex and a four-storey building housing the National Assembly and Senate.

Mliswa Says MPs Were Never Invited To Tour New Parliament Building

The New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden will on Wednesday host President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the official opening of the Fifth Session of the Ninth Parliament.
The development was confirmed by the clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda in a statement on Friday.
He added that Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube will also present his 2023 national budget at the New Parliament building next Thursday. He said:
<blockquote>
Parliament of Zimbabwe would like to advise the nation, all clients and stakeholders of the State of the Nation Address and the Official Opening of the 5th Session of the Ninth Parliament by His Excellency, the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa on 23rd November at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, Harare.
This is a historic and momentous occasion where the last session of Parliament will be officially opened, before the next general elections.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, The Hon. Prof. Mthuli Ncube will present the 2023 National Budget to the National Assembly on 24th November 2022 at the New Parliament Building. Presentation of the Budget will commence at 14.30hrs
</blockquote>
Chokuda said that the two events will be broadcast LIVE on mainstream media, as well as on the Parliament of Zimbabwe’s social media platforms.
He said the public will also be able to follow proceedings on giant screens that will be mounted in the Africa Unity Square.
The New Parliament Building was built by Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) and fully funded by the Chinese government as “a gift to the people of Zimbabwe”.
The US$140 million 650-seat structure comprises a six-storey office complex and a four-storey building housing the National Assembly and Senate.

New Parliament Building To Host Mnangagwa's SONA

Members of Parliament are reportedly being turned away from hotels over unpaid bills whenever they come to Harare for Parliament sittings and are now sleeping in brothels.
The matter was raised in Parliament on Tuesday by Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa (Independent). He said:
<blockquote>
I think it is also important for you to know that the conditions which the Members of Parliament are facing are rather sad.
Not only that, just decency and dignity — we are fast losing it because of the accommodation crisis.
We have Members of Parliament staying at places like the Harare Club, which is a no-star and a brothel.
I think if there is no means of accommodation; it is good to advise MPs not to come, rather than exposing them to such places.
Others are married and being seen in such places does not augur well. It causes a lot of pain and disharmony in a family.
</blockquote>
In response to Mliswa, the Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda said the issue of legislators’ accommodation should be presented to the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mthuli Ncube. Said Mudenda:
<blockquote>
To that extent, that honour needs to be respected and protected. So as a way forward, we will ensure that by tomorrow when the (Finance) minister is within the country, we iron out some of these issues which not only affect Parliament but have affected all government ministries because they owe the hotels. Some hotels have been owed from six to nine months.
They have been owed for a long time and what they are owed now has been eaten up by inflation. These are the concerns also of the hotels. They also want value for money.
So these are the issues, and we will sort them out. Any challenges are there to be sorted out and get solutions accordingly.
I am sure we should be able to find lasting solutions to that effect. So your point of order Honourable Mliswa is understood in that context.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200002294/mps-kicked-out-of-hotels-over-unpaid-bills">NewsDay</a>

MPs Sleeping In Brothels After Being Expelled From Hotels Over Unpaid Bills

Opposition Members of Parliament have expressed frustration over Vice President and Health Minister, Constantino Chiwenga and other Cabinet Ministers’ absence from Parliament.
During the question and answer session on Wednesday, the MPs said various issues have not been addressed due to the absences.
CCC secretary-general Charlton Hwende (Kuwadzana East) told the National Assembly that he was yet to see Chiwenga in the August House since March. He said:
<blockquote>
I need clarity regarding the Honourable Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Hon. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga, since I was elected as a Member of Parliament in March, I have never seen him in this House.
We have a lot of issues that we want to ask him concerning the health of the nation.
Since March, now we are in October, our term of office is going to expire before we even meet him.
My question is: is he still the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care or he is now out of office?
</blockquote>
In response, Deputy National Assembly Speaker, Tsitsi Gezi said Chiwenga still held both his posts. She said:
<blockquote>
I would like to inform you that the Honourable Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care is still in office.
</blockquote>
Rusty Markham (Harare North), also expressed his disappointment over Cabinet Ministers’ failure to attend Wednesday’s session. He said:
<blockquote>
Only a handful of apologies were read out but I can only see one Honourable Minister in this House and I would like to make that point of clarity for the people on Zoom that the only Honourable Minister attending is the Minister of Transport and the media as well should understand that on the apologies that have come in, there is an assumption that they are in the House, but there is only one Honourable Minister in the House today.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Felix Mhona and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi came for Parliament business.
Only a few Cabinet ministers excused themselves, but still, the rest did not turn up. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/chiwengas-absence-from-parly-irks-opposition-mps-demand-answers-to-critical-health-matters/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

