MDC-T women MPs threaten caucus withdrawal

Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
MDC-T National Assembly members have threatened to withdraw from Parliament’s Women’s Caucus that is dominated by Zanu-PF legislators.
The MDC-T parliamentarians complained to Speaker Cde Jacob Mudenda that they had not been involved in the setting up of the executive.
The executive, announced yesterday is made up of Senator Monica Mutsvangwa as chairperson, deputised by Ms Paurina Mpariwa of the MDC-T, while Cdes Shuvai Mahofa, Sarah Mahoka and Senator Anna Shiri who represents people with disabilities, are also members.
When Cde Mudenda made the announcement, Bulawayo Central MP Dorcas Sibanda (MDC-T) made a point of order that they were not consulted.

“I want to point out that we as MDC-T we were not part and parcel of the elections, so what it means is that we do not recognise this Women’s Caucus,” she said.

Cde Mudenda said the House had no authority over the Women’s Caucus.
“The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus conducted their issues outside this chamber and if there are any issues, the matter can be referred back to the Caucus,” he said.

The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus is a voluntary body made of female parliamentarians that was launched in 2001 in response to an initiative by the Sadc Parliamentary Forum.

Meanwhile, the House adjourned to November 19, while businesses of portfolio committees will resume on November 15.