Parliament dumps Jongwe Printers over Hansard delays

Parliament dumps Jongwe Printers over Hansard delays

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By Lebo Nkatazo

ZIMBABWE'S parliament has ditched the printers of the Hansard -- the official record of all parliamentary debates.

Jongwe Printers, a company owned by Zimbabwe's governing Zanu PF party, has failed to print the Hansard for several months.

The publication, which traditionally used to come out every morning when parliament is sitting, was taking periods of up to six months without being printed.

High Gloss Printers are the new Hansard printers.

Parliamentary sources said State Security Minister Didymus Mutasa, who is also Zanu PF’s secretary for administration, had given authority for the dumping of Jongwe Printers.

The source said: “Although it was clear to all since 2004 that Jongwe Printers was collapsing, no-one dared to dump it without first seeking authority from Zanu PF. If it wasn't Jongwe Printers, they would have been replaced a long time ago."

The problems at Jongwe Printers have also forced the Zanu PF mouthpiece The Voice to fold.

The Voice’s Editor is currently fighting his suspension and demotion in court for allegedly converting money from newspaper sales to his own use.

Two weeks ago, Jongwe Printers' office equipment was auctioned through a court order after it failed to settle an unspecified debt.
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