VP Chiwenga's Absence Infuriates Opposition MPs

The newly-formed ZANU PF War Veterans League has asked President Emmerson Mnangagwa to reserve seats in Parliament exclusively for their members.
Presenting the War Veterans League conference resolution at the weekend, its secretary for legal affairs Jairos Mapuranga said reserving parliamentary seats for their members will enable Parliament to expedite the enactment of the Patriotic Bill.
The Patriotic Bill seeks to criminalise private correspondence between what was termed “self-serving citizens” and foreign governments. Said Mapuranga:
<blockquote>
Consideration should be made to have a war veterans quota in the (National) Assembly to ensure that the party is represented by the comrades grounded in ideology to override the system of individuals with narrow selfish interests and that the legislators expedite the enactment of the Patriotic Bill to effectively protect the country and its leadership from treacherous machinations by political malcontents.
</blockquote>
However, Mnangagwa said some of the war veterans’ demands were impossible to fulfil. He said:
<blockquote>
I was listening very carefully to your resolutions, others are very sound, but some are beyond sound.
The depth and all-encompassing nature of your conference resolutions reflect your love for the party.
You almost want your government to do the impossible.
</blockquote>
The ZANU PF War Veterans League also said it wants the Chitepo School of Ideology to be well-resourced and fully operational on a full-time basis.
They also requested a quota on boards of government entities as well as commissions. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000516/war-vets-demand-parly-seats">NewsDay</a>

War Veterans Demand Reserved Seats In Parliament

University of Zimbabwe (UZ) students have petitioned Parliament seeking it to intervene over the recent sharp tuition fees hike and guarantee that they enjoy their right to education.
This comes after UZ increased its fees by more than 600%. Undergraduates will now pay $485 500, up from $60 526, while those studying for masters programmes will fork out $1 million per semester. Reads the petition:
<blockquote>
The proposed tuition fees are not considerate of the other essential expenses every student has to go through.
Most students are not from Harare which means they need to cover their accommodation and with where the university campus is located, surrounded by low-density suburbs, the accommodation charges are higher than US$50 per month.
The average salary of a civil servant is US$175. At that amount, the majority of parents cannot afford to pay the proposed fees since they also have to cover family basic expenses.
To consider our petition as an urgent matter and immediately intervene in the UZ fees-making process to guarantee that the right to basic education is respected through the charging of affordable fees.
</blockquote>
The students said the tuition fees must be pegged at $200 000 and below for all degree programmes. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000441/parliament-petitioned-over-hefty-uz-fees">NewsDay</a>

