SPEAKER of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda on Tuesday rebuked legislators for spending parliamentary proceedings glued to their mobile phones, warning that the habit was undermining meaningful debate in the House.
Interrupting proceedings, Mudenda told MPs to put aside their phones and pay attention to the business before Parliament, saying they had ample time to use social media outside the chamber.
"You had all the time to do the tweeting Hon. Members. Most Honourables, since we started, you are on your cellphones. Chave chirwere, umkhuhlane sibili. Listen to what is going on. You learn a lot from others; even if they are saying things that are untoward to some degree, you learn the same," Mudenda said.
His remarks came as majority of the legislator appeared more focused on their mobile devices than the debates taking place in the House.
Mudenda's castigation comes amid growing concerns over commitment in Parliament, where legislators are expected to actively participate in debates and scrutinise government business.
