I am a happy man – Austin Zvoma

Outgoing clerk of parliament Austin Zvoma says he leaves the institution a happy man after serving it for more than two decades.

Zvoma, who has served the institution for 25-years, is set to leave at the end of the month after reaching retirement age.

“I have been told about that (retirement), but I am yet to see the letter. But I can tell you, I will remain a faithful and proud Zimbabwean, ready to assist,” he said.

“I will remain a humble Zimbabwean, grateful to the people of Zimbabwe, but let us talk more about this after some time for now I end it here.”

Zvoma is set to retire at the end of the month although there were claims that he had wanted to extend his contract.

The Parliamentary Standing Rules and Orders Committee (SROC), the highest decision making organ composed of members drawn from all parties in the house, ruled that Zvoma could not extend his stay at the law  making entity.

Jacob Mudenda, the Speaker of the National Assembly and SROC chair, said Zvoma had been notified of his retirement and the decision of the committee to withdraw his service.

“We are done with all the required process, but I can’t say much because this is an individual thing. But I can confirm to you that he will be leaving us soon,” said Mudenda.

President Robert Mugabe’s purge of senior party officials perceived as loyal to his Vice President Joice Mujuru is believed to be behind the decision to get rid of Zvoma.

Mugabe has so far instigated the dismissals of 8 Zanu PF provincial chairmen loyal to Mujuru ahead of the party elective congress. He also engineered the 5-year suspension of party spokesman Rugare Gumbo and is already said to be targeting police commissioner Augustine Chihuri for the axe.