UZ Students Petition Parliament Over Tuition Fees Hike

ZANU PF members of Parliament caused an uproar in Parliament on Wednesday after claiming some members on the opposition benches were homosexual.
During a question and answer session as MPs debated the measles outbreak in the country, Bindura South MP Remigious Matangira and Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba defended some religious sects that shun vaccination.
Some Apostolic sects in the country do not allow their members to visit clinics or hospitals for treatment when they fall sick or receive vaccination against COVID-19 or child killer diseases.
As legislators debated the issue, Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent), suggested that the government uses different forms of media to urge the public to be vaccinated. He said:
<blockquote>
Can there be a public announcement through the national radio, television, et cetera when such an exercise is being done to make people aware and help officers including departmental heads in various districts to disseminate the information that every child is supposed to be vaccinated?
It was the same again with COVID-19; other parents did not want to do that. We also talk about the very same constitutional provision of the right to life; that failure to do so, those parents will certainly face the full wrath of the law.
</blockquote>
Mliswa’s remarks did not go down well with Matangira and Chinotimba who vehemently defended the churches that do not recognise conventional medicines.
<blockquote>
Gesturing toward the opposition bench, Matangira then shouted, “ikoko ndiko kune ngochani (there are homosexuals on the opposition benches). People’s churches should be respected.”
</blockquote>
This infuriated Mliswa who demanded that Matangira withdraws his remarks. Mliswa said:
<blockquote>
Hon. Matangira should withdraw the statement that “uku ndiko kunogara ngochani” we can also retaliate but please withdraw that statement. Ngochani ndiyani? Do not be a coward Hon. Matangira, shame on you!
You say things that you cannot repeat even to your own children. You said it. Withdraw your words. Uri murume werudzii anorukwa musoro. Unoda kunyenga ani kuno? Hatikude nevhudzi rako iro isu. You lie to your family if you cannot withdraw that statement.
</blockquote>
National Assembly Deputy Speaker Tsitsi Gezi then intervened and ordered Matangira to sit down and for Mliswa to calm down.
Matangira then withdrew his statement. He said:
<blockquote>
I said that people from that side support homosexuality. I did not say there are homosexuals in this House.
Honestly speaking, we have a lot of people who are in jail but who did not commit any offence. Anyway, I withdraw my words.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/tempers-flare-in-parliament-after-zanu-pf-legislator-says-opposition-mps-are-homosexual/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

ZANU PF MP Says Opposition Legislators Are Homosexual

Hotels in Harare this week refused to provide accommodation to Members of Parliament when they wanted to check in ahead of Parliament sitting due to non-payment.
Legislators from out of Harare are usually booked into hotels when they come for Parliament sittings but Parliament has been delaying in settling the hotel bills owed to various hotels.
The issue was raised in the National Assembly by Makoni Central legislator David Tekeshe (MDC Alliance). He said:
<blockquote>
Thank you, Madam Speaker. My point of privilege arises on the issue of accommodation for Members of
Parliament. We have been receiving calls from Members of Parliament who are being chased away from hotels – we are now sick and tired of this.
As Hon. Members, it is embarrassing for one to be turned away from one hotel to the next.
May there be an arrangement where people can be given sufficient funds to ensure that people are able to look after themselves?
In Uganda, Members are not provided accommodation, but they are given sufficient funds for them to look for their own accommodation.
If Parliament cannot provide us with accommodation, we must be given funds to look for accommodation.
It is embarrassing moving from one hotel to the other as Members of Parliament.
For the four years, I have been a Member of Parliament, this has been the most embarrassing year for me for failing to secure accommodation.
In Uganda, they are allocated 10 000 for accommodation and fuel and they are given their salaries so that they take care of themselves.
</blockquote>
In her response, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Tsitsi Gezi said she had taken note of the issue. Gezi said:
<blockquote>
Thank you Honourable Tekeshe, we have heard what you have said, it is demeaning indeed for an Honourable Member of Parliament to be turned away from a hotel where they will be expecting to get accommodation and where they are supposed to be respected as Honourable Members and moving from one hotel to the other does not give them a good image. I have taken note of that.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://openparly.com/index.php/2022/08/17/hotels-refuse-to-accommodate-mps-over-unpaid-bills/">OpenParly</a>

