Zimbabwe's Parliament Faces Empty Seats as MPs Defy Speaker's Order
In a move that has sparked concern, Zimbabwe's Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, has issued a directive demanding an end to unnecessary committee trips by Parliamentary Portfolio Committees. These trips have left the National Assembly nearly devoid of legislators, depriving constituents of their representatives. The situation has reached a boiling point as Mudenda expressed his frustration over the absence of MPs during sittings, noting the numerous empty seats on both sides of the chamber.
The Speaker's displeasure was evident as he questioned the whereabouts of the missing members. Pupurai Togarepi, the Zanu PF Chief Whip, revealed that three committees were responsible for the absence. However, Mudenda emphasized that the public hearings, despite their importance, should not be a reason for MPs to be absent after the Pre-Budget hearings. He stated that there is no excuse for the committees to be out, and the priority should be for members to be present in the House, representing their constituents.
Mudenda's directive is a response to recent weeks of MPs making outrageous demands, citing insufficient allowances. The allowance issue has led to MPs earning extra money through additional allowances for travel. This situation has created a need for a reevaluation of committee trip policies to ensure better attendance and representation for Zimbabwe's citizens.
