Zimbabwe MPs have just received a batch of Samsung tablets they have been demanding as tools to use in their constituency. However, they have requested that they be taught how to navigate them.
Norton Legislator Themba Mliswa raised the question. “These Samsung Tablets you have given us, can we have a 30 minutes lesson on how to use them. Some of us are used to the iPhone brand. If someone needs lessons, they can talk to IT specialists”
The strategy is part of a paperless parliament, an initiative being run by the speaker of parliament. The speaker, Jacob Mudenda is leading the information age at parliament business. He is suggesting that all information be available electronically.
Mudenda will face a challenge as some parliamentarians are not tech savvy. Some of them are still to write their profile on the parliament website and upload their pictures.
The law makers have also been demanding cars from the Finance Minister. They want double cab bakkies to use in their constituencies. Their demand for cars is likely not to be met as the Zanu PF led government may not want to reward MDC Alliance MPs given that ZANU PF MPs already have cars from their party.