Parliament, yesterday, conducted public consultations in Bulawayo at Stanley Hall on two key Bills currently before the House.
In a statement, Parliament of Zimbabwe said the consultations were conducted by the Joint Portfolio Committees on Defence, Home Affairs and Security Services, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training and the Thematic Committee on Peace and Security.
“The Joint Portfolio Committees on Defence, Home Affairs and Security Services; Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training; and the Thematic Committee on Peace and Security held public consultations, today, in Bulawayo at Stanley Hall,” the statement said.
The Parliament said the consultations were designed to engage citizens directly in shaping legislation.
“These public consultations provide citizens with an opportunity to share their views and contribute to shaping legislation that strengthens national security, public health and community wellbeing,” it added.
One of the Bills under review is the Biological and Toxin Weapons Crimes Bill, 2025.
“The Bill seeks to prohibit the development, production, possession, transportation and use of biological agents, toxins and biological weapons, while aligning Zimbabwe with international conventions on the prohibition of such weapons,” the statement added.
The second Bill, the National Drug, Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill, 2025, was also discussed.
“The Bill proposes the establishment of a national agency to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse, while also coordinating rehabilitation, prevention programmes and public education,” Parliament said.
The statement emphasized that public feedback is central to the legislative process.
“Engaging citizens, community leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders ensures that legislation reflects both national priorities and community needs,” the statement read.
Parliament further highlighted the importance of operational considerations in the Bills.
“These consultations also provide an avenue for participants to discuss operational and enforcement aspects of the Bills, including staffing, funding, and public awareness initiatives,” it said.
Concluding the consultations, Parliament reiterated its commitment to inclusive lawmaking.
“These consultations demonstrate our dedication to democratic processes and inclusive lawmaking, providing Zimbabweans with an avenue to influence legislation that impacts security, public health, and overall community wellbeing,” the statement said.
Public consultations are a statutory requirement in Zimbabwe’s legislative process, allowing citizens to actively participate in shaping Bills of national importance. They ensure that legislation is informed by local realities, international best practices, and the priorities of communities across the country.
