Legal and Parliamentary Affairs
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SA Parly, protestors effect Israeli ambassador’s expulsion
Writes Lovemore Chazingwa Thousands of protestors and hordes of organizations throughout South Africa continue to voice their concerns over the war in Gaza, demanding the immediate expulsion of Ambassador Eliav Belotserkovsky from their land. In a media statement, MP Nkosi Mandela applauded organizations that supported the vote to expel the apartheid Israeli ambassador, Belotserkovsky. He…
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Parliament committed to the Elimination of Violence against Women
Zimbabwe is committed to the elimination of violence against women as demonstrated by the willingness of Parliament to join the international community in commemorating 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence running from November 25, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10 which itself is a Human…
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Symposium enhances civic participation in water and environmental governance
The Network for Environmental and Climate Justice in collaboration with the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe Chapter held an Accountability for Water and Environment Symposium on 15 November 2023 in Harare. The symposium sought to enhance civic participation in water and environmental governance as well as…
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Local NGO a voice for the voiceless
Writes Pabalelo Tlou Margret Chogugudza, director of Rural Young Women Support Network says her NGO is determined to expose and seek solutions to the challenges that young women within the mining sector are experiencing on a daily basis. Speaking to this publication, Chogugudza said the main objective of the NGO is to bridge the gap…
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Legislation should uphold SRHR: Katswe Sistahood
There is a need for legislation that ensures that sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) are upheld, Katswe Sisthood has said. This came to the fore at a meeting to present the SRHR context to the Members of the Parliament’s Thematic Committees on 7 November 2023 in Harare. Talent Jumo, the Director of Katswe Sistahood painted…
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Parliamentarians play key role in the attainment of Malabo targets in agriculture
Parliamentarians play an important role in effectively lobbying towards the achievement of the Malabo targets, Hon. Dr. John Kanyuithia Mutunga, MP for Tigania West Constituency, and Chairman of the Agriculture and Livestock Committee of the Kenyan National Assembly has said. He made the remarks during a plenary session to commemorate the 14th Africa Day for…
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Continued detention of Job Sikhala a miscarriage of justice: Amnesty International
Responding to the continued detention of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Job Sikhala, who has spent 500 days in pretrial detention, Khanyo Farisè, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa, said: “Job Sikhala’s prolonged detention while he awaits trial is a gross miscarriage of justice and an indictment of Zimbabwe’s judicial system.…
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AU and EU collaborate on Africa’s Continental Transitional Justice Policy
Writes Baboloki Semele The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) have formally inaugurated a comprehensive three-year project aimed at providing support to AU member states in their efforts to integrate the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP) and embark on transitional justice initiatives at the national level. The project, titled the Initiative for…
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Workshop looks into benefits and regulation of biopesticides
A workshop by various stakeholders in the agricultural value chain has brought to the fore the benefits and regulation architecture of biopesticides. The workshop is being held in Harare from 24 to 26 October 2023 under the auspices of the Southern Africa Biopesticides Project titled, Enhancing Trade Through Regulatory Harmonisation and Biopesticide Based Residue Mitigation…
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Speaker of Parliament Hon Advocate J.F.N Mudenda receives global acclamation for Parliamentary work
The Speaker of Parliament, Hon Advocate J.F.N Mudenda, who is in Luanda, Angola, for the 147th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly and Related Meetings, being held from the 21st to 27th October 2023, received commendations from the Executive Committee and SADC Group for his sterling contributions to the IPU Executive Committee during his four-year tenure on…
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IPU’s Angola meeting spotlights role of women and youth in Parliamentary processes
The Speaker of Parliament, Hon Advocate J.F.N Mudenda, and President of the Senate, Hon M.M Chinomona are in Luanda, Angola, attending the 147th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly and Related Meetings. Speaker Mudenda is a member of the IPU Executive Committee representing the Africa Geopolitical Group. Concomitantly, he attended the Executive Committee meeting on the 21st…
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MPs given ultimatum to declare assets
Writes Chris Mahove The Parliament of Zimbabwe has given the recently elected legislators until the end of this week to declare their assets and give their appropriate addresses. Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, told the legislators at an induction workshop held in Harare this week that it was a statutory requirement to which every one…
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Mudenda urges Parliamentarians to uphold integrity, transparency
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.…
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SADCOPA conference advocates prudent public financial management
Delegates from SADC region member states gathered at Elangeni Hotel, Durban (South Africa) for the official opening of the 15th Annual Conference of Southern African Development Community Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC). Over the next three days, delegates will deliberate on ways to tighten oversight for advanced ethical public financial management, governance, and accountability…
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Zimbabwe committed to upholding right to access to information
The government of Zimbabwe has been commended for its commitment to upholding the right to access information during the International Day for Universal Access to Information held on Thursday, 28 September 2023 In his remarks during the commemoration, Hon Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services hailed President Mnangagwa for creating…
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Attempts to dethrone PAP President Chief Charumbira hit brick wall
Own Correspondent A number of parliamentarians who attended the just concluded Pan-African Parliament Regional Conference on Governance, Ratification Promotion, Legislative Incorporation and Implementation of the African Union Legal Instruments on Shared Values in the Republic of Chad have alleged that they were offered bribes to induce them into endorsing the illegal takeover of the leadership…
