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Hon Jacob Mudenda, the Speaker of Parliament, has urged legislators to exhibit integrity, understanding that their actions and decisions impact not only the present but also the future of Zimbabwe.
He made the remarks today in his keynote address during the official opening of the Induction Seminar for Members of the 10th Parliament in Harare.
“To that extent, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct must attend you unflinchingly. It is to be the custodian of the rule of law and constitutionalism, upholding the highest standards of legality and justice in the execution of your Parliamentary responsibilities.
“The title of being Honourable behoves us to be diligent and grounded educationally, dedicating ourselves to the rigorous scrutiny of policies and legislation agenda in order to ensure that they align with the national socio-economic and development aspirations of our country as anchored on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Development Strategy1 (NDS1),” Hon Mudenda said.
Hon Mudenda urged legislators to acquaint themselves with the various legislative frameworks that fall under their purview through Standing Committees, the engine of Parliamentary processes.
“Above all, it is luminary that we make the Constitution and the Standing Rules and Orders our “Bibles.” We are thus enjoined to be open to dialogue and debate, valuing diverse perspectives and working collaboratively to find lasting solutions to the nation’s challenges. To be Honourable is to exhibit a genuine love for country – PATRIOTISM, a passion that transcends personal gain, and self-interest and is rooted in a deep commitment to the common good of our Motherland, Zimbabwe.
“The way we talk, walk, eat, engage with others and whatever we do at all times must reflect that venerable recognition and respect of being Honourable. How we conduct ourselves from now on and for the rest of our tenure in the 10th Parliament will determine whether or not we are deserving of the title “Honourable” he added.
Speaking at the same workshop, Mr. Kennedy Chokuda, the Clerk of Parliament gave a lecture on the roles and functions of Parliament.
He said the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary complement each other. He highlighted that the Legislature enacts laws; the Executive implements the laws while the Judiciary interprets the laws so that there is an affirmation of the Rule of Law and constitutionality.
Speaking on the sidelines of the workshop, Senator Dr. James Makamba from Mt. Darwin said Parliament is a platform for legislators to contribute to the attainment of Vision 2030 by enacting laws that promote development.
“As legislators, it is our duty to promote peace, democracy, and the rule of law through enacting laws that improve the well-being of the people. In this 10th Parliament, we are going to do robust debates on a number of laws towards the attainment of Vision 2030,” Dr. Makamba said.
Ms. Helen B. Dingani, the Deputy Clerk of Parliament explained the Rules of Procedure in the Conduct of Parliamentary Business and set out of debate, motions and questions.
