Speaker praises out-going Misihairabwi-Mushonga
Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda has praised Honourable Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga for being courageous and fearless in discharging Parliament work.
Honourable Misihairabwi-Mushonga who has been a legislator since 2000, is leaving Parliament to take an ambassadorial role in Sweden.
The former Glen Norah legislator was one of the most effective legislators in the Parliament of Zimbabwe.
Her way of presenting issues in the House saw her being branded ‘’drama queen’’ by fellow legislators and members of the public.
Misihairabwi-Mushonga was instrumental in advocating for the issue of free sanitary wear for schoolgirls. She also championed women issues and equality.
During debate on the Constitution Amendment Bill No.2, she fought for women’s quota in local authorities among other things.
The former MDC-T, former MDC-N and former MDC-Khupe legislator is also part of legislators who went to rescue Zimbabwean girls who had been trafficked for sex slavery in Kuwait.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Speaker Jacob Mudenda said Parliament will never forget the work done by the legislator.
‘’The Honourable Member is still an Honourable Member because she has not yet signed the contract accepting the nomination to be our next Ambassador in Sweden.
‘’One issue that has been raised is that we need to glean our Standing Orders so that we are clear as to how we handle those amongst us who will leave in this similar fashion, like the Honourable Misihairabwi-Mushonga and let us not rely on common sense which verges on common law as to how we can handle the situation.
‘’I think Honourable Members, you will agree with me that Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga has been one of the most dynamic chairpersons that we have seen. Very fearless in putting across what her committee has seen or found out. She was very courageous in terms of conviction.
‘’On the issue of the baby-sitting room, we want to assure you that you have challenged us with that cubicle, and we will ensure that we have got not only one but more than one just in case the rate of production will be high at the appointed time. We will make sure that in your memory, we shall embellish it. Once you have signed your contract and your credentials are received in Sweden, do not forget the certain shortfalls that this Parliament has in the area of capacity building, and necessary equipment, particularly as we move to the new Parliament building.
‘’There is one important issue that you have left out in your valediction which has always remained right at the centre of my heart, among other things. When I travelled with you to Kuwait and found out how our young women were abused, basically as slave workers, you stood by me as the leader of the delegation and said we shall not go back to Zimbabwe without these youngsters who want to go back because they are tired of this slave drudgery in Kuwait. Together, we worked and convinced first, the Speaker of Parliament there and secondly the Head of State and Government. The necessary travel documents were arranged within 24 hours, and we were able to bring back those 35 youngsters. I shall never forget that.
‘’You went further to ensure that the rehabilitation process through the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare as well as the Ministry of Health and Child Care was taken care of in terms of giving the necessary psychological support once they were back here in Zimbabwe.
‘’I, on behalf of this Chamber, the National Assembly, wish you well and God speed in terms of good health and success in the new assignment that you are going to sign for very soon. Have a safe journey to Sweden. Hopefully, one of our delegations will come there and you will be able to receive them according. Amhlope, makorokoto, Tatenda,’’ he said.
Speaker praises out-going Misihairabwi-Mushonga