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Parly Speaker Mudenda in Uruguay for 2nd Summit of the Committees of the Future
Speaker of Parliament Hon Advocate J.F.N Mudenda is in Montevideo, Uruguay, where he is attending the 2nd World Summit of the Committees of the Future 2023. Enroute to Montevideo, Speaker Mudenda was met by His Excellency Ambassador Meshack Kitchen in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the South American bloc specifically Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile,…
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PAP urges Cape Verde and Côte d’Ivoire to ratify and implement Malabo Protocol
In line with its mandate, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is ramping up efforts to promote and coordinate the ratification, domestication, and popularisation of African Union legal instruments including the revised Pan-African Parliament Protocol also known as the Malabo Protocol. In this regard, the West African Regional Caucus of Africa’s Premier legislative body is scheduled to conduct…
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Parliamentarians have a mammoth task of contributing to climate action
The recent Africa Climate Summit, through the Parliamentarians Dialogue that was held on 4 and 6 September 2023 revealed the role and potential contribution of parliaments to climate action. It also served as a platform for parliamentarians to discuss various implementation pathways from the perspective of legislatures for the delivery of the commitments made during…
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SADC Parliament key for regional integration
The establishment of a regional parliament for southern Africa will ensure broader participation of citizens in the regional integration agenda. A senior official at the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), Joseph Manzi, said this at the 3rd Regional Dialogue for Non-State Actors on the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030, currently underway in a…
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Make Pan African Parliament vibrant, avoid political bickering: APPN
The African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN) has called on the need to restore the vibrancy of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the legislative arm of the African Union (AU); and guard against political bickering. The APPN reminded stakeholders about Article 17, Clause 1 of the Constitutive Act of the AU that states, “In order to ensure…
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All set for Zimbabwe’s international humanitarian law moot court
All is set for Zimbabwe’s international humanitarian law moot court with finals earmarked for the High Court on Friday where competitors will battle it out for the coveted first prize. In her remarks, Tamalin Bolus, the Legal Advisor of the International Committee of the Red Cross at the Pretoria Regional Office, said Zimbabwe is privileged…
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Pan African Parliament dismisses fake story about Chief Charumbira’s dismissal
The Pan African Parliament (PAP) has noted with grave concern the circulation of a fake story on various social media platforms alleging that the President of the Pan African Parliament, His Excellency, Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira, has been fired from the Pan African Parliament on allegations of embezzling close to USD 1.2 million. The…
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Coup plot by Dr Gayo at Pan-African Parliament busted
…Malawi MPs Yeremiah Chihana, Steve Mikaya, and others from other countries also implicated The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has uncovered a plot by some of its members led by Dr. Ashebiri Woldegiorgis Gayo to oust the current President, Chief Fortune Charumbira from his positions against rules and protocols governing PAP. In an internal memorandum written to…
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ZRP dangles US$1000 for anyone who causes arrest of CCC spokesperson
Writes Elvis Dumba Harare – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is offering a US$1000 reward for information on the whereabouts of Citizens Coalition for Change Spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi and two others. In a police statement issued on Thursday, Zimbabwe Republic Police said they are offering US$1000 in cash to anyone who supplies credible information leading…
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African Union Commission aware of Pan African Parliament’s financial incapacitation
Staff Writer His Excellency, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) was made aware of the financial incapacitation of the Pan African Parliament resulting in the latter’s inability to convene the statutory Committee Sittings in August as well as the plenary session in October/November due to the inadequacy of the budget…
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AGRF 2023: Kikwete urges transformative policies to ensure food security
Africa has a real opportunity to transform its food systems, reduce its import bill, and create wealth, HE. Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, the former president of the United Republic of Tanzania and Africa Food Prize (AFP) chair has said. He made the remarks at the 2023 African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) during a session titled ‘Parliamentary…
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Loss to CCC will not hinder developmental projects: ZANU (PF) councillors
Writes Chimeno Azriel ZANU (PF) local Authority aspiring councillors who lost in the just-ended harmonised elections have vowed to continue serving the residents of Kadoma despite their loss to the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The youthful aspiring ZANU (PF) candidates accepted the defeat and promised to continue to serve the people of Kadoma in…
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Traditional leaders congratulate Zimbabweans for peaceful polls, welcome ZANU PF victory
Writes Elvis Dumba Mutorashanga – Traditional leaders in Zvimba North Constituency have congratulated the people of Zimbabwe for showing political maturity by peacefully participating in the country’s general elections. During a ZANU PF victory celebration held in Zvimba North Constituency over the weekend, Headman Katizagomo, born Gibson Jenami, paid tribute to Zimbabweans for heeding the…
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2023 Elections: PWDs call for increased representation in decision-making positions
Writes Marlvin Ngiza People with disabilities (PWDs) have expressed concern and dissatisfaction with the voting criteria for senators who represent the disability constituency in the country with the view that it was limiting and was not fair in expressing the actual desires and feelings of the community. A Gweru-based Young Voices Disability Zimbabwe Director, Nyasha…
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Amnesty International speaks on CCC activist’s disappearance
