By Anna Chibamu

ZANU PF and opposition MPs Wednesday showed rare form of unity in their appreciation of how newly appointed Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka responded to their questions from the backbenchers in Parliament.

Masuka was appointed minister last month, replacing the late Perrance Shiri who succumbed to Covid-19.

However, during his first appearance in the House of Assembly Wednesday for the weekly ministerial question and answer session, the new minister left MPs from rival parties Zanu PF and MDC nodding in appreciation.

They included hard to please MPs such as Harare East legislator Tendai Biti, Mbizo MP Settlement Chikwinya both from the MDC Alliance, and independent Norton MP Temba Mliswa.

Mliswa, who had been on suspension for weeks after rebuking Speaker Jacob Mudenda, described Masuka as different from his other colleagues.

“Haaa uyu anoziva uyu. Kwete zvimwe zvatinosiona. Apa President vakagona. (This one is competent. Unlike his other colleagues. The President sported talent)”

Biti immediately interjected, “True the man is good. Haikona zvaMthuli. Haazive chinhu (This one is good, unlike Mthuli Ncube who knows nothing).

All MPs could be seen giving applause as Masuka eloquently responded to their questions relating to animal husbandry and crop production.