By Staff Reporter
THE Parliament of Zimbabwe has forged a partnership with Silveira House in a development which is set to bolster the quality of input made by legislators into socio-economic issues.
Founded by the renowned Roman Catholic Priest Father John Dove in 1964 and subsequently named after Father Gonçalo da Silveira, the first Jesuit priest to come to Zimbabwe in the 16th century, the institution has exerted considerable influence on the country’s affairs both in the pre- and post-independence era.
Speaking recently after signing the MoU, Silveira House board of directors’ representative, Father George Bwanali said the MoU will go a long way to strengthen ties between the two institutions.
“Silveira House has, for over six decades, stood at the intersection of faith, justice, and social transformation. This partnership with the Parliament of Zimbabwe is a natural and necessary evolution of our mission. It recognizes that governance is not the responsibility of government alone—it is a collective effort that must be enriched by the voices of civil society, communities, and the church,” he said.
The clergyman underscored that the new chapter in the collective journey will not only reinforce democratic processes but also foster trust between the people and their elected representatives—a trust he described as “essential for peace, development, and national cohesion.”
“Honourable Speaker, allow me to express our profound gratitude to your office, and to all those who have worked tirelessly to bring this MoU to life. As we sign this MoU, let it be a pledge to pursue the common good; and a covenant to work hand in hand for the betterment of every Zimbabwean, especially the most vulnerable,” added Bwanali.
The partnership is set to enhance the legislators’ understanding of Bills presented to Parliament to ensure informed and meaningful contributions to law-making while improving the quality of parliamentary debates by promoting issue-based, constructive, and well-informed dialogue.
It will also facilitate engagement between legislators and marginalized communities, ensuring that policy and legislative processes reflect the voices and needs of all citizens.
