Heated Exchange in Parliament After MP’s Personal Remark During Maternal Health Debate

A maternal health debate in Zimbabwe’s Parliament turned chaotic after a personal remark against MP Judith Tobaiwa (image source)

Harare — A debate on maternal health descended into disorder on Thursday night after a ZANU-PF MP made a personal remark about Kwekwe legislator Judith Tobaiwa (CCC), triggering calls for an apology and renewed scrutiny of conduct in the National Assembly. The incident unfolded as lawmakers considered allocations in the Finance Bill and heard appeals for a dedicated budget line for maternal health services.

Tobaiwa argued that maternal health requires ring-fenced funding, saying existing allocations are inadequate to guarantee safe childbirth and quality care. “We hear of free maternal health, which doesn’t exist, and then our mothers face challenges in giving birth due to these issues,” she told the House, urging stronger financial commitment to maternal services.

Her contribution was interrupted by an unnamed ZANU-PF MP who, according to reports, questioned why Tobaiwa was raising maternal health when her mother “can no longer have children.” The remark sparked immediate outrage across the chamber, with opposition MPs and several ruling-party members demanding an apology and the restoration of decorum. “You cannot bring my mother into this discussion. My mother is not in Parliament, and if you have an issue, you can confront me, not my mother,” Tobaiwa responded, visibly distressed. Members pressed the Acting Speaker to censure the interjector and strengthen safeguards against personal attacks during debates on sensitive social issues.

Tensions were further heightened by allegations that some MPs appeared to be under the influence of alcohol during the late sitting, prompting calls for breathalysers to be introduced in the chamber. While the Acting Speaker did not order tests, he admonished members for conduct unbecoming of Parliament and reminded them of the obligation to maintain respect and professionalism.

Parliamentary observers said the episode underscores broader concerns about behavioural standards, the management of late-night sittings and the enforcement of disciplinary rules. Women MPs and civil-society advocates condemned the personal nature of the attack, arguing that it detracts from substantive policy debate, undermines advocacy for maternal health and discourages women’s participation in public life.

The Health Committee and several cross-party groups have repeatedly called for increased funding for maternal services, citing high maternal mortality rates and persistent gaps in facility readiness. Tobaiwa’s call for a standalone budget reflects a growing push to ring-fence resources for maternal and neonatal care.

As debate on the Finance Bill continued, the Acting Speaker urged members to return to policy substance and avoid personal invective. The House is expected to revisit maternal health allocations in committee, where MPs may table proposals for targeted funding. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited calls for clearer conduct rules and measures to ensure parliamentary debate remains focused on the public interest.