NewsDay gives you live updates of the official opening of the third session of the 8th Parliament of Zimbabwe,by President Robert Mugabe.
Richard Chidza/Veneranda Langa
12: 52: There are fears that Mugabe has delivered the same message as the one delivered during the State of the Nation Address he gave in August
12:32: First Lady Grace Mugabe greets and chats with opposition MPs as they move out.
12:32: Speech was about 30 minutes long
12: 32: Mugabe to strengthen relations with Bretton Woods institutions. He says “Labour reforms will be part of policy measures to improve ease of doing business.
12:20:” $125 million to go towards ICT for migration from analogue to digital.” Mugabe says “51 health centres have been built , 103 are under construction . 400 clinics have been rehabilitated. Diaspora policy to be crafted and also an overhaul of Companies Act and all pieces of legislation that hinder ease of doing business.New procurement policy to be formulated as well as parastatal reforms.”
12:10: Mugabe says “Agriculture sector performance will be below expectation and will negatively impact economic growth. To rescucitate Cottco and restore viability. Mining growth is expected to be above 3,5% despite declining international prices.”
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12:00:Mugabe begins speech praising securocrats saying that they mantain peace and stability in difficult socio economic conditions.
12:04: National anthem being sung once again.
11:59: The Speaker promises to deal with the issue after the Presidental speech.
11:58:Raising a point order chief whip Innocent Gonese says” MDC MPs have received death threats .”It is a matter of grave concern.”
11:54 : The President is ready to officiate over Parliamentary proceedings
11:52 :The two houses of Parliament wil have a joint sitting as is tradition. There are almost 400 of them in both houses.
11:52:Edna Madzongwe leads the Senators and chief Charumbira leads traditional leaders.
11:46 Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda leads a procession of lawmakers.
11:45: Chief Justice Chidyausiku leads the ConCourt judges into the Parliament chamber.
11:33 : Mugabe being invited to inspect the Guard of Honour. He slowly drags his feet seemingly tired.
11:32: Four more jets fly past.
11:32 Military jets in diamond formation fly past.
11:32: National anthem being played amid booming gun sounds in the background.
11;29: President Mugabe has arrived.He is in his 19th century colonial style Rolls Royce.His children are in attendance.
11:15:Military top brass in attendance.
11:12:Mugabe’s wailing outriders arrive.
11:10:Elaborate military parade stands at attention as apostolic sect members continue singing. The agonising wait goes on.
11:10: Vice President Mnangagwa has arrived.
11:05: Sithembiso Nyoni arrives on crutches following her reported fall in South Africa.
10:59: Labour Minister Prisca Mupfumira has arrived.
10:53: Ministers are arriving.
10:51: Military procession arrives made up of the Presidential Guard.
10:44: Giant television sets have been put in place in Africa Unity Square for public viewing.
10:46: Mbare Chimurenga members in Zanu Pf regalia.
10:43: Security details have cordoned off the area around Parliament in anticipation of Mugabe’s arrival.
10: 42: The usual praise singers, members of the apostolic sect are singing “Gabriel Mutungamiri”(Gabriel the Leader). Ironically President Robert Mugabe’s middle name is Gabriel.
