A ZANU PF MP on Wednesday cried in the National Assembly after her attempts to stop debate on the parlous state of the economy failed.
by Veneranda Langa
Rossy Mpofu, a Proportional Representation MP, broke down after acting Speaker Melody Dziva shot down her frantic efforts to stop Hatfield MP Tapiwa Mashakada (MDC-T) in the middle of the debate.
Mashakada had introduced a motion on the deteriorating economic and social conditions in the country. He said there was so much de-industrialisation to the extent that many graduates were now vendors, while most factories had been turned into “sadza-selling shops and churches.”
Mpofu was irked by Mashakada’s line of debate and raised a point of order, but Dziva said the breakdown of the economy was due to Western sanctions.
Mpofu, who is visually impaired, appeared visibly shaken by the ruling.
Mutasa South MP Irene Zindi (Zanu PF) then raised another point of order with the acting Speaker claiming Mpofu had been severely affected by the motion.
“Madam Speaker, Mpofu has just broken down as a result of the motion being debated,” Zindi said.
An MDC-T legislator could be heard shouting that Mpofu had broken down because she was possessed by a demonic spirit. Zindi singled out Mkoba MP Amos Chibaya (MDC-T) as the culprit, but the MP denied that he had said Mpofu was possessed by a demon.
Dziva said the issue would be investigated to determine if Mpofu was not abused. Chegutu West MP Dextor Nduna (Zanu PF) was ejected from the House by sergeant-at arms Nicholas Marufu for failing to adhere to the Speaker’s ruling that MPs should not continue raising unnecessary points of order in the House.
Mashakada blasted government for claiming to have clinched major Chinese deals when it did not show seriousness with the said investments.
“A Chinese delegation was sent to follow up on the deals, but they were deported at the airport,”Mashakada said.
During a question and answer session, Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga (MDC Proportional Representation) asked Tourism minister Walter Mzembi to explain what government was doing to ensure investors were facilitated entry into the country. Gokwe-Nembudziya MP Justice Mayor Wadyajena (Zanu PF) said Mzembi should explain if the recent South African government measures to curb child tra cking were not going to a ffect local tourism. Mzembi said Sadc countries were discussing the issue with a view to introducing visa waivers for their nationals.
“However, it is di fficult to admit people freely because of international terrorism threats,”Mzembi said.
“The South African regulations on those travelling minors have threatened regional free movement. MPs are encouraged to lobby the South African Parliament which enacted the law because it says if one is travelling with children nunder 18 years, they will have to be accompanied by both parents.
“If the child is accompanied by one parent, the remaining parent will have to write an affidavit to say the minor is also their child.
“If the other parent is deceased, then a death certificate will have to be produced.”
Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Obert Mpofu told the House that there was no policy yet on urban tollgates.
He said once urban tollgates were introduced, they would decongest the city and enhance revenue collection to facilitate road maintenance.
Rossy Mpofu, a Proportional Representation MP, broke down after acting Speaker Melody Dziva shot down her frantic efforts to stop Hatfield MP Tapiwa Mashakada (MDC-T) in the middle of the debate.
Mashakada had introduced a motion on the deteriorating economic and social conditions in the country. He said there was so much de-industrialisation to the extent that many graduates were now vendors, while most factories had been turned into “sadza-selling shops and churches.”
Mpofu was irked by Mashakada’s line of debate and raised a point of order, but Dziva said the breakdown of the economy was due to Western sanctions.
Mpofu, who is visually impaired, appeared visibly shaken by the ruling.
Mutasa South MP Irene Zindi (Zanu PF) then raised another point of order with the acting Speaker claiming Mpofu had been severely affected by the motion.
“Madam Speaker, Mpofu has just broken down as a result of the motion being debated,” Zindi said.
An MDC-T legislator could be heard shouting that Mpofu had broken down because she was possessed by a demonic spirit. Zindi singled out Mkoba MP Amos Chibaya (MDC-T) as the culprit, but the MP denied that he had said Mpofu was possessed by a demon.
Dziva said the issue would be investigated to determine if Mpofu was not abused. Chegutu West MP Dextor Nduna (Zanu PF) was ejected from the House by sergeant-at arms Nicholas Marufu for failing to adhere to the Speaker’s ruling that MPs should not continue raising unnecessary points of order in the House.
Mashakada blasted government for claiming to have clinched major Chinese deals when it did not show seriousness with the said investments.
“A Chinese delegation was sent to follow up on the deals, but they were deported at the airport,”Mashakada said.
During a question and answer session, Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga (MDC Proportional Representation) asked Tourism minister Walter Mzembi to explain what government was doing to ensure investors were facilitated entry into the country. Gokwe-Nembudziya MP Justice Mayor Wadyajena (Zanu PF) said Mzembi should explain if the recent South African government measures to curb child tra cking were not going to a ffect local tourism. Mzembi said Sadc countries were discussing the issue with a view to introducing visa waivers for their nationals.
“However, it is di fficult to admit people freely because of international terrorism threats,”Mzembi said.
“The South African regulations on those travelling minors have threatened regional free movement. MPs are encouraged to lobby the South African Parliament which enacted the law because it says if one is travelling with children nunder 18 years, they will have to be accompanied by both parents.
“If the child is accompanied by one parent, the remaining parent will have to write an affidavit to say the minor is also their child.
“If the other parent is deceased, then a death certificate will have to be produced.”
Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Obert Mpofu told the House that there was no policy yet on urban tollgates.
He said once urban tollgates were introduced, they would decongest the city and enhance revenue collection to facilitate road maintenance.Newsday
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