Harare Hotels Refuse To Accommodate MPs Over Unpaid Bills

A cancer patient on Tuesday petitioned Parliament to pass a law that will address cancer as an emergency national health burden.
Nyasha Mpame submitted the petition while appearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health led by Ruth Labode (MDC Alliance). She said:
<blockquote>
There is apathy in research and investment into cancer and a national cancer Act will provide for the appointment of a cancer board, which can assist in collaborations with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, private players and other stakeholders in implementing cancer programmes, facilitating and funding research into cancer treatments, including in alternative medicine.
</blockquote>
There are only two public hospitals with the capacity to offer radiotherapy cancer treatment in the country, that is, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare and Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo.
However, the radiotherapy cancer machines at the two institutions are reportedly breaking down constantly. Said Mpame:
<blockquote>
Compel the Ministry of Health and Child Care to have the radiotherapy machines at Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals repaired urgently and to have a permanent maintenance solution by year-end.
Invite and receive representations from relevant stakeholders and interested parties to contribute towards the achievement of a permanent solution not only with regard to the radiotherapy machines at the two public hospitals but in other areas of cancer care in Zimbabwe.
Oblige the Ministry of Health and Child Care to implement the National Cancer Prevention and Control Strategy for Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
According to the Zimbabwe Cancer Registry 2017 annual report released in 2020, the latest data available, the country recorded 7 659 new cancer cases in 2017.
Of these cases, 42.7% were male, and female 57.3% were female.
According to the report, cervix uteri accounted for 20% of the recorded cases, followed by prostate cancer 10%, breast cancer 8%, Kaposi’s sarcoma 5%, non-Hodgkin lymphoma 5%, colo-rectal 4% and liver 3%.
Meanwhile, Mpame implored authorities to decentralise cancer treatment services to all parts of the country.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/08/cancer-patient-petitions-parly-over-poor-services/">NewsDay</a>

Cancer Patient Petitions Parliament To Enact National Cancer Act

Parliament’s Mines Portfolio Committee on Monday raised concerns over reports of rampant smuggling of gold from Zimbabwean mines to South Africa and the Middle East.
The committee is in Kariba where it is discussing the gold production chain with officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and other stakeholders.
Committee chairperson Edmund Mkaratigwa, who is MP for Shurugwi South (ZANU PF), said:
<blockquote>
We have heard that several gold mines have been reopened, while others are expanding their operations.
However, there are disturbing reports of gold smuggling, which finds its way to the Rand Refinery in South Africa, Dubai, the Middle East and other places around the globe.
Right now the governor of the Reserve Bank (of Zimbabwe (RBZ) John Mangudya) has introduced gold coins and there are so many questions regarding how these will transform our economy for the better.
As a country, we need a sustainable model to export our gold as we need foreign currency to meet the needs of our economy.
</blockquote>
Mkaratigwa stressed that the Gold Trade Act should be fine-tuned to eliminate its inadequacies so that citizens benefit fully from the country’s mineral resources.
He also suggested that the RBZ or Fidelity Printers and Refiners must set up a specific fund to support the activities of women in mining.
Speaking at the same event, Mines deputy minister Polite Kambamura said the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill will be brought before Parliament in two months. He said:
<blockquote>
The Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill will be a game-changer in the country as it will treat both miners and farmers equally in the utilisation of the land and extraction of minerals.
The Bill will touch on the relationship between farmers’ and miners’ rights to land.
</blockquote>
Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe chief executive officer Isaac Kwesu said the government should allow gold producers to export their gold and use the funds to raise capital. He added:
<blockquote>
Most gold producers continue to face power outages, which result in production stoppages and output losses.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/08/gold-smuggling-on-the-rise-parly/">NewsDay</a>

Parliament "Disturbed" By Reports Of Gold Smuggling

A pensioner in Harare has petitioned Parliament to repeal Statutory Instrument (SI) 33 of 2019 which he claims caused his destitution.
SI 33 of 2019 was introduced in 2019 by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mthuli Ncube.
The regulations converted United States dollar balances to real-time gross settlement dollars (RTGS dollars) thereby severely eroding the value of people’s savings.
The pensioner, Stevenson Mazinefu, addressed his petition to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Jacob Mudenda and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. Part of the petition reads:
<blockquote>
The aforementioned SI 33 of 2019 was implemented without notifying us the poor working class and whose source of living standards depends on pension funds as the only source of living and wealth after being retired from work either by retrenchment or termination of employment contract.
… That the majority of the concerned pensioners, in this bracket, whose pensions were either just about to be paid or thereafter paid prior to the promulgation of the aforesaid Statutory Instrument has subjectively been reduced to mere paupers and destitute, despite contributing towards pension funds throughout their hard-working lives.
</blockquote>
Mazinefu requested the Parliamentary committee to urge the Executive to uphold the country’s Constitution by ensuring that the SI is amended, or repealed.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/07/parliament-petitioned-over-poor-pensions/">NewsDay</a>

