Psychomotor minister not sure about the mandate of his ministry

THE Minister of State for Liaising on Psychomotor Activities in Education Josiah Hungwe did not have a ready answer in the Senate last week when he was asked about the mandate of his ministry, in a development that saw him pleading for more time so that he could respond on another day.

Hungwe's request to have the matter held in abeyance followed a question directed at him by Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) Senator Sekai Holland who wanted the minister to enlighten Members of Parliament on the mandate of his ministry as well as its relationship with the Ministry of Higher Education and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development headed by Olivia Muchena.

The previous day in the National Assembly, Muchena, just like Hungwe had also failed to respond when she was questioned on what psychomotor entailed saying she needed to be briefed first before coming up with a joint statement with her colleague.

The holder of the portfolio in question, Hungwe not only asked for more time before he could respond, but also requested that Holland's oral question be put in writing for him to respond on another day.

The Psychomotor Minister did not, however, state why he could not immediately provide the answer regarding his ministry's mandate raising questions on what he has been doing since he was sworn in last month.

"Thank you Honourable President and I would like to thank Honourable Holland for her question. I think many people are expecting a statement to that effect. Could I plead with you if you could allow me more time to come to this Senate," said Hungwe.

"I would also ask the Honourable Senator to put it in writing so that we could do the same to other Honourable Senators who are here, so that we are clear on what this new ministry is all about. I thank you."

Senate President Edna Madzongwe granted Hungwe's request.

Last week's development in Parliament gives the impression that some of the ministers are not fully aware of their job descriptions.To underscore the confusion over the ministry, the previous day in the National Assembly, MDC-T Harare Central lawmaker Murisi Zwizwai also asked Muchena to explain to the nation the policy nexus between her ministry and that of psychomotor activities, but the latter could not come up with a convincing answer.

"I want to thank the Honourable Member, for his question and would like to ask the indulgence of the House for me and my colleague to bring a joint statement after we are fully briefed," said Muchena.

"I wanted to say by way of definition…there should be smooth flow between the body and the mind. Normally, people learn in the mind and not be able to do it. So, what is meant by psychomotor is that there should be engagement between the mind and how to do it."

Last month, President Robert Mugabe announced a 26-member Cabinet, down from 36 during the days of the inclusive government.

Apart from the 26 ministers, the latest government also has two ministers of State in the President's Office, Simon Khaya-Moyo and Didymus Mutasa and one in Vice President Joice Mujuru's office, Sylvester Nguni.

Like Parliament, Cabinet is bloated, which is certainly going to strain the fiscus.