9th Parliament opening - Live Update

12:36 - President Mnangagwa is now leaving led by the ZRP Mounted Escort.

12:34 - The National Anthem is now being sung signalling the end of the proceedings of the official opening of the Ninth Parliament.

12:32 - President Mnangagwa is leaving Parliament building raising his fist and smiling amid chanting from the MDC-Alliance MPs who had since returned to the chambers.

12:30 - President leaves the chamber greeting the parliamentarians after concluding his address.

12:29 - He says history will judge leaders if they fail to fulfill the wishes of the people. He declares the first session of the 9th parliament officially opened.

12:26 - President Mnangagwa says Government has endorsed various protocols and treaties on nuclear energy and human trafficking will be brought to parliament. He says mandatory sentencing for rape will be considered. He says Government will be ceased with dealing with outbreaks of diseases such as typhoid and cholera. Comprehensive water reticulation and waste management strategies to be implemented.

“We should all commit to the rebuilding of the country in unity and love,” he says.

12:25 - He says the alignment of laws with the Constitution will be speeded up

12:22 - MDC Alliance legislators who walked out of Parliament are outside Parliament building chanting slogans and singing.

1220 - Amendment to the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill and the Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill will also be tabled before parliament.

1219 - Companies and other Entities Bill, the Regional Town and Country Amendment Bill and the Citizenship Bill are some of the Bills that would be brought to parliament.

1218 - President Mnangagwa speaks strongly against corruption adding that no one is above the law and any one found guilty will be dealt with.

1216 - He says there is need for modern education and health provision especially targeting vulnerable groups. He reiterates that devolution will be implemented but should result in increased economic growth in various areas.

1214 - He calls for the widening of contributions of other minerals such as lithium and coal-bed methane.

1212 - His Excellency says agriculture remains a strategic sector to the economy adding that revival of various value chain industries in the agriculture sector is also key. There is need to scale up value addition in the manufacturing sector. He says Government is happy with the contribution of gold, platinum and chrome to the economy.

1210 - The President challenges the public sector to change their work ethic and improve service delivery. State owned enterprises should not be a drain on the fiscus but should operate profitably. He also challenges the private sector to be honest in their dealings.

1208 - He says the multi-currency system will continue until economic fundamentals are met. Government has negotiated various facilities to meet forex requirements for businesses and some of them will be disbursed this week

1209 - He says Government is committed towards stabilising the macro economic environment, reduce budget deficit and grow all sectors of the economy.

1207 - The President says Government will work out a plan to pay off the country’s external debt.

1206 - President Mnangagwa says the elections were held in a peaceful environment. Meanwhile, MDC Alliance MPs walk out.

1201 - President Mnangagwa begins his address by welcoming parliamentarians and other invited guests.

1150 - Members of the National Assembly are now in their chamber waiting for the President’s address.

1147 - The Senate is now entering Parliament led by the Senate president Mabel Chinomona. President of the Chiefs’ Council Fortune Charumbira leading the procession of chiefs into Parliament.

11:50 – Judges are also part of the proceedings at Parliament Building.

1139 - The Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda, his Deputy Cde Tsitsi Gezi, Clerk of Parliament Mr Kennedy Chokuda, Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi followed by Ministers, their deputies and members of Parliament have entered Parliament building.

1137 - Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza leads a procession of the judiciary into Parliament.

1135 - The President has now entered Parliament Building.

11:25 – the President now inspects the guard of honour.

11:19 – After the President's arrival, proceedings officially begin with a fly past and the singing of the National Anthem.

11:10 – President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on his way to Parliament building where he will lay out the legislative agenda for the 9th parly during a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate.

Chief take their seats, while legislators chat before the official proceedings.

10:20 – Some roads will be closed to pave way for the proceedings and these include Nelson Mandela from Sam Nujoma to Simon Muzenda Street, Third Street from Jason Moyo to George Silundika, Kwame Nkrumah from Sam Nujoma, Simon Muzenda and Samora Machel Avenue.