'Destitute' Pensioner Petitions Parliament

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that he asked Chinese leader, President Xi Jinping to fund the construction of the Parliament building during a visit to China in April 2018.
Briefing journalists on Wednesday, Mnangagwa said the six-storey circular Parliament building located in Mt Hampden just outside Harare was built free of charge by China. He said:
<blockquote>
When the Second Republic came in November 2017, I was then invited by His Excellency Xi Jinping, to visit the People’s Republic of China in April 2018, so when I met him, after the formal discussions we had a private discussion with His Excellency and he asked what I would want China to do for the Second Republic. I requested for this Parliament and he agreed and gave (it to us) as a grant.
This is the most magnificent Parliament I know personally that I have visited, it’s a heritage for our country and the design shows the history of our country, you will realise there is the Zimbabwe bird, conical tower replicated here. We feel very proud as Zimbabweans.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa and Xi also discussed two other projects during their private meeting, that is, the Hwange Unit 7 and 8 and Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport which were both granted on a concessionary loan.
Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo said his ministry has started the process of requesting China through the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ministry and the Chinese Embassy to agree on a date for the official opening of the new Parliament.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/new-parliament-testimony-to-zimbabwe-democracy-progress/">Chronicle</a>

New Parly Building: We Feel Proud As Zimbabweans - ED

A Chinese contractor has refuted claims that they will install listening devices in Zimbabwe’s new parliament building to extract sensitive conversations from the Zimbabwean Government.
The new Parliament building which is located in Mount Hampden is set to be the new seat of government.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Shanghai construction group project manager Cai Libo dismissed the eavesdropping claims. He said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe and China are all-weather friends, as friends you do not do such kinds of things to your friends.
As the contractors, we are working here, we are friends, and we have no interest to do that.
In recent years, China helped Africa in all ways, we build a lot of infrastructures like hospitals, schools, roads and other things to help African countries.
</blockquote>
The building was funded by the Chinese government through ChinaAid to the tune of US$100 million.
Critics have questioned China’s motives in building such a costly structure for Zimbabwe for free.
Some have claimed that China was granted permission by the government to freely exploit minerals and other resources from Zimbabwe in return.
China has provided soft loans for the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and Hwange Thermal Power Plant expansion projects, among others.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/new-parly-building-chinese-contractor-dismisses-bugging-claims/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Chinese Contractor Says They Won't "Bug" Zim's New Parliament Building

