By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has underscored the urgent need for the Zimbabwean Parliament to expedite the enactment of several critical legislative bills that have been pending from previous sessions.
In a State of the Nation Address delivered yesterday, The President emphasised that timely legislative action is vital for the nation’s progress and development.
“Parliament has an obligation to expedite the enactment of all Bills that, for one reason or another, are outstanding from previous Sessions of the August House,” President Mnangagwa stated, outlining a comprehensive list of bills that require immediate attention. Among these are significant legislations relating to Persons with Disabilities, the Administration of Estates Amendment, and the Civil Aviation Amendment, among others.
The President also highlighted the necessity for Parliamentary Portfolio Committees to actively engage with the bills under their jurisdiction, calling on all concerned parties to address existing legislative anomalies for the good of the nation.
“All concerned parties must address these anomalies for the collective good of our nation,” he urged.
As Zimbabwe’s education sector undergoes transformation, the introduction of the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Bill aims to improve governance and efficiency within the ZIMSEC Board.
Additionally, the Teaching Professions Council Bill is set to establish standards for the conditions of service and a code of conduct for educators.
Safety in the workplace was another focal point of the address, with President Mnangagwa urging the expedited passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Bill to align with international conventions.
This is deemed essential for achieving the nation’s Vision 2030.
The President outlined several other bills slated for consideration, including the State Service Pensions Bill, which seeks to establish a State Service Pensions Fund, and amendments to the Public Service Act to ensure compliance with the Constitution. Further amendments are expected for the Rural Electrification Fund Act, the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act, and the Pipelines Act, to reflect the evolving economic landscape.
In a strong stance against corruption, the President called for the swift progression of the Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Whistle Blowers) Bill, aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in governance. He also acknowledged the rapid growth of electronic transactions, advocating for the urgent drafting of the Electronic Transactions and Electronic Commerce Bill to promote legal clarity in this expanding sector.
Looking beyond domestic concerns, President Mnangagwa highlighted several international protocols awaiting ratification, including the Protocol Amending the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights and the Zimbabwe-Russia Cooperation Agreement, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence for sustainable socio-economic development.
In closing, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fair resolutions through the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements, noting that the Compensation Committee has approved 94 claims for compensation. He stressed the significance of ongoing efforts to domesticate the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and expedite the Biological Warfare Bill as part of Zimbabwe’s strategic commitments on the global stage.
President Mnangagwa’s address set a clear agenda for legislative priorities, calling on lawmakers to take decisive action in driving the nation toward a sustainable and prosperous future.