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National Assembly Speaker Cde Jacob Mudenda

Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
Speaker of the National Assembly Cde Jacob Mudenda yesterday reprimanded MDC-T legislators for abusing their privilege in Parliament to express themselves by denigrating individuals and other political parties.Cde Mudenda said he would in future consider banning legislators from singing in the Chamber if the conduct by MDC-T legislators persisted.

This was after MDC-T legislators seized an opportunity created by Makoni South MP, Cde Mandi Chimene (Zanu-PF), to sing a song to denigrate Zanu-PF.

The singing occurred during debate on a motion moved by Chegutu West MP, Cde Dexter Nduna (Zanu-PF), calling for the Government to honour liberation heroes and rehabilitate foreign freedom camps where fallen heroes were buried.

Acting Speaker Reuben Marumahoko also rebuked opposition party legislators when he assumed the chair for abusing the platform given to them to speak to malign other legislators. The warning by Cde Mudenda occurred after Cde Chimene, who took the floor to second the motion, started by singing a revolutionary song, which drew a rapturous response from Zanu-PF legislators.

MDC-T legislators responded by singing along the same rhythm of the song but used different lyrics denigrating the revolutionary party with words like “Zanu yaora,” prompting Cde Mudenda to stamp his authority.

“In terms of Standing Orders 77, while it is permissible to sing, the singing should not degenerate into disorderly manner where there is a likelihood of insulting songs. In future I will not allow any singing,” said Cde Mudenda.

Cde Mudenda went on to warn MDC-T legislators to desist from denigrating other political parties and legislators.

Later on Cde Marumahoko reprimanded Kuwadzana MP, Mr Nelson Chamisa (MDC-T), who insinuated that Mutoko East MP, Cde Nelson Mawere (Zanu-PF), was not properly dressed while the latter was on the floor.

In his debate Cde Nduna said there was need to rehabilitate freedom camps dotted outside the country as a way of respecting fallen heroes.

He said the Constitution provided for the respect of the liberation struggle.

“The dereliction and dilapidation of the liberation war sites does not show our commitment to the Constitution. We are in violation of our own Constitution,” said Cde Nduna. Cde Nduna said given constrained fiscal space Government could rehabilitate freedom camps in phases.

He said there was need to declare former houses of nationalists such as President Mugabe’s Highfield residence, that of Enos Nkala, and Joshua Nkomo’s Bulawayo residence as national heritage.

Subsequent legislators concurred with Cde Nduna and narrated the harrowing experience that liberation fighters went through.

Mutare Central MP Mr Innocent Gonese (MDC-T), said while it was prudent to honour liberation fighters, it was important to realise that the war was not only waged by one individual or a single group of people.

He said it was important to appreciate the role played by those that assisted the liberation fighters. Shamva South Cde Joseph Mapiki (Zanu-PF), said Government should consider a levy to fund the rehabilitation of the shrines.