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President Mugabe

Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Mugabe will set the tone for economic recovery by outlining the Government’s achievements so far and priorities for the next year when he delivers the State of the Nation address in Parliament next Thursday.

The Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda announced in Parliament on Thursday that the President will address a joint sitting of Parliament on the State of the Nation.

“I would like to inform the House that on the 1st of December, 2016, His Excellency the President Cde. R.G. Mugabe will address a joint sitting of Parliament on the State of the Nation. The address will be delivered at 3PM in the National Assembly,” said Adv Mudenda.

The yearly event serves as a means for the President to inform the nation about the country’s present socio-economic and political situation.

In terms of section 140 (4) of the Constitution, the President must at least once a year, address a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on the state of the nation, and the Speaker and the President of the Senate must make the necessary arrangements for Parliament to receive such an address.

Section 140 (2) states that the President may also send messages to either House of Parliament, and any such message must be read by a Vice-President or Minister or by the person presiding over the House concerned.

Last year, President Mugabe’s State of the Nation Address hinged largely on the need to fight the scourge of corruption which continues to rear its ugly head at all levels of society.

He mentioned that the Government would therefore respond to the challenge and bolster economic development.

As part of the effort to fight corruption, the President said a code of conduct would be put in place, in terms of which, all high level public office holders shall be required to disclose their assets upon assumption of office or to declare their interests on matters that may create scope for conflict of interest.

— @mashnets