By A Correspondent| Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda took Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa to task over the absence of media in parliament saying house proceedings were supposed to reach the people of Zimbabwe through the media.

Parliament set stringent rules for the media to cover sittings and sessions as they now demand COVID-19 negative results.

This has affected journalists who cannot attend sittings as it means forking out US$60 twice a week to get tested inorder to cover both committees and sittings.

During the question and answer session, Mudenda asked Mutsvangwa about the absence of journalists both from public and private media.

“Honourable Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services where is your staff, the journalists,” said Mudenda.

Mutsvangwa told Mudenda she was not aware while directing the Speaker to his clerks within the National Assembly.

“The Clerks at the Table might know better,” responded Mutsvangwa.

Mudenda however reminded Mutsvangwa that media coverage is critical as it ensures citizens have access to parliament.

“Minister, today is members’ day just like it is tomorrow Thursday.

“The message from this House and the Senate must go to the people through the media. We are not quite happy with the sluggish manner in which ZBC in particular covers this House and the Senate.

“The message must go out there; policy issues from honourable ministers must go out there and can only do so through the media, both public and private.

“This is the importance of the fourth estate in any country.” said Mudenda.