Stakeholders in Mutare Engage Parliament on Public Procurement Amendment Bill

By Evans Jona

MUTARE — Stakeholders in Mutare on Thursday had the opportunity to share their views on the proposed Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Amendment Bill, 2025, during a public consultation meeting held at Mutare Hall. The session was part of a nationwide consultation process led by the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion and the Public Accounts Committee.

The meeting attracted participants from various sectors, including civil society, local authorities, businesses, and members of the public, who came to provide feedback before the Bill proceeds to Parliament for further review.

Explaining the purpose of the Bill, Honourable Lincoln Dhliwayo, legislator for Chipinge East and member of the Portfolio Committee, said, “The amendments aim to enhance transparency, increase efficiency, promote inclusivity, and ensure that public procurement aligns with constitutional values and national priorities. The intention is to strengthen the system so that procurement processes serve the broader public interest.”

The Amendment Bill proposes a wide range of changes to the existing procurement framework. It seeks to encourage local participation by extending preferences to Zimbabwean suppliers — including youth, women, war veterans, and persons with disabilities. “We want to ensure these groups are not sidelined,” Dhliwayo explained. The Bill also requires foreign contractors to partner with local subcontractors and facilitate skills transfer.

On strengthening safeguards, Dhliwayo noted, “The Bill introduces stricter measures to reduce fraudulent activities, including preventing the submission of false documents.” It also streamlines procedures by reducing the procurement standstill period from 14 to 10 days and expands ministerial powers to regulate e-procurement, training, and licensing. Importantly, the Bill prohibits the disposal of public assets to employees or their relatives unless otherwise prescribed by law.

During the open forum, participants raised several issues. Prince Mupindu expressed concerns over Clause 3, which grants the Minister the power to exempt certain procurements from public disclosure on the grounds of national interest. “We need clear definitions and boundaries,” he said. “Without this, there is a risk of misinterpretation, and such exemptions must still be subject to appropriate oversight to maintain transparency.”

Mupindu also raised questions on international procurement standards. “If these standards are removed, what framework will replace them? We need clarity to ensure procurement remains fair and competitive.” He further queried the Bill’s classification of Councillors as “employees,” seeking clarity on their legal status regarding policy-making and governance.

Echoing the importance of standards, Mildred Muzanechita said, “International standards promote fairness, equality, and competitiveness. Removing them without alternatives could reduce the quality of procurement processes.” She proposed, “There should be a dedicated office for reporting procurement-related corruption and provisions for witness protection. Also, local authorities should be allowed to source outside Zimbabwe when local suppliers cannot meet demand.”

Fiscal Justice and Youth Engagement Programs Assistant at Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) Tendai Nyamadzi raised concerns about Clause 10, which proposes removing the Auditor-General from the Procurement Oversight Committee.

“The Auditor-General’s involvement early in the procurement process, especially in high-value tenders, is essential to strengthen oversight and accountability,” he said. Nyamadzi also urged caution regarding Clause 3’s exemption powers, stating, “There must be safeguards to ensure such powers are exercised with accountability and do not weaken transparency.”

The hearing in Mutare showcased a broad range of perspectives, with participants engaging constructively and offering practical suggestions grounded in local experience. The inputs gathered across the country will inform the next legislative phase, where the Bill will undergo a detailed clause-by-clause review in Parliament.

The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Amendment Bill, 2025 forms part of ongoing efforts to improve governance systems, encourage responsible public resource management, and ensure procurement practices are inclusive, fair, and transparent. Contributions during the hearings remain vital in shaping reforms that balance operational needs with public expectations.

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