Temba Mliswa in climbdown

Norton National Assembly Member Temba Mliswa, who vowed not to accept a parliamentary vehicle last year saying it was a waste of taxpayers' money, has now applied to have one.

Mliswa, an independent candidate, is on record strongly criticising the parliamentary vehicle scheme. Before his expulsion from Parliament last year when he was Zanu-PF Hurungwe West MP, Mliswa did not take delivery of his Ford Ranger bought for him by Parliament.

He argued Government should buy cheaper vehicles locally to save money. But in a major climbdown after his recent election as Norton MP, Mliswa submitted his name for the vehicle and is set to drive one by year end.

Some of the 35 recently-elected legislators have since taken delivery of their vehicles.

Mliswa was among several MPs expelled from Zanu-PF and eventually from Parliament last year for alleged links with Zimbabwe People First leader Joice Mujuru.