Parliament to resume physical meetings
The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Tsitsi Gezi has advised that Parliament will be resuming physical meetings with effect from the 13th of September.
Parliament especially the committee meetings were being conducted virtually which affected participation by some members.
However, since President Emmerson Mnangagwa relaxed lockdown regulation from Level 4 to level 2, Parliament has resolved to meet physically.
Making the announcement in the National Assembly, Honourable Gezi said the National Assembly will have 100 members physically attending while the Senate will have about 80. The numbers are inclusive of Parliament staff members.
‘’I have to inform the House that the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders met and resolved that physical meetings can now resume for fully vaccinated members and support staff.
‘’The production of COVID-19 PCR test certificate is mandatory for unvaccinated members and staff. From 13th September 2021, security personnel at the entrance have been instructed to demand vaccination certificates or valid COVID-19 PCR test certificates issued 48 hours earlier and will be valid for each week.
‘’A maximum of 10 persons inclusive of Honourable Members, staff and invitees will be permitted to attend meetings physically in compliance with social distancing guidelines.
‘’In the National Assembly and Senate Chambers, the maximum number of persons allowed will be 100 and 80 respectively including support staff. Committees are encouraged to use a hybrid of physical and virtual meetings.
‘’Chief Whips have to ensure compliance with the requirements of allowable Honourable Members. Committees will determine those to attend either physically or virtually. Those who will not be accommodated in Committee Rooms or Chambers will participate from their hotel rooms,’’ she said.
Since March 2020 when the country recorded its first case of COVID-19, Parliament has struggled to meet and provide proper oversight. Parliament of Zimbabwe was forced to rely on virtual platforms to meet, but the members struggled with adjusting to technology.
Parliament to resume physical meetings
