The three female members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy yesterday boycotted the tour of the Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company (Zisco) plant in Redcliffe in protest against Temba Mliswa’s conduct. Mliswa the chairperson of the committee, was reportedly incensed when the rest of the committee started the tour before his arrival. Proceedings had to be stalled for at least 30 minutes as the legislators tried to placate an irate Mliswa, who felt that his authority had not been respected.
When the tour resumed, however, all female members Bacilia Majaya, Jennifer Mhlanga and Emma Muzvondiwa did not take part. Mliswa later speculated that the boycott could have been a result of menstrual issues and was heard instructing a Parliament official to note down the names of the legislators.
This is tax payers money they are enjoying, they should do their work, so can you please write down names of those who are not taking part in what we are doing so that I will write a report.
As a committee, we are united, but I wouldn’t know why they (female MPs) did not attend, you know we are at that period of the month where most women might not be comfortable to do some activities because of hormonal issues.
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