Parly committees still active

There is, however, some committee activity taking place and persons wishing to make submissions to the three portfolio committees mentioned below can still do so during the recess.

The Mines and Energy Portfolio Committee has scheduled another meeting to Chiadzwa diamond fields this week, after being turned back when it tried to visit some weeks ago. It has asked the co-Ministers of Home Affairs for clearance for this visit. As a large ministerial delegation headed by Vice- President Nkomo visited the area last week, it is difficult to believe that the committee will be denied access again. They are still open to receive written submissions.

POSA Amendment

The Second Reading debate on the POSA Amendment Bill commenced on March 18, just before the House of Assembly adjourned until June 30. After contributions by the private member introducing the Bill, Hon. Gonese, and his seconder, a member of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Home Affairs presented the committee’s report on the Bill. The report details the views expressed by civil society organisations and members of the public at the several public hearings on the Bill that were held around the country and sets out in full a new clause put forward by Veritas aimed at limiting the use of force by the police to prevent disorder at public gatherings.

It is not too late for interested organisations and members of the public to send in written submissions on the Bill; these will be circulated to members of the committee, and members who have not yet contributed to the Second Reading debate will have an opportunity to make use of helpful submissions during the continuation of the debate after the House resumes.

Indigenisation Regs

This committee has not yet concluded its consideration of the Indigenisation Regulations. It hopes to hold further public hearings in Manicaland, Masvingo and Mashonaland in addition to the well-attended meetings already held in Bulawayo and Harare. So it is not too late for interested organisations and members of the public to send in written submissions on the regulations for the information of the committee.

As a result of enquiries from people round Zimbabwe and in the Diaspora who are unable to post or deliver submissions in time to reach Parliamentary committees while they are holding hearings on various matter of public interest, Veritas has secured agreement from Parliament that e-mail submissions will be accepted. They should be sent to the Clerk of Parliament [clerk@parlzim.gov.zw] and clearly marked for the attention of the relevant Parliamentary Committee; the Clerk will ensure that they are passed on to the committee in question.