President delivers SONA, opens Second Session of 10th Parliament

Farirai Machivenyika

Senior Reporter

President Mnangagwa has delivered the State of Nation Address and officially opened the Second Session of the 10th Parliament at a ceremony held at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.

The President delivered his speech as required by the Constitution to a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate.

In his address, the President said the Government was on track to achieve its development targets despite challenges brought about by the illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the West.

“Our commitment to enhance the well-being of the people of our motherland, Zimbabwe by entrenching unity, stability, security, and development remains a key mission for my Administration. Government is committed to the realisation of the promises made by our ruling party, Zanu PF,” he said.

The President outlined progress made in various sectors of the economy including mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development among others.

On the legislative agenda of the Second Session, President Mnangagwa challenged Parliament to expedite the enactment of laws, especially those bills that were not completed during the first session.

“The list includes Bills relating to: Persons with Disabilities; Administration of Estates Amendment; Civil Aviation Amendment; Death Penalty Abolition; Parks and Wildlife Amendment; Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment; and Mines and Minerals Amendment. Others are the

Medical Services Amendment; and the Insurance and Pensions Amendment,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by several diplomats accredited to the country, service chiefs and judges.