A Call for Better Support for Legislators
Opposition Member of Parliament Charlton Hwende has raised a significant issue regarding the support provided to legislators in Zimbabwe. During a pre-budget seminar held in Bulawayo, he highlighted the need for increased housing loans for members of parliament. Hwende argued that the previous loan amount of US$40,000 is insufficient, especially when compared to the benefits received by members of the Executive branch.
Hwende proposed that the government should allocate a minimum of US$150,000 for each legislator to purchase a home. He emphasized that this request is not about luxury but rather a necessary provision for those serving the public. The MP pointed out that due to inflation, the value of the previous loan has significantly decreased, making it inadequate for current living standards.
The debate on the national budget also included criticism of Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube for not increasing parliamentary salaries. Hwende noted that the government has failed to provide funds for MPs to build on residential stands they have been allocated. This lack of support, according to Hwende, leaves legislators in difficult conditions and undermines their ability to serve effectively.
The Struggles of Legislators
This is not the first time the challenges faced by MPs have been brought to light. In October 2025, the National Assembly witnessed heated exchanges over similar issues. Another opposition legislator, Dzivaresekwa MP Edwin Mushoriwa, expressed his concerns emotionally, stating that MPs were “struggling for survival.”
Mushoriwa linked the death of Nkulumane MP Desire Moyo to the lack of support from Parliament. Moyo died in a car accident on October 10, 2025, after his vehicle collided with an elephant. Mushoriwa claimed that the fatal crash occurred because Moyo had delayed his trip waiting for overdue fuel coupons.
“One of the reasons why Hon. Moyo and others were involved in an accident is that they received their coupons around 8:00 pm in this Parliament. If Members of Parliament are not respected and if this august House is not given the honour that it deserves, if we have a situation where we pass the budget but we are treated as if we are third-class citizens in this country, it just does not work, Madam Speaker.”
Fuel Allocations and Safety Concerns
The October session revealed that legislators had gone for months without receiving their fuel allocations. Mushoriwa stressed that this was not merely an inconvenience but a genuine danger that impaired their ability to serve their constituencies. He argued that without proper support, MPs are left exposed and stripped of dignity.
Acting Speaker Tsitsi Gezi attempted to shift the discussion towards a future caucus meeting, but Mushoriwa insisted that the matter was too urgent to delay. He emphasized that the welfare of MPs is a matter of record, not just for a private meeting, especially after a colleague’s death.
The Need for Immediate Action
The ongoing issues faced by MPs highlight the need for immediate action from the government. The lack of adequate support, including housing loans and fuel allocations, not only affects the personal lives of legislators but also impacts their ability to represent their constituents effectively.
Hwende’s call for increased funding reflects a broader concern among opposition members about the treatment of legislators within the political system. The debate underscores the importance of ensuring that MPs are adequately supported to carry out their duties without unnecessary hardship.
As the discussions continue, there is a growing demand for transparency and accountability in how the government addresses the needs of its representatives. The welfare of legislators is not just a matter of personal comfort but a critical factor in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the legislative process.