Parliamentarians attending the conference at the HICC.
By Dickson Bandera
Newly elected legislators are holding a three day induction workshop at the Harare International Conference Center as the 10th Parliament is ready to commence its 5 year run.
The purpose of the workshop is to acquaint the legislators with the roles and functions of parliament and its select committees, the basic rules of procedure in Parliament as well as the privileges of legislators.
The CCC party has a total of 103 MPs and 27 senators while ZANU PF has 176MPs and 33 senators.
All legislators were sworn in on the 7th of September and the first session in which the president opened the parliament sat at the New Parliament building in Mt Hampden on October the 3rd.
To enable a smooth flow of Parliament business, the new members are taken through the regulations and processes which they will encounter during their five year term.
Opening the workshop Monday morning, Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda urged the members to honour the trust reposed on them by the electorate.
“I cannot, therefore, overemphasise how crucial it is for us to constantly remember that we are here because of the trust bestowed on us by the Zimbabwe’s electorate. Thus, the electorate entrusted us to be bearers of a torch that casts its radiant light upon the aspirations, hopes and dreams of the Zimbabwean people in their search for consummated prosperity,” said Advocate Mudenda.
“This seminar should, therefore, sharpen your abilities and energize you in fulfilling your legislative, oversight and representation roles as the undoubted servant leaders of the people of Zimbabwe whose voice is your mantle to translate into positive development action,” he added.
Hon Mudenda also emphasized the need to serve with distinction and great humility.
“To that an extent, you must acknowledge that to serve as a Member of Parliament is a rare privilege. That privilege demands that we must serve the people of Zimbabwe responsibly, with distinction and with the greatest humility. Why? Before you were born and after you were born, nobody ever imagined that one day you would be a Member of Parliament! Even your parents never dreamt of it! Accordingly, grant to yourselves that you occupy a privileged status and an elevated position in society,” he said.
Members of the Upper and Lower House from both parties CCC and ZANU PF are attending the conference.
