Angeline Masuku becomes parliament's chairperson of committees

MATABELELAND South Senator Angeline Masuku was yesterday voted parliament's chairperson of committees, replacing Senator Thokozile Mathuthu who has assumed the post of Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services.

Duties of chairperson of committees include presiding over sittings when a Bill is at committee stage before reporting to the Senate President.

The chairperson of committees can also preside when the President of Senate or her deputy are not in the Chamber.

Senate President Edna Madzongwe notified the Upper House of the elevation of Sen Mathuthu to become part of the executive and called for nominations.

More than one nomination would have resulted in elections.

Matabeleland Senator, Tambudzani Mohadi, who is also Zanu-PF Deputy Chief Whip, rose to propose the nomination of Sen Masuku. There was no additional name nominated.

Madzongwe called for the adoption of Masuku with an affirmative vote.

Madzongwe subsequently declared Sen Masuku duly elected triggering ululation from mainly Zanu-PF Senators.

Other members in the panel include Sen Charles Tawengwa and chiefs' council president Fortune Charumbira.

The election of Sen Masuku was part of measures Parliament was taking to replace those that were elevated to the Executive who were either portfolio committee chairpersons or heading other committees.