The 30th of August marks the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances with Amnesty International Zimbabwe calling for genuine investigations and handling of the case of a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist, Nelson Mukwenha, who was reportedly a victim of enforced disappearance and torture on the 26th of August 2023. In response…
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ZEC dismisses social media reports on V11 forms
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has dismissed social media speculations on the recalling of election agents and observers to sign new V11 result forms saying that those reports were fictitious. In a statement released, ZEC Chief Elections Officer, Utloile Silaigwana said that the used V11 forms form the election residue and were kept securely until…
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2023 Elections: Minister Murwira meets EU Electoral Observation Mission
The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon. Prof. Amon Murwira, today met with European Union Ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe in order to update them on Zimbabwe’s position on the EU Electoral Observation Mission’s (EU EOM) Preliminary Report. The Hon. Minister stated, “Against this backdrop, Zimbabwe finds it disturbing and unfortunate that the…
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Intimidation of ERC observers and staff continues
Writes Lloyd Rabaya The Election Resource Centre (ERC) yesterday raised concern over the continued intimidation of its accredited observers and staff who observed the harmonised elections. The coercion comes after the arrest of a combined 39 ERC and Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) observers on allegations that they had intended to announce the 2023 harmonised…
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Concern grows over 40 CSO employees being held incommunicado
Writes Kumbirai Mafunda Zimbabwean authorities are holding incommunicado about 40 employees of some civil society organisations (CSOs) after seizing them on Wednesday 23 August 2023 in Harare. The CSO employees drawn from the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) and Election Resource Centre (ERC) were rounded up around 9: p.m. on 23 August 2023 and detained…
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‘Child not bride’ campaign launched
Writes Marlvin Ngiza Young people have come out guns blazing against the apostolic sect, accusing them of perpetrating child marriages in Masvingo province through the unjustified spiritual claims and basis that men under these denominations were allegedly getting married to teenagers. Speaking about the development, the ‘Child Not Bride’ Founding President, who is also the…
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PAP President welcomes new Clerk of Parliament
The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira has welcomed Mrs. Lindiwe Khumalo into her new position as Clerk of Parliament, ahead of her oath of office later today. The two held an introductory meeting to discuss key priority areas. The President engaged the Clerk about her role in ensuring the practical…
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ZEC releases election roadmap
Writes Lovemore Chazingwa The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), has released its latest comprehensive August 2023 election calendar for accurate guidance and planning purposes for all stakeholders. The roadmap is fed from His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa issuing Statutory Instrument 85 of 2023 in terms of Section 144 of…
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Chiefs’ Council elections: Morocco’s Senate Speaker congratulates Chief Charumbira
Hon Enaam Mayara, the Speaker of the Senate of Morocco, has congratulated Hon Fortune Charumbira, the President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) on his re-election as a member of the Senate of Zimbabwe. “This is a significant accomplishment and a testament to your hard work, dedication to your country, and commitment to our continent.…
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Be ethical and sensitive to children in covering election stories: Media urged
Writes Elvis Dumba Kariba – A worrying trend of the involvement of young children has been noticed in the current political landscape as politicians solicit votes in the forthcoming harmonized elections. The media has been urged to be ethical and sensitive to children in covering election stories. The sentiments came out during the Zimbabwe Media…
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PWDs celebrate Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act (Chapter 9:07) Amendment
Writes Marlvin Ngiza The amendment of Section 193 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act Chapter (9:07) which previously provided for the detention of people who are deaf or mute or both and did not provide sign language interpretation during court proceedings has been applauded with expressions that the development was going to necessitate access…
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Seminar spotlights post-COVID-19 recovery efforts for Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe Parliament staff
The 21st Zimbabwe-Zambia-Botswana (ZIM-ZAM-BOTS) Senior Parliamentary Staff Seminar put a spotlight on the sterling work undertaken by the various Parliaments during the COVID-19 lockdown period across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and worldwide. In his keynote address to the participants, Advocate Jacob Francis N. Mudenda, the Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe during that…
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Kwanele Foundation hails Pan-African Parliament for commitment to women’s rights
As South Africa commemorated Women’s Day, Kwanele Foundation, a South African based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) advocating and standing against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, hailed the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and its President, Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira for honouring the pledge to protect women and girls and promote their rights. In May this year, Kwanele Foundation marched…
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Fortune Charumbira bounces back into Chiefs’ Council as Deputy President
Senator Chief Fortune Charumbira has bounced back as a legislator after his unopposed election as Deputy President of the Chiefs’ Council today in Bulawayo in polls conducted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). After displaying leadership acumen as both the President of the Chiefs’ Council and the Pan African Parliament (PAP), the National Chiefs’ Council…
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ZRP urges politicians to be tolerant
Writes Nhau Mangirazi Kariba – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi has challenged the media to help politicians to be tolerant during the campaign period ahead of forthcoming elections. Nyathi made the remarks during the media election reporting training in Kariba where he said there is a need to respect each…