Mliswa, Wadyajena on collision course

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment has come out guns blazing against Hurungwe East legislator, Themba Mliswa for his utterances in the media alleging that the committee and some parliamentarians have been corrupted by ethanol producer, Green Fuels' shareholder, Mr Billy Rautenbach.

In his submissions to the National Assembly, the portfolio committee chairperson, Justice Mayor Wadyajena implored the Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda to make a ruling on allegations made by Mliswa.

Wadyajena said his committee is concerned with statements made by Mliswa to the Herald on April 3, 2014.

An extract of the interview Mliswa gave to the Herald reads, "Billy has also got into parliament and already has corrupted some members of parliament. You were there when that whole committee was held of indigenisation, there were members of parliament who were paid to hackle the chairman, even asked the chairman to stand up, and can't you see that? But some of us are not moved by that."

Wadyajena said the members of the Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Portfolio Committee take exception to the allegations which they feel have potential to create deep suspicion amongst them, thus dividing the committee.

The Gokwe Nembudziya legislator also argued that the utterances by Mliswa also have potential to undermine the integrity and image of the committee and parliament itself and may compromise the ability of members to execute their mandate and functions.

He therefore called on the Mliswa to substantiate his allegations by providing parliament with evidence.

Wadyajena also said if Mliswa does not substantiate claims he made in the Herald interview, there could be a prima facie breach of the Privileges and Powers of Parliament Act chapter 2;08.  

The Speaker of Parliament said he will make a ruling in due course on the matter.