Moses Magadza in Chikombedzi, Zimbabwe
This week, Zimbabwe’s Parliament kicked off public hearings on the Climate Change Management Bill 2025. This is an important step for the country as it aims to solidify its climate response according to global standards.
The hearings, funded by Sweden’s Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights, HIV and AIDS Governance project, will run from October 20-27. They are set to collect opinions from citizens, experts, and community leaders across various provinces.
Leading the discussions is Mr. Samson Matema, who emphasized the need for the Bill to reflect the community’s priorities and boost the nation’s resilience to climate impacts. He stated that Parliament pledges to involve people in law-making processes.
The proposed legislation aims to provide a clear framework for managing climate change while promoting sustainable development. It aims to align Zimbabwe with international commitments, ensuring the safety of individuals, infrastructure, and the environment against climate shocks.
According to Mr. John Mazani from Parliament, the Bill is significant as it encourages citizen involvement in climate decision-making and aims for transparency. Its key objectives include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting low-carbon growth, and building resilience against climate-related disasters.
One notable aspect of the Bill is its provision for a National Climate Fund to finance adaptation and mitigation projects. This fund will gather resources from various sources, including climate taxes and donations, to help local economies adapt to changing conditions and support disaster response.
Mr. Mazani also highlighted that the Bill makes climate responsibility a legal obligation. Diverse sectors, from government bodies to private companies, will need to incorporate climate risk reduction in their operations. Local authorities will have the power to create by-laws to address local climate issues like land degradation.
The Bill even proposes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and possible imprisonment, underscoring the serious approach needed in tackling climate change.
Local leaders expressed urgency for action during the hearings. Councillor Memory Maroka noted the pressing realities of climate change in her community. “I see the effects in our daily lives: fields are dry, rivers are shrinking, and our children are hurting. I want to be part of the solution,” she stated.
Another participant, Mr. Nyasha Manzunzu from Chambuta Primary School, shared how climate change disrupts education. “Floods wash away bridges, and droughts force kids to fetch water instead of attending school. This Bill should ensure our children can stay in school and adapt to these changes,” he added.
Younger leaders like Prince Thomas, a Junior Member of Parliament, shared similar sentiments: “The heat is unbearable, and deforestation is stealing our future. We need action now.”
Senator Tambudzani Mohadi emphasized that the Bill reflects President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that laws should be rooted in the people’s experiences and challenges.
Public hearings will continue until October 27, allowing citizens’ views to influence crucial amendments to the Bill before it returns to the National Assembly. This initiative highlights an evolving recognition of climate change’s dire implications and the need for collective action.
Recent studies show that climate impacts are becoming more pronounced in Zimbabwe, with rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns significantly affecting agriculture, infrastructure, and water availability. Addressing these issues through effective legislation is essential for future sustainability.
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