zwnews.com Political Reporter
The Norton Member of Parliament honorable Temba Mliswa has expressed his dismay over the absence of ministers and their deputies in parliament.
Mliswa said he has difficulty to justify the absence of the most important arm of government in the house.
“I know the legislature in terms of our constitution has two important elements and it consists of Parliament the senate and the National Assembly as well as the president in his capacity.
“When you have members of government choosing not to be there for whatever reason, Hon Speaker, we have a duty as parliament to enquire from government why perennial they undermine an organ of the state, because parliament is an organ of the state and must be respected, “asked Mliswa.
Wednesday has been designated as the day members of parliament question ministers to explain what they are doing in government.
Member of Parliament for Kuwadzana and the MDC-T deputy president Nelson Chamisa said we need government Ministers to respect Parliament; “Otherwise we are regarded as the deputy to the Executive.
“We are serious about this and may the seriousness come from your chair (Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda) and the President of this country to take them to task over the issue.
“If parliament is advised about a cabinet sitting it is accepted that ministers may be absent with leave, but for the deputy Ministers who are not here, we shall definitely take action against them,” he said.
Section 107 (2) of the constitution requires that every vice-president, minister and deputy minister must attend parliament and Parliamentary committees in order to answer questions concerning matters for which they are collectively or individually responsible.
Zimbabwe has 37 ministers and deputies. The minister s has been accused of failing to respond to motions by legislators and for personal truancy during Wednesday question time. Parliament’s standing orders stipulate that ministers’ answers questions put forward by members of parliament and the Minister or their deputies are required to provide comprehensive responses.
