'Mutambara, Biti outstanding performers'

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara and Finance minister Tendai Biti have been adjudged outstanding performers during the tenure of the Seventh Parliament which ended in June this year.

In its latest performance appraisal report, local think-tank Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU) said Mutambara, Biti (Harare East MDC-T MP), former Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs minister Eric Matinenga (former Buhera West MDC-T MP), ex-Justice deputy minister Jessie Majome (Harare West MDC-T MP) and the late Zanu PF Guruve South MP Edward Chindori-Chininga made outstanding contributions in Parliament.

"There were a number of Parliamentarians who distinguished themselves during the Seventh Parliament, both in attendance and participation in Parliament and it is surprising that the top performers were not only MPs but ministers who carried the extra burden of delicately balancing their legislative and executive roles," said RAU senior researcher Rumbidzai Dube in a report.

Majome was cited to effectively using social media channels to communicate with her constituents and the late Chindori-Chininga was recognised for holding the executive accountable through damning reports of the Mines and Energy Portfolio Committee on the Mining and Energy sectors.

"Mutambara attended 20 out of 48 days and spoke 90 times; Biti attended 22 out of 48 days and spoke 52 times. Matinenga attended 30 out of 48 days and spoke 40 times," they said.

Other legislators who were mentioned for outstanding performances introducing private member Bills were MDC-T chief whip Innocent Gonese, Mbizo legislator Settlement Chikwinya and former Buhera Central MP Tangwara Matimba.