LIVE BLOG: SONA & PARLIAMENT OFFICIAL OPENING President Mnangagwa finishes inspecting the ZRP Mounted Escort

1237: We now conclude our live updates, thank you for joining us.

1236: President Mnangagwa is now leaving led by the ZRP Mounted Escort.

1234: The National Anthem is now being sung signalling the end of the proceedings of the official opening of the Ninth Parliament.

1232: President Mnangagwa is leaving Parliament building raising his fist and smiling amid chanting from the MDC-Alliance MPs who had since returned to the chambers.

1230: President leaves the chamber greeting the parliamentarians after concluding his address.

President Mnangagwa

1229: He says history will judge leaders if they fail to fulfill the wishes of the people. He declares the first session of the 9th parliament officially opened.

1226: President Mnangagwa says Government has endorsed various protocols and treaties on nuclear energy and human trafficking will be brought to parliament. He says mandatory sentencing for rape will be considered. He says Government will be ceased with dealing with outbreaks of diseases such as typhoid and cholera. Comprehensive water reticulation and waste management strategies to be implemented.

“We should all commit to the rebuilding of the country in unity and love,” he says.

1225: He says the alignment of laws with the Constitution will be speeded up

1222: MDC Alliance legislators who walked out of Parliament are outside Parliament building chanting slogans and singing.

Some of the MDC Alliance MPs chant slogans outside Parliament while President Mnangagwa sets the legislative agenda inside Parliament.

1220: Amendment to the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill and the Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill will also be tabled before parliament.

1219: Companies and other Entities Bill, the Regional Town and Country Amendment Bill and the Citizenship Bill are some of the Bills that would be brought to parliament.

1218: President Mnangagwa speaks strongly against corruption adding that no one is above the law and any one found guilty will be dealt with.

1216: He says there is need for modern education and health provision especially targeting vulnerable groups. He reiterates that devolution will be implemented but should result in increased economic growth in various areas.

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1214: He calls for the widening of contributions of other minerals such as lithium and coal-bed methane.

1212: His Excellency says agriculture remains a strategic sector to the economy adding that revival of various value chain industries in the agriculture sector is also key. There is need to scale up value addition in the manufacturing sector. He says Government is happy with the contribution of gold, platinum and chrome to the economy.

1210: The President challenges the public sector to change their work ethic and improve service delivery. State owned enterprises should not be a drain on the fiscus but should operate profitably. He also challenges the private sector to be honest in their dealings.

1208: He says the multi-currency system will continue until economic fundamentals are met. Government has negotiated various facilities to meet forex requirements for businesses and some of them will be disbursed this week.

1209: He says Government is committed towards stabilising the macro economic environment, reduce budget deficit and grow all sectors of the economy.

1207: The President says Government will work out a plan to pay off the country’s external debt.

1206: President Mnangagwa says the elections were held in a peaceful environment. Meanwhile, MDC Alliance MPs walk out.

1201: President Mnangagwa begins his address by welcoming parliamentarians and other invited guests.

1150: Members of the National Assembly are now in their chamber waiting for the President’s address.

1147: The Senate is now entering Parliament led by the Senate president Mabel Chinomona. President of the Chiefs’ Council Fortune Charumbira leading the procession of chiefs into Parliament.

Vice Presidents Chiwenga and Mohadi

1139: The Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda, his Deputy Cde Tsitsi Gezi, Clerk of Parliament Mr Kennedy Chokuda, Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi followed by Ministers, their deputies and members of Parliament have entered Parliament building.

1137: Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza leads a procession of the judiciary into Parliament.

1135: The President has now entered Parliament Building.

1121: The President has arrived at Parliament and the National Anthem is now being sung as a Flypast and 21 Gun Salute are conducted.

Members of Parliament chat

1116: Crowds at Africa Unity Square are singing songs such as “Ngwena yahwina” and “Baba Mnangagwa takavatuma kutungamira nyika”

1114: The procession makes its way towards Parliament as people lining the streets watch while some are ululating.

President Mnangagwa prepares to leave State House.

1113: Service chiefs have now arrived at Parliament.

1103: President Mnangagwa now leaving State House in a vintage Rolls Royce.

1050: President Mnangagwa now inspecting the Police Mounted Escort accompnied by Comm Gen Matanga.

President Mnangagwa inspects the ZRP Mounted Escort

1040: At Parliament building a reasonable crow has gathered Africa Unity Square to witness President Mnangagwa officially opens the First Session of the 9th Parliament of Zimbabwe

1038: Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga arrives at the State House.

Cde Victor Matemadanda makes his way into Parliament.

1009: All is set for the official opening of the first session of the 9th Parliament of Zimbabwe with President Mnangagwa preparing to be adorned ahead of the momentous occasion. President Mnangagwa will have a photo session before his entourage, led by the ZRP Mounted Escort, drives to Parliament Building.

1003: He is now being dressed before a photo session.

0955: President Mnangagwa arrives at State House.

President Mnangagwa

0930: We will be giving you live updates on the State of Nation Address by His Excellency President Mnangagwa at Parliament today. The President will officially open the first session of the Ninth Parliament.

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