By Staff Writer
THE Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda has challenged the recently elected Members of Parliament to serve the country with patriotism bearing in mind the great responsibility bestowed upon them by the electorate.
He was speaking at an even to mark the official induction of the 10th Parliament in Harare Monday where he urged the new legislators to reflect on the goodwill bestowed upon them by the electorate.
“I cannot, therefore, overemphasise how crucial it is for us to constantly remember that we are here because of the trust bestowed on us by the Zimbabwe’s electorate. Thus, the electorate entrusted us to be bearers of a torch that casts its radiant light upon the aspirations, hopes and dreams of the Zimbabwean people in their search for consummated prosperity,” he said .
Mudenda said the induction should, therefore, sharpen the MPs abilities and energise them in fulfilling their legislative, oversight and representation roles as the
undoubted servant leaders of the people of Zimbabwe whose voice is the mantle to translate into positive development action.
He said the rare privilege before MPs demands that we must serve the people of Zimbabwe responsibly, with distinction and with the greatest humility.
“Firstly, to be Honourable is to be driven by a profound sense of duty towards the nation and its people. Herein lies the efficacy of your Oath of office as Members of Parliament. Secondly, it is to exhibit integrity, understanding that our actions and decisions impact not only the present but also the future of Zimbabwe. To that an extent, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct must attend you unflinchingly. Thirdly, it is to be the custodian of the rule of law and constitutionalism, upholding the highest standards of legality and justice in your execution of your Parliamentary responsibilities,” he said.
Mudenda said the title of being Honourable behoves them to be diligent and grounded educationally, dedicating ourselves to the rigorous scrutiny of policies and legislation agenda in order to ensure that they align with the national socio-economic and development aspirations of our country as anchored on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Development Strategy1 (NDS1).
He said it is, therefore, critical that MPs acquaint themselves with the various legislative frameworks that fall under our purview through our Standing Committees, the engine of our Parliamentary processes.
“Above all, it is luminary that we make the Constitution and the Standing Rules and Orders our “Bibles.” We are thus enjoined to be open to dialogue and debate, valuing diverse perspectives and working collaboratively to find lasting solutions to the nation’s challenges.
“ Fifthly, to be Honourable is to exhibit a genuine love for country – PATRIOTISM, a passion that transcends personal gain, self-interest and is rooted in a deep commitment to the common good of our Motherland, Zimbabwe,” said Mudenda.
