Farirai Machivenyika and
Wallace Ruzvidzo
THE unannounced attendance of National Assembly proceedings by President Mnangagwa on Wednesday is yet another example of his hands-on type of leadership, legislators from across the political divide said yesterday.
President Mnangagwa surprised Parliamentarians in the National Assembly during its Question and Answer session.
Although the President is part of the legislature, his attendance at parliamentary processes is usually during official proceedings like when he delivers the State of the Nation Address, the official opening of Parliamentary sessions or the presentation of the National Budget.
Zanu PF Chief Whip, Cde Pupurai Togarepi, hailed the President’s leadership, saying it was no longer business as usual in the arms of the State.
“It’s clear testimony, President ED Mnangagwa is a hands-on leader. In my view, the President wanted to see Parliament in action and hear for himself Parliamentarians articulating issues affecting their constituencies.
“We have been witnessing these impromptu visits by His Excellency in other arms of Government. What I can say is it’s no longer business as usual. The President can be in your office any time,” he said.
Cde Togarepi said the President’s attendance at Parliament sessions was provided for in the law.
“According to the Constitution, the President is part of the legislature and he demonstrated that he is conscious of that. He can join Parliament proceedings whenever he has time. It’s democracy in motion,” he said.
“As Government Chief Whip, I can tell you that members across the political divide appreciate this first in our democracy and legislative processes.”
In a separate interview yesterday, CCC Chief Whip Mr Charles Moyo said the President’s attendance was reflective of his hands-on leadership.
“He is part of the legislature, and surely there is no harm (in his attendance). There is nothing amiss . . . it is a step in the right direction.
“Actually, we want the President to come to Parliament and allow Honourable members to ask him questions that he will respond to, but his coming in the first place, like he did yesterday (Wednesday), is an indication that it’s a step in that direction.
“We are guided by our Constitution, the law of the land, and that is where we see the voices of the people being expressed, be it those in Zanu PF, CCC and even other organisations and people,” said the opposition Chief Whip.
Social media was abuzz with users commending President Mnangagwa for participating in Parliamentary sessions.
“Our hats off to President @edmnangagwa for this initiative. Long may it last. We have had Parliamentarians who dodge sessions to engage in personal businesses that have nothing to do with the constituency affairs.
“Spot checks by the President should continue,” wrote one user.
An X user simply commented, “Great statesman and SADC chairman,” upon hearing the news of the President’s attendance.
Another X user had nothing but praise for the President’s leadership acumen.
“He is well-equipped to adequately respond to any MP in the House. Awesome stuff, I tell you. I had the experience of seeing him in action and till today I believe it was an honour to see such.”
Two weeks ago, the President also made unannounced visits to Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe hospitals to get a first-hand feel of operations at the country’s largest referral hospitals.
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