Chief Charumbira embarrassed over his Shona request

Chief Fortune Charumbira's bid to force Mines and Mining Development minister Walter Chidakwa to address Senate in Shona last Thursday back fired after he was reminded that the minister was free to speak in the language he wanted.

Charumbira who is also the president of the chief's council had during question time, asked Chidhakwa whether or not government was not contradicting itself on the issue of companies mining diamonds in Marange.

"You have said you are not going to allocate more concessions to these diamond miners. We have read in the Press that your intention is to allocate the Chiadzwa mining field to just one company. So please, explain to us what you mean by that? Is that not being double worded?" inquired Charumbira in Shona.

Chidhakwa responded in English saying, "It is not contradictory. We recognise that when you sign agreements with investors, you must honour them. It is our intention to honour the agreements. The agreements are in respect of specific concessions and you cannot, unless it is by agreement with the other investors...."

Before Chidhakwa had finished responding, Charumbira interjected, "Pamusoroyi, ndabvunza mubvunzo wangu neChiShona, Minister vanofarirwa kupindura neChiShona." (On a point of order. I have asked my question in Shona and so the minister should respond in Shona.)

However, president of the senate Edna Madzongwe came to Chidhakwa's defence arguing, "But, point of order as well to you Senator Chief Charumbira.

"You talked in the language that you wanted because you felt you could express yourself in the language that you understand freely," Madzongwe said.

"The minister is not compelled to answer in the language which you used when posing your question. He should also respond in the language which he feels competent in debating in and that is not a mistake.  It is the minister's right to do that."