Made ‘Kondozi Minister’
Faith Zaba, Business Tribune
Although both MDC and ZANU PF have said Tuesday’s events where Chimanimani MP Roy Bennett assaulted two cabinet ministers were regrettable, legislators from both parties found a lighter side the following day by throwing comments, which left the House roaring in laughter.
In the usual parliamentary spirit, MDC legislators at every given opportunity referred to Justice,Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Patrick Chinamasa as “the assaulted”.
The whole House was in stitches when Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Joseph Made stood for about three minutes laughing and saying “murikuda kundirova here?” pointing at MDC legislators (do you want to beat me up).
In response the MDC legislators said: “ndiyani angade kurovawo Made” (who would want to beat up Made of all people). Pointing fingers at some MDC legislators, Made then said “iwe, newe, newe.” Members of Parliament from both parties, the Speaker’s Gallery and even the Press Gallery could not help but laugh with Made, whom MDC legislators referred to as “Kondozi Minister” or “Ve Kondozi”.
This was in reference to the controversial Odzi farm, Kondozi, which Made is accused of eyeing and using Arda as a front in the latest government acquisition.
It took Made some minutes to respond to a question, which had been raised by Harare South MP Gabriel Chaibva, on why government ordered out a United Nations assessment team, which wanted to establish whether Zimbabwe had enough food.
Made almost spoilt the relaxed atmosphere when during his response he singled out Bulawayo South MP David Coltart, who was among some MDC legislators who were interjecting him.
The smiling Made all of sudden became angry and pointed at Coltart saying: “Mr Colart, I do not wish to exchange anything with you at this particular time. Do not shout at me. I cannot be shouted at. I was not born to be shouted at.”