Mudenda writes to Mnangagwa over ministers' absenteeism

Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda has disclosed that he has formally written to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, raising concern over Cabinet ministers who continue to miss parliamentary question-and-answer sessions.

Mudenda made the announcement in Parliament yesterday after yet another round of apologies was submitted by ministers who failed to attend the session.

"I have written a letter to the President and I have clearly indicated that if those honourable members in the Executive do not respond accordingly — including responding to motions and reports of committees — we shall have no option but to invoke sections of the standing orders in terms of contempt of Parliament," Mudenda said.

The Speaker's stance is supported by constitutional provisions that mandate ministerial accountability to the Legislature.
Section 139(d) of the Constitution empowers senators and MPs to question ministers and deputy ministers during parliamentary sessions, while section 107(2) obliges all vice-presidents, ministers and deputy ministers to attend Parliament and appear before committees to respond to questions from legislators.

For years, MPs have complained about the frequent and deliberate absenteeism of ministers from the House, arguing that it undermines parliamentary oversight and accountability.

Mudenda's letter signals escalating frustration within Parliament as the Executive continues to disregard its constitutional duty to answer directly to the representatives of the people.