Parly names portfolio committee chairpersons

Zim Now Writer

Parliament yesterday named chairpersons of portfolio committees where the ruling Zanu PF secured control of 15 of the 22 parliamentary portfolio committees with the Citizens Coalition for Change taking control of the remainder.

Several former ministers or deputies from the ruling party have taken on the role of chairpersons for these committees.

The chairpersons of parliamentary committees in Zimbabwe are chosen through a process involving consultations and negotiations within political parties. The ruling party holds significant influence, and the Speaker of Parliament plays a role in the appointment process.

The final decision is then made through a vote in Parliament.

Former Information Deputy Minister and Bikita South MP, Energy Mutodi will chair the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs portfolio committee, while former ICT minister and Nyanga South lawmaker Supa Mandiwanzira head the Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Committee.

Beitbridge East legislator Albert Nguluvhe will chair the Defence, Home Affairs, Veterans of Liberation Struggle and Security Portfolio Committee, while Buhera South legislator Ngoni Mudekunye got the Industry and Commerce Committee chairmanship.

National Assembly Member for Hwedza North constituency and legal practitioner, Itai Ndudzo will lead the Parliamentary Legal Committee.

Former CCC spokesperson and Mt Pleasant legislator, Fadzai Mahere will chair the Higher Education Portfolio Committee, while Kuwadzana East MP Chalton Hwende got the Public Accounts Committee.

Parliamentary portfolio committees enable Parliament to operate more effectively through giving members access to more detailed information.

They examine bills, departmental budget votes and are responsible for the oversight role of the work done by their respective department.

The business of Parliament continues despite the recall of elected 15 Citizens Coalition for Change MPs following a letter which Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be CCC interim secretary-general, wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda before the latter proceeded to notify the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of vacancies in the 15 constituencies.