HARARE – Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda has directed Parliament to identify legislators who skip sittings despite receiving hotel accommodation at the institution’s expense.
Mudenda issued the directive during Tuesday’s National Assembly sitting, instructing Chief Whips from both political parties and Parliament’s administration to establish which MPs attend opening prayers but leave the chamber shortly afterwards.
He expressed concern over legislators who briefly appear in the House before disappearing without participating in parliamentary business.
“I would like to have a list of those Members who come after prayers and then disappear after two minutes,” Mudenda told Parliament.
He also demanded a record of MPs who receive hotel accommodation but fail to attend parliamentary proceedings.
“Another list of Hon. Members who are booked in hotels but do not come to the House. We want that list,” he said.
The Speaker also reminded deputy ministers and ministers of state to report to Parliament before the commencement of proceedings and remain in the chamber until the House adjourns.
“Deputy Ministers and Ministers of State, you are encouraged to be here in the House before prayers. You stay in until the House adjourns,” he said.
The directive comes amid concerns over absenteeism and the use of public resources to facilitate parliamentary business.
Mudenda did not name any legislators suspected of skipping sittings or disclose how many could be affected by the proposed investigation.
The exercise is expected to bring greater scrutiny to attendance records and the accountability of MPs who benefit from Parliament-funded accommodation.