Members of Parliament are going to have a substantial salary increase with effect from 1 July 2022, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube said on Thursday.
Legislators will also be put on a contributory medical insurance scheme and their sitting allowance will also be increased.
Ncube disclosed the development after Norton MP, Temba Mliswa (Independent), complained that legislators’ earnings have been severely eroded by inflation.
Mliswa also revealed that MPs were this week locked out of hotels because the Government had not settled their bills.
Below is the full debate in the National Assembly:
HON. T. MLISWA: Thank you Mr Speaker Sir. It is just something that needs to be addressed for certainty.
When Hon. Members of Parliament wanted to check into the hotels this week, they were told they could not.
I am glad that the Minister of Finance and Economic Development is here, I wanted him to pay attention to this one.
It involves the issue of Parliament not paying, but I think it is the Ministry of Finance that has not paid Parliament to pay.
It was quite embarrassing and humiliating for Hon. Members of Parliament to be told ‘you cannot check in.’
I am glad that there was some quick reaction to that.  There was a quick response to that intervention and they were accommodated but it is an issue which really talks about their welfare.
Most Hon. Members of Parliament – if I am not mistaken, we were paid RTGs4 000 after deductions of PSMAS and it is quite something.
If you think of RTGs4 000 for a mother and father to carry home to say this is the money, I do not know how we can comprehend and continue on that.
So I know you have been looking at the welfare of Hon. Members of Parliament but an update would surely help Hon. Members to understand where they are in terms of those negotiations which we once did with the Minister of Finance and Economic Development and the Permanent Secretary pertaining to a number of issues.
Hon. Members are not immune to inflation as well. So I know that they do not have the energy to speak about it, but a response is needed to what is the way forward for the welfare of the Hon. Members of Parliament in spite of the inflation which is there. Thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I am aware of what has been done following the meeting between the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Development on the welfare of Hon. Members of Parliament and generally Government at large.
I do not think I will be privileged to announce what has been agreed to and I do not know whether the Hon. Minister may also want to announce that at this point in time.
What I know is a substantial increase has been agreed to as well as an increase in your sitting allowances effective 1st July 2022.
So something has been agreed to. I think at the appropriate time, the Hon. Minister will make some pronouncements, not only for us here but for the entire State. Have I concluded properly Hon. Minister?
THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (HON. PROF. M. NCUBE): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. You have summarised it well.
Maybe only to add that our three areas of focus for Hon. Members of this august House – they have been awarded a very good increase in the salary and basically putting them on a contributory medical insurance scheme which we are introducing as well as an increase in the sitting allowance. We are going to do those three areas – [AN. HON. MEMBER: When?] – Thank you.
THE HON SPEAKER: Someone is shouting when I had said with effect from 1st July 2022. I have the figures and I have been told and I think they are very reasonable in the circumstances of hyper-inflation.
That is all I can say for the time being but there has been some progress in terms of what the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has done.
I do not think that I can doubt what I have been told by the Hon. Minister. Let you judge by the action you will see beginning 1st of July, 2022.
HON. T. MLISWA: I thank you for your response which is promising but you know it is difficult for one to really have peace of mind when they do not know what they will get.
Hon. Speaker munenge matinzvenga ipapo. Tirikuda kumboombera kuti tapihwa ipapo tosvitsa maoko.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Mliswa, if you cannot trust the Hon. Speaker, who are you going to trust?
HON. T. MLISWA: No, I will rest my case, we trust you. So please trust the Hon. Speaker and that everything will be okay, your salaries.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Please do rest your case and if that does not happen, I put my head on the block and then you can come with the guillotine. Thank you.
<h4>More: <a href="https://insiderzim.com/big-bonanza-for-zimbabwe-legislators/">The Insider</a></h4>

Govt Pledges To Hike Salaries For Members Of Parliament

The National Assembly on Tuesday adopted a motion by Pupurai Togarepi (ZANU PF) calling for the enactment of the Patriotic Act.
The motion is also seeking to block people who allegedly called for Western countries to impose sanctions on Zimbabwe from contesting in elections.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Togarepi urged the Minister of Justice Ziyambi Ziyambi to help bring the Bill to Parliament. He said:
<blockquote>
It is unfortunate that the virtual platform is gone, but I would like to thank the Honourable Members who debated this motion.
I want to thank them that they have debated very much aware of the needs of the people of Zimbabwe to be loyal and patriotic.
Mr Speaker Sir, I should say that the Government, through the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, must help us to come up with this law – a law that will ensure that the people of Zimbabwe protect the interests of their country more than personal self-centred interests.
After having said that Mr Speaker, I move for the adoption of this motion.
</blockquote>
This is the second time that ZANU PF legislators and Parliament have moved the motion and adopted it respectively.
Cabinet has already approved the principles of the Patriotic Bill though the Government has in the past denied harbouring such intentions.
The passing of the Bill may negatively impact Zimbabwe’s re-engagement efforts.
Early this year, the issue of the Bill was brought up for discussion in the UK Parliament and legislators raised displeasure.
It remains to be seen if the Government goes ahead with passing the proposed law.
<h4>More: <a href="https://openparly.com/index.php/2022/06/15/parly-adopts-motion-to-enact-patriotic-bill-again/">OpenParly</a></h4>

