By Parliamentary Correspondent
The continued absence in Senate by minister’s despite their attendance in Parliamentary proceedings has been argued as a major setback for the house’s business and a clear showcase of disregard for the legislative arm.
Speaking during this week’s Thursday question and answer section, some senators argued the move as a clear disregard for the Senate with calls to change the question and answer section timetable.
“Thank you Madam President. I see the list that you have in hand is like a motion now, of which the ministers seem like they are not serious about the business of the Senate. Since we are aware that they do not attend the Senate, I suggest that if Thursday is a challenge for them, why do they not come on Tuesday to the Senate?” ZANU PF legislator, Dhingimuzi Puthi said.
Furthermore, “On Wednesday, they come to the National Assembly, but on Thursday, they do not come to the Senate. Since we resumed this sitting, we have not seen the ministers and our business does not move in the Senate. It all seems that we are not serious. Thank you.”
With less than 7 Ministries being represented in the Senate and a long list of apologies, the MP called for exclusion of those on the apologies list who have never attended Senate.
“I think the House should know that we have some of these names who have never set foot into this House. So, there is no need to put them on the list of apologies. I think the administration has to check on this one so that they do not make us read a list of apologies for someone who has never come into this house.”
The Senate is a critical component of the Zimbabwean legislative system representing constituents whilst also reinforcing the cultural heritage of the Zimbabwean population in legislative processes.