The Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda has said unproductive Parliamentary Committee Chairpersons will be ejected from their posts.
Advocate Mudenda was responding to a recommendation by Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa which said action should be taken to ensure that the chairs executed their duties and responsibilities.
Mliswa likened Mudenda to a driver who should make sure his vehicle was in good condition. He added:
I implore your good office to task the chief whips to look at the capacity (of MPs) and to look at the work. The reports which come here are not that strong.
The recommendations which other committees have done before have not been implemented.
It seems some chairpersons have no confidence to discharge their duties according to the Standing Rules and Orders.
I am wondering, with many things which are happening right now, our committees seem not to be vibrant.
A lot is happening, and I am wondering what is really happening that is stopping them from discharging their duties.
Mudenda revealed that three unproductive Parliamentary chairpersons had been confronted over the matter and cautioned that they might be ejected.
I am aware honourable Mliswa of three chairpersons that have not been up to scratch and they have been told. If they do not improve, then we stand them down…
I can assure you, we have identified three. If they do not improve, we shall stand them down because they would not be doing good service for parliament, the electorate and the party that proposed them to be chairpersons accordingly.
He commended Mliswa for having done a good job during his tenure as committee chairperson. Mliswa was forced to dump the post following reports that he had engaged in underhand dealings.
Mudenda expressed his desire to see Mliswa coming back urging the independent legislator to be “reformed so that you do not suffer the same exigencies that occurred resulting in your stepping down, but you were one of the good chairpersons.”
Mudenda singled out education committee chair Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga as one of the most competent and hardworking chairpersons.
More: NewZimbabwe