Parliament Adopts Motion To Enact Patriotic Bill, Again

Residents of Hwange have petitioned Parliament to investigate the source and threat of underground fires that have become a hazard to local communities.
The fires are affecting Makwika, Number 2 and Number 5, both administered by Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL).
The road connecting Makwika and Madumabisa villages to the town has been closed after it was damaged by the underground fires.
The Greater Whange Residents Trust (GWRT) has written a petition to Parliament seeking its intervention in combating the fires.
The petition was delivered to Parliament on Tuesday, in terms of Section 149 (Right to Petition Parliament) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. It reads in part:
<blockquote>
Over the years underground fires have been spewing ash and smoke causing sinkholes that are consuming and damaging the road network and the road that links Makwika Village with Madumabisa Village has since been closed to both pedestrians and vehicular traffic.
The fires are increasing and there are several reported cases of residents and livestock being burnt.
The community is now living in fear and is concerned that the underground fires could spread to residential areas if urgent measures are not taken to mitigate the impact.
</blockquote>
The residents want Parliament to investigate the cause of the fires and what mining companies have done to deal with the problem. Reads the petition:
<blockquote>
Wherefore petitioners humbly pray that the Parliament of Zimbabwe exercises its constitutional mandate to inquire into the nature and extent of the threat posed to residents, livestock and wildlife in Hwange due to the fires aforementioned.
Parliament should inquire into the cause of the underground fires, and how they can be dealt with, investigate what mining companies have done to deal with underground fires and the extent to which coal mining companies are adhering to sustainable mining that does not pose danger to the community.
</blockquote>
In 2021, eight-year-old girl Alisha Sekina Muzvite of Makwika Village (Number 3) suffered serious burns from an underground fire after she fell into a pit while relieving herself at an old dumpsite.
Alisha suffered third-degree burns and was eventually ferried to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo where she succumbed to her injuries.
Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) hired an international consultant, Group DMT, to investigate the cause of underground fires but the findings of the inquiry have not been made public.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/hwange-residents-petition-parly-over-underground-fires/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Hwange Residents Petition Parliament Over Underground Fires

The European Union observer mission (EUOM) said Zimbabwe’s Parliament has not responded to its request for a meeting to assess progress on the implementation of electoral reform recommendations.
The EU mission made 23 recommendations after the disputed elections in 2018, for the country to hold free and fair polls.
The recommendations included the alignment of the Electoral Act to the Constitution and respecting the independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
On Friday last week, EU election follow-up head of mission Elmar Brok told journalists in Harare that the EUOM had met ZEC, civil society organisations, government ministries, the ruling ZANU PF party and opposition political parties among other organisations.
He, however, said they failed to meet Parliament, to check progress on the implementation of the recommended electoral reforms. Said Brok:
<blockquote>
The Electoral Follow up Meeting (EFM) sent a request for meetings to be organised with the Speaker of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate during the visit of the Chief of Mission, but unfortunately, we did not receive any response.
The experts will be there this week and we hope they will be able to meet with representatives of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committees.
Given that many of the recommendations provided for in the 2018 EUOM reports were on legal reforms, the EFM considers it crucial to meet with representatives from Parliament.
</blockquote>
However, Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda denied the claims, saying that Parliament had made provisions to meet EUOM. Chokuda said:
<blockquote>
Why are they coming to the media when they know where to find Parliament?
They gave dates up to the end of this month and the time has not lapsed. We have made provisions to meet with them.
If they have any problems they should come to Parliament.
</blockquote>
The EUOM’s preliminary report says Zimbabwe has failed to implement electoral reforms to guarantee free and fair elections next year.
The EU mission final report is expected in early June.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/05/parly-snubs-eu-observer-mission/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Parliament Snubs EU Observer Mission

Hopewell Chin'ono Latest News

Latest Jobs